Name: Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 packages Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls (5 count).; 2 Honeycrisp apples, peeled and diced.; 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced.; 1/3 cup brown sugar, for filling.; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for filling.; 1 tablespoon lemon juice.; 1/4 cup butter, melted, for filling.; 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water.; 5 tablespoons butter, partially melted, for streusel.; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, for streusel.; 1/2 cup brown sugar, for streusel.; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for streusel.; 1/4 cup melted butter, for icing.; 1 cup powdered sugar.; 2 tablespoons milk.; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.; 1/2-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for icing.

A close-up of freshly baked cinnamon rolls topped with icing and streusel, displayed on a dark baking tray. | kitchenscroll.com

You know those mornings when you want something extra special? I stumbled upon this recipe during apple picking season last fall. What started as a happy accident in my kitchen turned into pure magic. These Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls combine everything cozy about fall baking into one heavenly treat. The best part? I've simplified it using store-bought cinnamon rolls because let's be real sometimes we need shortcuts.

Love at First Bite

My kitchen testers (aka my three kids) couldn't stop reaching for these rolls. They're everything you want pillowy soft with warm cinnamon spice gooey apple filling and that buttery sweet glaze on top. Even my mother-in-law asked for the recipe and trust me that's saying something.

Grab These Goodies

Cinnamon Roll Dough: I always grab Pillsbury Grands they never let me down.
Apples: I mix Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for the perfect sweet tart balance.
Sugars: Dark brown sugar adds caramel notes powdered sugar for our glaze.
Butter: Don't skimp here real butter makes everything better.
Cinnamon and Vanilla: The dream team of baking.
Lemon Juice: Just a splash keeps those apples pretty.

Let's Make That Filling

First up is our apple filling. I usually do this part while my coffee brews. Toss those apple slices with brown sugar butter cinnamon and a splash of lemon and vanilla. Let them get all friendly in the pan until they're soft and syrupy. The smell alone will wake up the whole house.

Getting Your Pan Ready

Grab your muffin tin and give it a good coating of butter. Trust me don't skip this step. Pop those cinnamon rolls in and use your fingers to press them up the sides. I learned this trick from my grandma it makes the perfect little nest for our apple filling.

A close-up image of freshly baked cinnamon rolls drizzled with icing and topped with crumbs in a baking tray. | kitchenscroll.com

Time to Fill

Now comes the fun part spooning in that gorgeous apple mixture. I like to really pile it high. Sometimes an apple slice tries to escape but that's just part of the charm. My daughter always sneaks a few apple pieces during this step.

The Finishing Touch

While the oven heats up let's make that streusel topping. Mix butter brown sugar flour and cinnamon until it looks like wet sand. This is where the magic happens. Sprinkle it over your rolls. Be generous here it creates the most amazing crispy top.

Into The Oven They Go

Pop these beauties into your preheated oven and wait for the magic. About 15 minutes is all it takes. Your kitchen will smell like a fancy bakery. You'll know they're done when they're golden brown and bubbling around the edges.

The Grand Finale

Let them cool just a bit while you whip up the glaze. Mix powdered sugar melted butter vanilla and a splash of milk until it's silky smooth. Drizzle it all over those warm rolls. Watch it melt into all the nooks and crannies. Pure heaven.

Make It Your Own

Switch It Up: Try pears in fall or peaches in summer.
Go Nuts: Toss some pecans on top they get all toasty in the oven.
Spice It Up: Sometimes I add nutmeg or cardamom for something special.

A close-up image of freshly baked cinnamon rolls topped with a creamy glaze and sprinkled with crumbs, arranged in a baking tray. | kitchenscroll.com

Plan Ahead Tips

Want to be the breakfast hero tomorrow? Get everything ready tonight. Pop them in the fridge covered and bake fresh in the morning. Save the glaze for last. Nothing beats warm rolls on a lazy weekend morning.

How to Serve Them Up

These are perfect with your morning coffee. Want to make them extra special? Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. I've served these at everything from birthday breakfasts to holiday brunches. They disappear fast.

Keeping Them Fresh

If you happen to have leftovers (which rarely happens in my house) pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll stay good for about 3 days. A quick zap in the microwave brings them back to life.

Quick and Easy Shortcuts

No time to make filling? Grab some canned apple pie filling it works in a pinch. Skip the streusel if you're running low on ingredients. They'll still be delicious just a little less fancy.

Everyone Can Enjoy These

Plant Based: My vegan friend loves these with dairy free rolls.
Gluten Free: There are some great gluten free options now.
Less Sweet: Cut back on sugar or use alternatives it still works.

Freshly baked cinnamon rolls topped with creamy icing and crumbled topping are arranged in a dark baking tray. | kitchenscroll.com

Perfect For Any Time

These rolls have become my go to for special mornings. They're fancy enough for Christmas morning but easy enough for a Sunday treat. My kids ask for them on their birthdays now it's become our little tradition.

Fixing Common Hiccups

Too Doughy: Give them an extra few minutes covered with foil.
Stuck to the Pan: Remember that butter coating next time.
Too Sweet: Easy fix just go lighter on the glaze.

Good to Know

These are definitely a treat we save them for special occasions at our house. But honestly sometimes a random Tuesday needs a little special treatment too. Everything in moderation right?

Kitchen Must Haves

Muffin Pan: My trusty old tin works perfectly.
Mixing Bowls: You'll need a few for all the components.
Spatula: Makes mixing and spreading so much easier.
Sharp Knife: For those perfect apple slices.

From My Kitchen to Yours

This recipe has brought so much joy to my family. There's something magical about the way it brings everyone to the kitchen noses in the air following that amazing smell. I hope these rolls become a favorite in your home too. They're more than just breakfast they're memories in the making.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead of time?: You can prepare the apple filling and streusel topping a day ahead. For best results, assemble and bake just before serving so the rolls stay fresh and warm.
→ Why use two types of apples?: Using both Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples provides a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, plus different textures that make the filling more interesting.
→ Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough?: Yes, you can use homemade dough instead of store-bought. Just make sure to roll it thin enough to line the muffin cups properly.
→ Why strain the apple filling?: Straining excess syrup prevents the rolls from becoming too soggy. The filling should be moist but not drowning in liquid.
→ Why cover with foil at the start of baking?: The foil prevents the tops from browning too quickly while allowing the dough to cook through completely.

Conclusion

These easy-to-make apple pie cinnamon rolls combine store-bought dough with fresh apple filling and homemade streusel topping. They're baked in a muffin tin for perfect portions and drizzled with cinnamon butter icing.

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls