These apple cream cheese pinwheels are filled with a layer of sweet cream cheese mixture and then topped with a homemade apple filling that is spread out over the convenient and versatile Pillsbury pizza dough. They are rolled up like cinnamon rolls and cut into 1-inch slices and are baked to golden perfection. Then, a delightful glaze drizzle and decadent caramel sauce transform these pinwheels into a show-stopping dessert everyone will enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n
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I love apple pie in any form. Of course, classic apple pie is always great, but I also love to take that flavor and add it to other treats. This time around, I’ve taken apple filling and a sweet cream cheese mixture and rolled them up into delicious pinwheels with a fun, chewy twist. I use pizza dough instead of crescent dough. It’s a simple switch that adds a soft, chewy texture to the sweet and savory filling. It’s a delicious dessert, afternoon snack, or a sweet breakfast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Apple Cream Cheese Pinwheels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
These pinwheels start with a sweet cream cheese mixture and homemade apple pie filling. I roll out the pizza dough and top it with the cream cheese mixture. Then, I spoon the apple filling on top of it and roll the whole thing up into a tight roll. I slice it into 1-inch-thick pieces and bake them until they’re golden. Finally, I drizzle them with a simple glaze and watch them disappear. It’s an easy recipe that only takes about 40 minutes from start to finish and always has everyone excited to dig in!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
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Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Apple Pinwheel Recipe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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These pinwheels use pizza dough, a surprising yet delicious swap for traditional pastry dough. It offers a slightly chewy texture that complements the creamy filling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
The sweet cream cheese mixture and the homemade apple filling combine to create a double dose of deliciousness in every bite.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
They have another layer of sweetness with the simple glaze drizzle and the caramel sauce, which makes these apple cream cheese pinwheels simply irresistible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Apple Cream Cheese Pinwheel Ingredients<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You’ll only need a few basic ingredients to make this recipe, and they’re all pantry staples. If you do happen to need anything for this recipe, you’ll be able to snag it in just a few minutes at your local grocery store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Granny Smith apples <\/strong>are tart, delicious, and adds a bit of sweetness to the pinwheels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Granulated sugar<\/strong> adds sweetness to both the apple pie filling and the glaze drizzle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Water<\/strong> is used to mix with the cornstarch to help thicken up the apple filling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Cornstarch<\/strong> is used to thicken up the apple filling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Lemon juice<\/strong> helps keep the apples from turning brown.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Ground cinnamon<\/strong> pairs well with apples adding a warm spiced taste to the apple filling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Cream cheese<\/strong> adds the rich, creamy base for the pinwheels<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Vanilla extract<\/strong> enhances the flavor of the cream cheese filling mixture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Pillsbury classic pizza dough<\/strong> provides the base for the pinwheels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Powdered sugar<\/strong> adds sweetness to the glaze that is drizzled over the pinwheels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Milk<\/strong> is used to make the glaze drizzle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Ghirardelli caramel sauce<\/strong> provides additional sweetness along with the glaze drizzle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
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How to Make Apple Cream Cheese Pinwheels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Making these pinwheels is very easy. It only takes a few minutes of cooking, mixing, and rolling. After that, you just bake your pinwheels and enjoy. You’ll be in and out of the kitchen in about 40 minutes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Prep<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Add the diced apples, water, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Set aside to cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Beat the cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla in a medium bowl until smooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface, forming it into a rectangle.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Step 5: Top<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving \u00bd inch of space around the edges. Then, spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese mixture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 6: Roll and Cut<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Starting from one of the shorter sides, roll the dough as tightly as possible into a log. Then, cut it into 1-inch-thick pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 7: Bake<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet and bake the pinwheels for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown. Set aside to cool while you make the glaze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 8: Make the Glaze<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Combine the glaze ingredients in a small bowl, mixing until fully combined. Drizzle the pinwheels with the glaze and caramel sauce. Enjoy!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
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Recipe Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Stir your apple filling often, or even continuously, while it thickens to prevent scorching.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Be sure your cream cheese is fully softened so it blends easily and fully with the other filling ingredients.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Be gentle when forming your pizza dough into a rectangle so you don’t rip it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Roll the pinwheels as tightly as possible before cutting so they hold their shape.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Use a very sharp knife so you don’t have to press down while cutting the pinwheels. This helps prevent them from squishing down as you cut.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Variations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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You can use store-bought apple filling if you prefer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Make your favorite filling using diced pears, peaches, pineapple, or berries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
If you prefer a more classic texture, feel free to use crescent dough.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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What to Serve with Apple Pinwheels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Serve these pinwheels to the kids with a glass of cold milk. Adults can enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea. These make a great snack or sweet breakfast with fresh fruit or dipped into vanilla glaze. You can also serve them as a sweet addition to a larger breakfast with savory items like sausage, bacon, eggs, biscuits, gravy, or any of your other favorites.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
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Recipe FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What are apple cream cheese pinwheels?<\/strong>
Apple cream cheese pinwheels are a pastry variation made of crescent or pizza dough topped with a sweet cream cheese mixture and apple filling, rolled into a log, sliced into pinwheels, and baked until golden.<\/p> <\/div>
Can you prep pinwheels the night before?<\/strong>
You can make the apple and cream cheese fillings the night before, then leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before continuing with the recipe as directed.<\/p> <\/div>
How long are pinwheels good for in the fridge?<\/strong>
Dessert pinwheels like these will last for about 4 days in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.<\/p> <\/div>
Can you make pinwheels in advance?<\/strong>
These pinwheels reheat reasonably well, but they’re best when served fresh from the oven. At that time, they’re at their peak freshness, flavor, and texture. I don’t recommend making them in advance for this reason.<\/p> <\/div>
Can you freeze apple pinwheels?<\/strong>
These apple pinwheels are freezer-friendly and can be stored for up to a month in the freezer.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
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How to Store and Reheat Leftover Pinwheels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Refrigerate these pinwheels for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to a month in an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To reheat the pinwheels, microwave them covered with a damp paper towel at 30-second intervals until heated through.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Try These Delicious Apple Pinwheels Today<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
These apple pinwheels are full of flavor, not work. With around 40 minutes in the kitchen, you’ll be able to make these sweet and tangy pinwheels that have a lovely chewiness to them and tons of classic apple and cream cheese flavor. Give them a try, and I know you’ll find yourself making them again and again.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
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More Apple Dessert Recipes You’ll Enjoy<\/h2>\n\n\n
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