Craving something warm, sweet, and filled with the cozy flavors of fall? This Apple Cinnamon Roll recipe is your new go-to for those chilly mornings or holiday brunches. In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly why this dish deserves a spot in your recipe box. From the tender dough and spiced apple filling to tips for making it ahead and the easiest glaze ever, you’ll have everything you need. Whether you’re baking for guests or just treating yourself, these rolls never disappoint. Let’s make your kitchen smell like a bakery; because cinnamon rolls with apples? Yes, please.
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Why You Will Love This Apple Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Hi, I’m Saly. I’m a wife, a home cook, and someone who’s learned that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. And let me tell you, this Apple Cinnamon Roll recipe is proof of that.
It all started with my husband asking for “something warm with apples.” What came out of the oven was more than just a treat; it became our new Sunday tradition. These rolls are soft, gooey, and loaded with spiced apple goodness. The apples bring just the right touch of tart sweetness that balances beautifully with brown sugar and cinnamon. Every bite is fall in a roll.
What I love most is that they’re surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need to be a professional baker to get these right. If you’ve ever made regular cinnamon rolls, this is just a seasonal twist you’ll want to make on repeat. And if you haven’t? Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it all step by step.
They’re also incredibly versatile. You can prep them the night before, switch up the glaze, or even add a handful of chopped pecans. Want to keep it simpler? Try using the apple filling technique from my Easy Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon for a shortcut that still brings big flavor.
Looking for more comforting fall bakes? This would pair beautifully with a mug of cider and maybe a slice of my Apple Crumb Cake for later.
Whether you’re baking for brunch, dessert, or a cozy snack, these apple cinnamon rolls deliver everything you crave: tender dough, sticky filling, and a sweet glaze that makes them extra special. Once you try them, you’ll wonder why you ever made plain ones.
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Apple Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Soft, gooey apple cinnamon rolls with tender dough and sweet glaze. Perfect for fall mornings or holiday brunch.
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Ingredients
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 package active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ tsp salt
FILLING:
2 medium apples, peeled and chopped
⅓ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
GLAZE:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Activate yeast with warm milk and sugar, let sit 10 mins.
2. Add egg, melted butter, salt, and flour. Mix and knead.
3. Let dough rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
4. Meanwhile, cook apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. Roll dough into rectangle, spread filling, roll up, and slice.
6. Place in greased dish, rise again for 30 minutes.
7. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
8. Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
Make ahead: Refrigerate after shaping, bake next morning.
Swap fresh apples for pie filling if needed.
Add chopped pecans for crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
What You’ll Need for These Apple Cinnamon Rolls
The best part about this apple cinnamon roll recipe? The ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly, and easy to find. You probably have most of them already. Every element works together to bring out the flavors of fall in the softest, most indulgent way.
For the dough, we’ll keep it classic; warm milk, yeast, flour, sugar, and butter. This combo gives you fluffy, bakery-style rolls without any fancy equipment.
For the filling, it’s all about cinnamon-spiced apples. I use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith because they hold up while baking and offer a great sweet-tart balance. You’ll cook them down with butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of nutmeg. The result? A gooey, caramel-like filling that takes these rolls to the next level.
Don’t skip the glaze! It’s a quick mix of powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Drizzle it over the warm rolls and watch it melt into every swirl. If you prefer something extra rich, you can swap it for a cream cheese glaze.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the essentials:
| Component | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Dough | Flour, yeast, milk, sugar, butter, eggs |
| Apple Filling | Chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, butter |
| Glaze | Powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract |
Want another way to use up fall apples? Try the ultra-cozy Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins, they’re perfect for breakfast or lunchbox treats.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch
Making a homemade apple cinnamon roll is easier than it looks. You’ll create a soft dough, fill it with caramelized apples, roll it up tight, and bake until golden. The aroma alone will win you over before you take that first bite.
Start with the dough. Warm your milk to about 110°F (not too hot) and mix it with yeast and sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until bubbly; that’s how you know the yeast is alive. Add melted butter, eggs, and flour, then knead until soft and smooth. Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about an hour.
While the dough rises, make the apple filling. In a pan, melt butter and add peeled, diced apples. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg. Cook until tender and caramelized. Let it cool slightly before spreading it over the dough.
Next, roll it up! Once the dough has risen, roll it into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the apple mixture evenly, then roll tightly from the long side. Slice into 12 equal rolls and place in a greased baking dish. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and the centers are cooked through. Drizzle with glaze while still warm.
That’s it. Warm, gooey, apple-filled cinnamon rolls ready to impress.
If you like cozy recipes that start with simple steps and end in something amazing, you’ll also love the Apple Cobbler Recipe; it’s a reader favorite for a reason.
Tips and Variations for the Perfect Apple Cinnamon Rolls
The beauty of this apple cinnamon roll recipe is how forgiving and customizable it is. Whether you’re baking for a holiday breakfast, potluck, or just a slow Sunday morning, these tips will help you get bakery-quality results every time.
Want to make them ahead? You can prep everything the night before. After placing the rolls in your baking dish, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30–40 minutes before baking. This makes them ideal for holiday mornings; less mess, more magic.
No time to make dough from scratch? You can use store-bought refrigerated dough in a pinch. While homemade is fluffier, shortcuts can still deliver great flavor when you’re tight on time.
No fresh apples? Try using high-quality apple pie filling. Just make sure it’s not too watery, or drain it slightly. This is a great swap for when apples are out of season, similar to how we simplify in the Apple Pie Dump Cake, easy and satisfying.
Want a gluten-free version? Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the dough. Add a teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it, and double-check your yeast is certified gluten-free.
Craving extra texture? Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling. Or swirl in some caramel sauce for an indulgent twist that tastes like a mashup of sticky buns and spiced apples.
Make it your own; add cardamom, use maple glaze, or top with crumble before baking for extra crunch, just like we do in the seasonal Apple Crumb Cake.
There’s no wrong way to enjoy these apple cinnamon rolls; just warm, gooey, and completely irresistible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought dough for apple cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought cinnamon roll dough or frozen bread dough if you’re short on time. Just prepare the apple filling and roll it into the dough before baking. It won’t be quite as fluffy as homemade, but still delicious.
What are the best apples to use for cinnamon rolls?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best. They hold their shape while baking and balance the sweetness of the filling. Avoid soft apples, which can turn mushy in the oven.
Can I make apple cinnamon rolls the night before?
Yes! After assembling the rolls in the baking dish, cover and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them rise for 30–45 minutes at room temperature before baking. It’s perfect for stress-free brunches.
How do I store leftover apple cinnamon rolls?
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven softness. For longer storage, wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts: Warm, Sweet, and Worth Every Bite
There’s something special about the smell of cinnamon and apples baking; it fills the house with warmth, memories, and a little bit of magic. These apple cinnamon rolls are more than just a treat. They’re a tradition waiting to happen.
Whether you go all-out from scratch or use shortcuts, you’ll end up with soft rolls swirled with gooey apples and topped with a sweet glaze. Trust me, there won’t be leftovers. And if you’re still in the mood for fall flavors, try my Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake next. It’s just as comforting and even easier.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
From our cozy kitchen to yours, happy baking!
