Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how effortlessly these rolls blend two comfort classics. Using premade cinnamon roll dough keeps it simple and approachable. The warm apple pie filling tucked inside each roll creates that cozy, familiar flavor, and the buttery cinnamon glaze and crumbly streusel add layers of sweet, tender texture. Baking fills the kitchen with the most tempting aroma—it’s simply irresistible.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Premade cinnamon rolls (Pillsbury Grands – large size)
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Apples (a mix of sweet + tart varieties)
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Brown sugar
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Lemon juice
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Cornstarch
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Ground cinnamon
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Unsalted butter
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All-purpose flour (for streusel and filling)
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Powdered sugar
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Vanilla extract
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Milk
directions
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I preheat the oven and grease a muffin tin with butter.
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I make the apple filling by combining diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, melted butter, and cornstarch. I heat it until the mixture thickens and the apples soften .
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I press each cinnamon roll into a muffin cup, creating a bowl-like crater.
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I fill each one with a generous portion of apple filling, right up to the top.
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I sprinkle crumbly streusel over each roll.
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I bake them until golden—about 15 minutes.
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After they cool for 10 minutes, I drizzle on a buttery cinnamon powdered-sugar glaze.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 10 rolls.
Prep time is roughly 25 minutes; bake for 15–25 minutes depending on your oven.
Total time: about 50–60 minutes .
Variations
I sometimes swap the streusel for chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Other times, I add a pinch of nutmeg or apple pie spice to the filling for a more complex flavor. For an even richer experience, I finish with a cream cheese glaze instead of a simple cinnamon glaze.
storage/reheating
I keep the rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–5 days . To reheat, I microwave a roll for about 10–15 seconds—it tastes almost fresh-baked again.
FAQs
How can I prevent the apple filling from making the dough soggy?
I cook the apple filling until it’s nicely thickened before spooning it into the dough. That way, it holds its shape and doesn’t soften the roll too much.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. I often prepare the filling and press the rolls into the muffin tin, then refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, I just bake them fresh.
Is it okay to use canned apple pie filling?
Yes—if I’m in a hurry, I use canned filling. I just spoon it in and bake, though homemade gives better texture and flavor.
Do I need to reheat leftovers?
I do. I either warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes—they come out gooey and fresh again.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes—once cooled, I freeze them in a single layer. To serve, I thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Conclusion
I adore these Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls—they’re simple, comforting, and totally satisfying. Whether for a cozy weekend breakfast, holiday brunch, or indulgent dessert, they deliver that nostalgic apple pie flavor in a fresh, fun format. I can’t wait for you to try them!
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Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: ~50–60 minutes
- Yield: 10 stuffed rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Flaky cinnamon roll cups filled with warm spiced apples, topped with streusel and vanilla glaze—perfect for cozy mornings or fall desserts.
Ingredients
Main Rolls:
1 can Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls (10-count)
2 apples (mix of tart and sweet), peeled and diced
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp butter (melted)
1 tsp cornstarch
Streusel Topping:
2 tbsp unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Glaze:
½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray.
In a saucepan, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, cornstarch, and melted butter. Cook over medium heat until thickened and softened, 5–8 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
Separate cinnamon rolls and press each one into a muffin tin, forming a cup shape.
Spoon the apple filling into the center of each cinnamon roll cup.
In a small bowl, mix streusel ingredients with a fork or fingers until crumbly. Sprinkle over the apple filling.
Bake 15–25 minutes, or until golden brown and set. Let cool 10 minutes before removing from tin.
Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
To avoid sogginess, be sure your apple mixture is thick and cooled before filling.
A cream cheese glaze is a delicious alternative for a richer finish.
Streusel can be swapped with chopped nuts for crunch.
- Prep Time: ~25 minutes
- Cook Time: ~15–25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Brunch / Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American