Imagine the comforting aroma of warm cinnamon rolls mingling with the sweet, spiced scent of a classic apple pie. This dream becomes a reality with our incredibly simple yet utterly delicious Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls recipe. Perfect for a cozy autumn morning, a festive holiday brunch, or simply a sweet treat any time of year, these delightful rolls combine the best of two beloved desserts into one unforgettable experience. Get ready to transform everyday ingredients into a bakery-quality treat that will impress everyone!
Easy Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls: A Delicious Fusion Dessert for Any Occasion
Are you searching for a dessert that’s both comforting and incredibly easy to make? Look no further than these fabulous Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls! This recipe effortlessly blends the warm, gooey goodness of traditional cinnamon rolls with the irresistible, spiced flavor of homemade apple pie. As someone fortunate enough to have a bounty of fresh apples from my backyard trees, I’m always experimenting with new ways to showcase their natural sweetness and crisp texture. This particular creation has become a family favorite, proving that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a truly indulgent, made-from-scratch tasting treat. In just about 30 minutes, you can transform humble refrigerated biscuit dough into an impressive dessert that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet bakery. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this simple, delightful, and incredibly satisfying apple cinnamon roll hybrid, perfect for fall baking, holiday gatherings, or simply a cozy treat at home.
These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls offer the ultimate comfort food experience, marrying the soft, fluffy texture of a cinnamon roll with the sweet, tart, and warmly spiced apple filling reminiscent of your favorite apple pie. The convenience of using refrigerated biscuit dough means less time spent on preparation and more time enjoying these delightful treats with family and friends. Each roll is generously filled with perfectly diced apples, infused with brown sugar, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg, creating a rich and aromatic filling. Topped with a simple yet elegant powdered sugar glaze, these rolls are not just a dessert but an experience – a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for more. They’re a brilliant solution for a quick dessert fix that tastes anything but quick!
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
For the perfect Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, selecting the right type of apple is crucial for achieving that ideal balance of flavor and texture. While you can technically use any apple variety you have on hand, I highly recommend firmer, tart green apples like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious. These varieties hold their shape beautifully during the cooking process, preventing the filling from becoming mushy and ensuring a pleasant, firm-tender bite in every roll. Their natural tartness also provides a wonderful counterpoint to the sweetness of the cinnamon roll and glaze, creating a more complex and appealing flavor profile. If you prefer sweeter apples, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Gala are excellent choices, though you might find them a bit softer after cooking and may wish to slightly reduce the amount of added sugar in the filling to account for their higher natural sugar content. Experimentation is always fun, but for consistently delicious results and structural integrity, Granny Smith is often the go-to for apple pie fillings!
The size of your diced apples makes a significant difference in the final presentation, texture, and ease of eating your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls. For optimal results, aim for a small dice, approximately ¼-inch. This ensures that the apple pieces cook through evenly and become tender without completely disintegrating or turning into applesauce. More importantly, smaller dice allows the apples to fit perfectly and neatly into the individual biscuit cups, creating a compact, uniform, and visually appealing “pie-like” filling that is easy to manage in each roll. Larger chunks might make the rolls difficult to shape, could lead to uneven cooking (where some pieces are still crunchy while others are soft), and might cause the biscuit cups to break or overflow. Taking a little extra time to get the dice just right is definitely worth the effort for a professional-looking and tasting result!
Absolutely! While this recipe is originally designed to work wonders with refrigerated biscuit dough for its less sweet base and convenient shaping, you can certainly use store-bought refrigerated cinnamon roll dough if you prefer. Using cinnamon roll dough will result in a sweeter, richer roll, as that dough typically contains more sugar and often includes a cinnamon-sugar swirl already within the dough. If you opt for cinnamon roll dough, keep in mind that this recipe yields 10 apple pie cinnamon rolls, so try to find a package of refrigerated cinnamon rolls that provides a similar count (you might need two smaller tubes). You might also want to adjust the amount of cinnamon sprinkled on the dough initially, depending on how much cinnamon flavor is already present in your chosen cinnamon roll dough. Both options produce incredibly delicious results, so choose what best suits your taste preferences and what you have readily available in your pantry!
