Apple Cinnamon Rolls - All Recipe Secret

Apple cinnamon rolls bring together the warm spice of classic cinnamon rolls with the comforting sweetness of baked apples. Imagine tender, fluffy rolls swirled with spiced apple filling, then topped with a creamy glaze—these are the perfect balance between cinnamon buns and apple pie. Whether for a cozy weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or a sweet dessert, apple cinnamon rolls are sure to be a hit.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make soft, gooey apple cinnamon rolls from scratch, complete with ingredient tips, step-by-step directions, and customization ideas to make the recipe truly your own.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Perfectly Fluffy Texture: Soft, pillowy dough with a gooey apple-cinnamon center.
Cozy Fall Flavors: Apple and cinnamon bring warm, nostalgic notes.
Made From Scratch: Homemade dough and filling elevate these rolls beyond store-bought.
Freezer-Friendly: Bake ahead or freeze for later—still delicious!

Ingredients List

For the Dough:

¾ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 teaspoon salt
3¾ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)

For the Apple Cinnamon Filling:

3 medium apples (peeled and diced)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
2 teaspoons cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

4 oz cream cheese (softened)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin)

Timing & Servings

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls

Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. If the yeast doesn’t foam, start again with fresh yeast.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add eggs, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix in the flour one cup at a time. Knead for 6–8 minutes by hand or with a dough hook until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Cook the Apple Filling

While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté the apples for 5–7 minutes. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Stir until thickened. Let cool.

Step 4: Roll and Fill the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the dough.

Step 5: Roll and Cut

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 6: Second Rise

Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 8: Make the Glaze

While rolls bake, prepare the glaze. Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Let the rolls cool slightly before spreading the glaze over the top. Serve warm and enjoy.

Choosing the Best Apples for Baking

Not all apples bake the same. Here are some ideal choices:

Granny Smith: Tart and firm, holds shape well
Honeycrisp: Sweet-tart and juicy
Braeburn: Balanced flavor and good texture
Fuji or Gala: Sweeter apples for a more dessert-like roll

Feel free to mix varieties for a more complex flavor profile.

Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Rolls

1. Measure Flour Correctly

Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Too much flour can make the dough dense.

2. Use Warm Milk (Not Hot)

Too hot and it kills the yeast. Aim for about 110°F.

3. Don’t Overstuff

Too much apple filling can cause rolls to leak or fall apart. Use just enough for a generous layer.

4. Line Your Pan

Parchment paper or greasing well prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

5. Cool Before Glazing

Letting the rolls cool for 10 minutes helps the glaze spread instead of melt off.

Variations to Try

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before rolling. Finish with a caramel glaze.

Maple Glaze Instead of Cream Cheese

Swap the cream cheese glaze for a sweet maple glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and maple syrup.

Nuts for Crunch

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for texture.

Apple Pie Spice Blend

Use a spice mix with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves for extra flavor.

Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips

Make-Ahead:

Prepare the night before: Assemble the rolls and cover tightly. Refrigerate overnight.
Next morning: Let rolls come to room temp for 30–45 minutes before baking.

Freezing:

Before Baking: Freeze rolled, unbaked rolls. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake.
After Baking: Freeze baked (unglazed) rolls. Reheat and glaze before serving.

Storing Leftovers

Room Temp: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Store up to 4–5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls shine on their own but can be paired beautifully with:

Coffee or hot cider
Fresh fruit or fruit salad
Vanilla yogurt or whipped cream
Maple breakfast sausage or bacon

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes! Store-bought crescent roll dough or frozen bread dough works in a pinch.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother filling, but you can leave skins on for texture.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Dough texture may vary slightly.

How do I know the rolls are fully baked?

They should be golden brown and the center roll should register 190°F when checked with a thermometer.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use two 9×13 pans or a larger baking sheet.

Nutritional Info (Per Roll – Estimated)

Calories: ~320
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugar: 22g
Protein: 5g

Values vary based on ingredients and glaze amount.

Conclusion

Apple cinnamon rolls combine the cozy comfort of spiced apples with the gooey indulgence of homemade cinnamon rolls. Whether you make them for a fall brunch, a cozy winter breakfast, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this recipe delivers every time. With customizable fillings, make-ahead options, and freezer-friendliness, these rolls are as practical as they are irresistible.