Apple Cinnamon Roll-Ups Delight

Apple cinnamon roll-ups are my absolute favorite for a sweet breakfast or a quick dessert that feels extra special with minimal effort. Creamy cheese and warm spiced apples all wrapped in a golden tortilla make something so simple yet surprisingly indulgent. My family begs for these after apple picking season and now they have become a year-round treat in our kitchen.

I remember making these with my kids after a chilly weekend visit to the orchard and now they always ask me for the roll-ups as soon as the weather turns cool. The quick skillet sear makes the outside crispy and irresistibly good.

Ingredients

• Apple: Choose a tart crisp variety like Granny Smith for the best texture and bold flavor plus fresh apples hold their shape better when cooked
• Lemon juice: Keeps the apples from browning and brightens the flavor
• Brown sugar: Adds caramel notes to the apples for that warm sweetness
• Ground cinnamon: Classic touch that pairs so well with apples choose a high quality ground cinnamon for strongest taste
• Butter: Helps achieve that golden crispy exterior
• Flour tortillas: Soft and flexible are easiest to wrap and roll opt for large size for easier filling
• Cream cheese: Needs to be softened for easy spreading full fat tastes extra rich
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the creamy filling use pure granulated for best texture
• Vanilla extract: Lends warm aromatic sweetness look for pure vanilla instead of imitation
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the creamy filling so it does not leak out during cooking
• Walnuts or pecans: Provide a nice crunch optional but recommended to add nutty richness choose fresh and unsalted for best bite
• Powdered sugar: Forms the easy drizzle look for one without added starch to avoid clumping
• Milk or cream: Helps achieve that perfect pourable glaze whole milk or heavy cream will give the best consistency

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Apples:

Toss thinly sliced apples with lemon juice brown sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl let this mixture sit for ten minutes so the apples can soak up the flavor and become even juicier

Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

Blend softened cream cheese with granulated sugar vanilla extract and flour in a separate bowl mix until it is smooth and creamy this creates a sweet base that holds together during cooking

Build the Roll-Ups:

Lay out one tortilla on a clean surface Spread a thick but even layer of the cream cheese mixture over the tortilla leaving a bit of space near the edges Add spoonfuls of the marinated apples to the center and sprinkle with nuts if using

Roll and Secure:

Starting at one end roll the tortilla up tightly tucking in the sides as you go try to keep the filling even so it does not spill and continue with the rest of the tortillas

Toast on Skillet:

Heat butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat Place the roll ups seam side down in the pan Cook for two to three minutes per side until the tortillas are golden and crispy

Mix the Glaze:

Combine powdered sugar and milk or cream in a bowl until a smooth pourable glaze forms adjust the thickness with more milk if needed for easy drizzling

Serve and Enjoy:

Slice the roll ups into bite pieces Arrange on a plate and drizzle generously with the glaze Serve while still warm for the gooeyest best texture

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My absolute favorite part is the incredible aroma as they toast in the pan it always reminds me of lazy weekend mornings when my youngest would beg for extra cinnamon sprinkled on top. Cream cheese never lasts long at my house because of these roll-ups.

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for two days. Place them in an airtight container and reheat in a toaster oven or skillet for best results. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap in pears for apples if desired or try using mascarpone instead of cream cheese for a different twist. If you need nut-free simply leave out the walnuts or pecans

Serving Suggestions

Serve these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent dessert Or try a light dusting of extra cinnamon for a cozy breakfast with coffee

Cultural Context

Apple desserts are loved across many American homes especially in the fall and winter. This recipe is a fun twist on classic cheese danish or apple pie but comes together much faster and with less fuss

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, firmer apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji can be used to maintain a nice texture after cooking.

→ How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?

Cooking the roll-ups skillet-side down helps create a crisp exterior, sealing the filling and preventing sogginess.

→ What nuts work best in this dish?

Chopped walnuts or pecans complement the sweetness and add a pleasant crunch, but they can be omitted if preferred.

→ Can these roll-ups be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them in advance and reheat briefly in a skillet or oven before serving.

→ How thick should the apple slices be?

Thin slices allow the apples to soften quickly while retaining some texture during cooking.