Yes, absolutely! If you’re looking to save even more time and streamline the preparation of your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, using canned or pre-made apple pie filling is a fantastic shortcut. This option is especially convenient when you’re in a hurry but still want to enjoy a homemade-tasting treat. However, a little modification can make a big difference for the best outcome. Canned apple pie filling often contains larger apple slices, which might be too big for these individual cinnamon roll cups. I recommend lightly chopping the apples within the can (after removing the lid, of course!) using a knife or even kitchen shears. This ensures the apple pieces are smaller and more manageable, fitting neatly into the biscuit cups and making the rolls easier to eat. This technique is similar to how I prepare apples for my popular Apple Danishes, and you can find a visual guide there if needed. Using pre-made filling cuts down on prep and cook time, making these apple cinnamon rolls even quicker to get on the table.
These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are already bursting with incredible flavor, but there are several fantastic ways to customize and enhance them even further, catering to your personal preferences and creating new taste experiences. If you’re a true cinnamon enthusiast, consider adding an extra ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the powdered sugar glaze. This subtle addition boosts the overall spice profile and makes the glaze even more aromatic. For a surprisingly delightful twist, try incorporating a couple of drops of almond extract into the glaze. The delicate, nutty flavor of almond pairs wonderfully with apples, creating a sophisticated and unique taste experience that many find irresistible. Beyond extracts, don’t shy away from adding texture and richness with chopped nuts! Toasted walnuts or pecans can be sprinkled over the apple filling before baking, or even mixed into the glaze, providing a lovely crunch and depth of flavor that complements the sweet apples and warm spices perfectly. A sprinkle of caramel bits or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also add another layer of indulgence.
Proper storage is key to enjoying your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls for as long as possible, maintaining their delicious flavor and soft texture. Once the rolls have completely cooled down to room temperature, any leftovers should be placed in an airtight container. This crucial step prevents them from drying out and helps preserve their freshly baked quality. Store the airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will remain fresh and delightful for up to 3 days. For best results and to bring back that wonderful fresh-baked feel and aroma, simply warm them slightly before serving. You can do this in the microwave for a few seconds (about 15-30 seconds per roll, depending on your microwave’s power) or gently in a toaster oven until they are heated through. This makes them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy mornings, quick snacks, or unexpected cravings!
Essential Ingredients for Your Easy Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Crafting these delectable Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls requires a few key ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to achieve gourmet results with readily available items. Below is a detailed list of what you’ll need to create this amazing fall-inspired treat, designed to make your baking process as smooth and enjoyable as possible:
- Refrigerated Biscuits: This is your foundational ingredient, providing the convenient and quick “cinnamon roll” base without the need for making dough from scratch. We recommend using two (6 ounce) cans of refrigerated biscuits, which typically yield 10 rolls in total for this recipe. As mentioned in our FAQs, you can substitute with refrigerated cinnamon roll dough for an extra-sweet and classic cinnamon roll flavor, but you may need to adjust other sugar quantities accordingly.
- Ground Cinnamon: A generous amount of ground cinnamon is absolutely essential for that signature warm, spicy, and inviting flavor profile that defines both cinnamon rolls and apple pie. It’s used both in the luscious apple filling and generously sprinkled directly on the biscuit dough, ensuring every bite is infused with comforting spice. While apple pie spice can be an alternative for the filling, be mindful that its stronger, more complex profile (often including ginger, allspice, and cloves) might be too potent when sprinkled directly on the dough. If using apple pie spice for the filling, omit the additional nutmeg.
- Medium Granny Smith Apples: For the best texture and a perfectly balanced tart-sweet flavor in your homemade apple pie filling, three medium Granny Smith apples are ideal. Their natural firmness ensures they don’t turn mushy during cooking, maintaining a pleasant bite. Their tartness also beautifully cuts through the sweetness of the sugars and glaze, brightening the overall taste. Refer to our comprehensive FAQ section above for other excellent apple variety suggestions if Granny Smith is unavailable or if you prefer a different flavor profile. Make sure they are peeled and diced small.
- Granulated Sugar: This classic sweetener is used in combination with brown sugar to create the perfectly sweet and caramelized apple pie filling, enhancing the apples’ natural sugars.
- Light Brown Sugar: Beyond just sweetness, light brown sugar adds a lovely, deep caramel-like depth and crucial moisture to the apple filling. This ingredient is key to achieving that irresistible gooey texture that makes a pie filling truly exceptional.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: This is a crucial, non-negotiable ingredient! While it might seem like a small addition (four teaspoons), fresh lemon juice plays a dual role: it prevents the diced apples from browning (oxidation) and, more importantly, brightens and balances the sweetness of the filling. Please, do not substitute with bottled lemon juice; its often acidic, less vibrant, and sometimes artificial taste can detract significantly from the delicate, fresh flavors of the apple pie filling. Freshly squeezed is truly key for that vibrant, clean taste and to elevate the entire dish!
