There’s nothing quite like the smell of warm cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen, and when you add apples into the mix, it takes comfort baking to a whole new level. Apple Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy rolls filled with gooey cinnamon sugar and tender apples, then topped with a luscious glaze. They’re the perfect fall breakfast, a special weekend treat, or even a holiday brunch centerpiece.
The beauty of apple cinnamon rolls is how they combine two favorites—cinnamon rolls and apple pie—into one irresistible bake. Each bite is cozy, slightly tart, perfectly sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. And the best part? They’re easier to make than you might think, especially if you break the process into simple steps.
Why You’ll Love Apple Cinnamon Rolls
- Bakery-quality at home – Soft, pillowy dough with gooey apple filling.
- Cozy fall flavors – Apples, cinnamon, and sugar in every bite.
- Perfect for gatherings – Great for holiday mornings or Sunday brunch.
- Make-ahead friendly – Prep the night before and bake in the morning.
- Customizable – Add nuts, caramel drizzle, or cream cheese glaze.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon flour (to thicken filling)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the dough – In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Add sugar, egg, butter, and salt. Mix in flour gradually until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Prepare the filling – In a skillet, melt butter, then add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Cook until apples are softened and mixture is slightly thickened. Cool.
- Assemble rolls – Roll out dough into a large rectangle. Spread apple mixture evenly over dough. Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 slices.
- Second rise – Place rolls in a greased 9×13 pan. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes.
- Bake – Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.
- Glaze – Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm rolls.
What to Serve with Apple Cinnamon Rolls
- Hot coffee or lattes – Complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Apple cider – A cozy fall pairing.
- Scrambled eggs or frittata – For a balanced brunch.
- Vanilla ice cream – Turns them into dessert.
Tips for Perfecting Apple Cinnamon Rolls
- Use tart apples – They balance out the sweetness.
- Don’t rush the rise – This ensures light, fluffy rolls.
- Slice rolls evenly – Use dental floss for clean cuts.
- Make ahead – Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning.
- Double the glaze – If you love extra sweetness.
Storing and Reheating Apple Cinnamon Rolls
- Room Temperature – Keep covered for 2 days.
- Refrigerator – Store up to 5 days; warm before serving.
- Freezer – Freeze unglazed rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw, warm, then glaze.
- Reheating – Microwave 15–20 seconds or warm in oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Yes, but homemade filling gives a fresher flavor and less sweetness.
Can I make these rolls in advance?
Definitely! Prepare the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next morning.
What’s the best glaze for apple cinnamon rolls?
Classic vanilla glaze works great, but cream cheese frosting is also a favorite.
Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes—chopped pecans or walnuts add delicious crunch.
Conclusion
These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of tender dough, sweet cinnamon, and juicy apples. They make any morning feel special, whether you serve them for a holiday brunch, weekend breakfast, or even dessert. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Mix to form dough, knead until smooth, about 8–10 minutes. Let rise 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Meanwhile, prepare filling: Mix diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Punch down risen dough. Roll into a large rectangle. Spread with softened butter and sprinkle evenly with apple filling.
- Roll dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 rolls and place in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Make glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.