Print

Apple Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

Tender, fluffy cinnamon rolls filled with sweet apple pie filling and crunchy pecans, topped with rich cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups cooked apple pie filling
  • 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, water, and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Mix and Knead: Add the flour, salt, melted butter, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size — about 1 hour.
  4. Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set it aside.
  5. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out into a large rectangle (about 16×24 inches) on a floured surface.
  6. Add Filling: Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it, and scatter the chopped pecans on top.
  7. Roll It Up: Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the edges to seal the filling inside.
  8. Slice and Second Rise: Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover them and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until fluffy.
  9. Bake Your Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  10. Make the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  11. Frost and Serve: Once the rolls are baked, let them cool for a few minutes before frosting.

Notes

For an extra treat, drizzle with caramel sauce before serving!

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, apple dessert, pecan rolls, breakfast pastry, bakery recipe