- Ground Nutmeg: A small touch (¼ teaspoon) of ground nutmeg acts as a wonderful supporting spice, enhancing the warm and cozy spice profile of the apple filling. It complements the cinnamon beautifully and adds another subtle layer of classic apple pie flavor that makes these rolls so comforting.
- Salt: Just a quarter teaspoon of salt is added to the apple filling, not to make it salty, but as a crucial flavor enhancer. It balances the sweetness of the sugars and brings out the full spectrum of flavors from the apples and spices, making them taste richer and more nuanced.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used as a simple and effective thickening agent for the apple filling, ensuring it becomes wonderfully saucy and coats the apples beautifully, rather than being watery. Four teaspoons are typically sufficient to achieve the desired luscious, gooey consistency without making it too thick.
- Powdered Sugar and Milk (for the Glaze): This simple yet essential combination creates a sweet, pourable glaze that elevates these apple cinnamon rolls to perfection. While optional, a generous drizzle of this glaze truly “kicks it up a notch,” adding a final touch of sweetness, a creamy texture, and a beautiful, inviting finish. For an extra touch of flavor and aroma, you might consider adding a few drops of pure vanilla extract or a tiny pinch of extra cinnamon to your glaze.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Irresistible Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Creating these delightful Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls is a surprisingly straightforward process, transforming simple, accessible ingredients into an impressive and comforting treat. Follow these easy, detailed steps to bring the quintessential flavors of fall and homemade goodness right into your kitchen with minimal fuss:
- Prepare Your Muffin Pan and Dough: Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the start. Lightly and thoroughly grease a standard 12-cup capacity muffin pan with a high-quality nonstick baking spray. I particularly like using sprays that contain flour, as they work wonderfully to prevent sticking and ensure your rolls release cleanly and effortlessly after baking. Next, carefully remove the refrigerated biscuits from their packaging and place them individually on a parchment-lined surface or any clean, nonstick countertop. Using a rolling pin, gently flatten each biscuit round until it measures approximately 3 inches in diameter. This thin, flat base is crucial for the next step, allowing for even seasoning and proper shaping.
- Season and Shape the Biscuit Rounds: Now, infuse your dough with that wonderful cinnamon flavor! Generously sprinkle a total of 1½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon evenly over both sides of all the flattened biscuit rounds. This ensures a delightful cinnamon flavor is embedded throughout the dough itself, even before the apple filling is added. If you’re a true cinnamon enthusiast and crave an extra kick, feel free to add a little more to your liking! Carefully place each cinnamon-dusted biscuit round into the prepared muffin pan cups. Gently press the bottom and sides of the dough firmly to form a snug, well-defined cup shape within each cavity. This creates a sturdy and perfect vessel, ready to hold your rich and delicious apple filling.
- Pre-Bake the Biscuit Cups: Transfer the muffin pan, now filled with your cinnamon-dusted biscuit cups, to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 6-8 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you’re looking for them to turn a lovely, light golden brown around the edges, and the base of the dough should appear cooked through and slightly firm. This initial bake is a critical step as it helps the dough hold its cup shape more effectively and, crucially, prevents a soggy bottom once the moist apple filling is added, ensuring a perfectly cooked and sturdy foundation for your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls.
- Shape the Dough into Cups: As soon as the biscuit cups come out of the oven, and while the dough is still wonderfully warm and pliable, it’s time to refine their shape. Working quickly (as the dough will firm up as it cools), use the bottom of a shot glass or any similarly sized small, round object. Gently but firmly press down into the center of each partially baked biscuit. This action reshapes the dough, creating a deeper, more defined, and perfectly formed cup shape. This step is absolutely crucial for accommodating a generous amount of that delicious apple filling and giving your rolls that true “pie cup” appearance. Once shaped, set the muffin pan aside while you prepare the irresistible apple filling.
