Name: Cinnamon Roll Mini Apple Pies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486851H6M50S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing); 2 cups apple pie filling (or fresh apples, diced and mixed with cinnamon, sugar, and cornstarch); 1 tablespoon butter, melted; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling); 1 egg (for egg wash)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Mini Apple Pies are a fantastic fusion of flavors and textures. The soft, pillowy cinnamon roll dough is the perfect vessel for a spiced apple filling, and the result is a handheld dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. They’re easy to make, portable, and offer all the warmth and sweetness of a traditional apple pie but with a fun, modern twist. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – you can serve them for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack!

Ingredients

1 can (8 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
2 cups apple pie filling (or fresh apples, diced and mixed with cinnamon, sugar, and cornstarch)
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)
1 egg (for egg wash)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin.
Roll out the cinnamon rolls and flatten each piece with a rolling pin to form a thin circle large enough to fit into the muffin tin.
Place the flattened cinnamon roll dough into the muffin cups, pressing the edges to fit the shape of the tin.
In a small bowl, mix the apple pie filling (or diced fresh apples with cinnamon, sugar, and cornstarch). Spoon a generous amount of apple filling into each cinnamon roll dough base.
Drizzle a small amount of melted butter over the top of the apple filling and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar for extra flavor.
Crack the egg and whisk it together with a teaspoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush the edges of the cinnamon roll dough with the egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the cinnamon roll edges are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and allow the mini pies to cool slightly before drizzling with the included icing from the cinnamon rolls.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 8 mini apple pies, depending on the size of the cinnamon roll dough. The pies need about 18-22 minutes to bake in the oven. Allow an additional 5-10 minutes for cooling before serving.

Variations

Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the mini apple pies for an extra layer of sweetness.
Nutty Topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for a bit of crunch.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert experience.
Fresh Apples: Use fresh apples instead of canned filling for a homemade touch. Combine the apples with cinnamon, sugar, and a bit of cornstarch to thicken the filling.
Sugar-Free Option: If you’re watching sugar intake, opt for sugar-free cinnamon rolls and a sugar substitute for the topping.

Storage/Reheating

To store your Cinnamon Roll Mini Apple Pies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate them for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave them for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe?

Yes! You can make your own cinnamon rolls from scratch or use a store-bought dough. The homemade version will give the pies a more personal touch.

Can I use fresh apples instead of apple pie filling?

Definitely! Just dice the apples and toss them with cinnamon, sugar, and cornstarch to thicken the filling. This gives you more control over the sweetness and flavor.

How do I prevent the cinnamon roll dough from getting soggy?

Make sure to bake the mini pies long enough so that the dough becomes golden and crisp. If you’re using fresh apples, make sure they’re not too juicy before adding them to the dough.

Can I freeze these mini pies?

Yes! To freeze, bake the mini pies and allow them to cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes when ready to enjoy.

Can I use a different type of pie filling?

You can use any fruit filling that you like, such as cherry, peach, or blueberry, to create a variety of mini pies.

Do I need to grease the muffin tin?

Yes, greasing the muffin tin helps ensure that the mini pies come out easily after baking.

Can I make these mini pies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pies in the muffin tin, cover them, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

What if I don’t have muffin tins?

If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can bake the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Just shape the dough into small circles and spoon the filling onto each piece.

Can I add nuts to the apple filling?

Yes! Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling gives the pies a nice crunch and extra flavor.

Can I make these mini apple pies without icing?

You can certainly skip the icing if you prefer a less sweet treat, or you can substitute it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or whipped cream for added indulgence.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Mini Apple Pies are the perfect blend of sweet, spiced apples and soft, cinnamon roll dough. They’re a simple, yet scrumptious dessert that’s sure to become a favorite at any gathering. With their delightful flavor and easy preparation, these mini pies offer the ultimate comfort food experience in a fun, portable form. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat, these mini pies will quickly win your heart.