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.

Easy Apple Cinnamon Roll Recipe: Soft, Sweet & Irresistible

Name: Apple Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
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; 2 medium apples, peeled and chopped; ⅓ cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp nutmeg; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp milk; ½ tsp vanilla extract

Ingredients

Scale

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

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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.

Author: Chef Saly
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