- Begin the Apple Filling: In a large, sturdy skillet, combine your carefully peeled and small-diced Granny Smith apples. To this, add ¼ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of packed light brown sugar, and 4 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice. Place the skillet over medium heat. Cook the apple mixture, stirring frequently and consistently, until both types of sugar have fully dissolved into a syrupy mixture and the apples begin to soften ever so slightly. This initial cooking step not only infuses the apples with sweetness and a tangy brightness but also kickstarts the softening process, building the foundational flavor of your pie filling.
- Add Spices to the Filling: Once the sugars have dissolved and the apples have started to soften, it’s time to build the iconic spice profile. Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Continue stirring vigorously to ensure all the fragrant spices are well combined with the apples and sugars. At this stage, your kitchen will be filled with an absolutely incredible aroma, instantly reminiscent of a classic homemade apple pie baking in the oven. Allow the flavors to meld together for another minute or two over medium heat.
- Thicken the Apple Filling: To achieve that perfect, gooey apple pie texture, sprinkle 4 teaspoons of all-purpose flour evenly over the apple mixture in the skillet. Immediately stir continuously for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. The flour will work as a powerful thickening agent, transforming the liquid in the pan into a rich, luscious, and wonderfully saucy apple pie filling. Cook until the mixture visibly starts to thicken significantly and coats the back of a spoon. Be careful not to overcook the mixture, as the apples will continue to soften slightly even after removal from heat, and you want them tender but not mushy.
- Fill the Cinnamon Rolls: Now for the exciting part! Carefully spoon the warm, fragrant apple pie filling evenly among the 10 pre-baked biscuit cups that you prepared earlier in your muffin pan. Be generous with the filling, creating a beautiful, overflowing mound of spiced apple goodness in each cup. Ensure the filling is distributed as evenly as possible so every roll gets its fair share of deliciousness. Once all the cups are filled, set the pan aside while you prepare the finishing touch – the sweet glaze.
- Prepare the Sweet Glaze: In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk. Whisk these two ingredients vigorously and thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and free of any lumps or powdered sugar clumps, creating a silky, pourable glaze. If you desire a slightly thinner glaze, you can add milk a few drops at a time until you reach your preferred consistency, but be careful not to make it too watery. For an extra touch of flavor, a dash of pure vanilla extract or a tiny pinch of extra cinnamon can be added to the glaze – these subtle additions truly enhance the overall taste.
- Glaze and Serve: With your glaze ready, spoon or pipe it generously over each of the warm Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls. The warmth of the rolls will allow the glaze to melt ever so slightly, creating a beautiful, glossy, and inviting finish that truly ties all the flavors together. Serve your homemade Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls immediately while they are still warm for the absolute ultimate comforting dessert experience. The exquisite contrast between the soft, cinnamon-infused biscuit, the warm, tender spiced apple filling, and the sweet, smooth glaze is truly divine and will undoubtedly be a memorable treat for anyone lucky enough to enjoy them!
These quick and easy Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a testament to how simple ingredients can yield extraordinary results. They are perfect for a special breakfast, a delightful dessert, or a comforting snack on a crisp autumn day. The blend of textures and the familiar, inviting flavors make them a universally loved treat. Enjoy every warm, apple-filled, and gloriously glazed bite, and savor the homemade goodness you’ve created!
Craving More Comforting Apple and Cinnamon Recipes?
If you’ve fallen in love with the warm, spiced, and fruit-filled delights of these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, you’re in for a treat! We have a treasure trove of recipes that capture similar comforting flavors, perfect for any season, but especially wonderful during the cooler months when baking offers extra coziness. Explore these other fantastic creations to keep your kitchen filled with delicious aromas and happy bellies, discovering new favorites that celebrate apples, cinnamon, and all things sweet and comforting:
- Viral Tik Tok Cinnamon Rolls: Discover the internet sensation that’s taken the world by storm with its incredibly soft and fluffy texture!
- Delightful Blueberry Cinnamon Roll Cups: A refreshing and fruity twist on the classic cinnamon roll, bursting with juicy blueberries.
- Irresistible Kings Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls: Sweet, fluffy, and incredibly easy to make using the popular Hawaiian sweet bread as a shortcut.
- Moist Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting: A rich, flavorful cake loaded with apple pieces and topped with a decadent brown sugar frosting, perfect for any gathering.
- Cozy Apple Streusel Muffins: Ideal for breakfast or a satisfying snack, these muffins feature tender apple chunks and a delightful, crumbly streusel topping.
- Classic Fried Apple Pies: A beloved Southern favorite, these individual pies are crispy on the outside and filled with a tender, sweet apple mixture.
- Effortless Cinnamon Roll Casserole: A fantastic and easy brunch option that’s simple to assemble and feeds a crowd.
- Warm Apple Pie Bread: All the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie baked into a delicious, moist loaf, perfect for slicing and sharing.
- Fun & Easy Apple Dessert Pizza: A creative and crowd-pleasing dessert that’s great for parties, featuring a sweet crust, apple topping, and a drizzle of glaze.
- Slow Cooker Pecan Pie: A surprisingly easy and hands-off way to make a rich and gooey holiday favorite.
- Decadent Cinnamon Roll Cake: Layered with cinnamon goodness and a sweet cream cheese glaze, this cake is a true indulgence.
- Simple Southern Fried Apples: A versatile side dish or dessert, perfect with pork dishes or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Flaky Apple Turnovers: Individual pastry pockets filled with sweet, spiced apple goodness, perfect for a grab-and-go treat.
- 40 Best Fall Apple Recipes: An extensive collection to inspire your autumn baking adventures, featuring a wide variety of apple-centric dishes.
Originally published: November 2017
Updated photos & republished: October 2024
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 (6 ounce) cans refrigerated Pillsbury biscuits (5 count biscuit tube)
- 2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (divided use)
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced small
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
For the Sweet Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously spray a 12-cup muffin pan with a nonstick baking spray (one that contains flour is excellent for preventing sticking and ensuring easy removal).
- Remove the biscuits from their packaging. Place each biscuit on a parchment-lined surface or any clean, nonstick countertop. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out each biscuit until it forms a uniform 3-inch diameter round. This flat surface will allow for even cinnamon distribution.
- Sprinkle a total of 1½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon evenly over both sides of all the biscuit rounds. This infusion of cinnamon into the dough itself provides a double layer of flavor. You can add a little more cinnamon if you prefer a bolder spice profile.
- Carefully place each cinnamon-coated biscuit round into the cups of your prepared muffin pan. Gently press the bottom and sides of the dough to ensure it conforms to the shape of the cup, creating a sturdy base for the apple filling.
- Bake the biscuit cups in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes. You’re looking for them to turn a lovely golden brown, and the base of the dough should be cooked through. This pre-bake prevents sogginess and helps them maintain their form.
- Immediately after removing the muffin pan from the oven, and while the dough is still warm and pliable, use the bottom of a shot glass or a similar small, round tool to press down gently into the center of each biscuit cup. This action reshapes the dough, creating a deeper, more defined cup that will perfectly cradle your apple pie filling. Set the muffin pan aside.
- In a large skillet, combine the 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced small. Add ¼ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, and 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring consistently, until both types of sugar have completely dissolved and the apples begin to soften, creating a fragrant, sweet base for your filling.
- Now, it’s time to add more depth of flavor. Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure all the spices are well distributed and infused into the apple mixture. Continue cooking briefly to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- To thicken the filling, sprinkle in 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour over the apple mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, or until the apple filling has visibly thickened to a luscious, spoonable consistency. This will give you that perfect gooey pie texture inside your rolls.
- Generously spoon the warm apple mixture evenly into each of the 10 pre-baked biscuit cups in your muffin pan. Ensure each cup is filled to the brim with the fragrant, spiced apple pie filling. Set the muffin pan aside.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 Tablespoons milk. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and all powdered sugar clumps have dissolved, creating a silky, pourable glaze. If desired, you can add a drop of vanilla extract for extra flavor. Spoon or pipe this sweet glaze generously over the warm Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
- Serve these exquisite Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls immediately while they are still warm, allowing the flavors to truly shine and the glaze to be perfectly gooey. Enjoy the delightful blend of crisp apples, warm spices, and sweet dough in every bite!
Notes for Perfect Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- For any substitutions, common questions, or additional tips regarding apple varieties or dough choices, please refer to our comprehensive FAQ section and the detailed ingredient list provided above. These sections offer deeper insights to help you perfect your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls.
- If you enjoy an extra hint of vanilla, add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract to the glaze for an additional layer of warmth and sweetness, creating an even more inviting aroma and flavor.
- For a crispier texture on the edges of the rolls, particularly if you enjoy a slight crunch, consider baking them for an additional 1-2 minutes after filling but before adding the glaze. Always watch closely to prevent any burning.
Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used. This information is provided for convenience and general guidance only, and should not be considered a substitute for professional nutritional advice.