Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking for ultimate comfort, Apple Cinnamon Rolls deliver the coziest blend of homemade tradition and fall-inspired deliciousness. Imagine warm, soft rolls filled with bursts of sweet-tart apples and a swirl of fragrant cinnamon, all finished with a creamy glaze that melts right into every swirl. They’re the perfect choice for a special breakfast, a fall brunch, or simply because you deserve a little indulgence. Apple Cinnamon Rolls are an irresistible twist on the classic, and once you’ve tried them, you might just find yourself making excuses to bake another batch.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in these Apple Cinnamon Rolls has a job to do, from creating that pillowy dough to crafting a gooey, spiced filling bursting with apple flavor. Let’s break down the building blocks of this delicious treat—you probably already have most of them in your kitchen!

• Warm milk: The foundation for soft, tender dough; make sure it’s around 110°F to help activate the yeast perfectly.
• Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness that’ll carry through every bite.
• Active dry yeast: The lift behind our rolls, making them fluffy and irresistible as they rise.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Makes your dough rich and your filling luscious; it’s the secret to that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Large egg: Adds structure, softness, and that perfect golden color to your dough.
• All-purpose flour: Reliable and versatile, this gives your rolls the perfect balance of chew and softness.
• Salt: Just a bit to enhance and balance all the sweet flavors.
• Peeled and diced apples: The star of the filling; choose crisp, tart varieties for the best texture and punch of flavor.
• Brown sugar: Melts into the apples to create gooey, caramelly pockets throughout the swirl.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses every bite with warmth and that unmistakable bakery aroma.
• Nutmeg: Just a pinch lifts the spice blend and gives depth to the filling.
• Powdered sugar: The base of that silky, sweet glaze drizzled over the warm rolls.
• Milk (for glaze): Adjusts the consistency until it’s just right for spooning or drizzling.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the glaze with comforting aroma and flavor.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Start by whisking your warm milk and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl, then sprinkling the active dry yeast over the top. Give it about 5–10 minutes—watch for it to become foamy and bubbly, which tells you your yeast is active and ready for action!

Step 2: Make the Dough

Once your yeast is frothy, stir in the melted butter and egg until combined. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand or with a mixer for 5–7 minutes, until the dough is smooth, stretchy, and only slightly tacky. This step creates the airy structure that will give your Apple Cinnamon Rolls their signature fluffiness.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and tuck it somewhere warm. In about an hour, it should be doubled in size and pillowy to the touch, thanks to all that yeast magic working behind the scenes.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While your dough is rising, let’s work on that dreamy apple-cinnamon filling. Toss your peeled, diced apples with melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The apples soak up all those spicy-sweet flavors and will bake into soft, jammy perfection in the rolls.

Step 5: Assemble the Rolls

Punch down your dough, then roll it out into a rectangle about 12×16 inches. Spread the apple mixture evenly across the surface, making sure every inch is covered. Starting from the long edge, roll up the dough tightly—this is what creates those beautiful, spiraled layers. Slice into 12 even pieces using dental floss or a sharp knife.

Step 6: Second Rise

Arrange the rolls snugly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for a final 30 minutes. This shorter rise gets them puffed up and ready, and you’ll start to see those layers plump even before baking. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes until they’re golden brown, the apple filling is bubbling, and the kitchen smells like an autumn dream. The centers should be cooked through—if in doubt, tent with foil and add a few extra minutes.

Step 8: Add the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Drizzle generously over warm rolls so it melts into all the nooks and crannies. Now, your Apple Cinnamon Rolls are ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

A classic drizzle of vanilla glaze is a must, but you can also top your Apple Cinnamon Rolls with a dusting of cinnamon, a handful of chopped toasted pecans, or even an extra swirl of caramel sauce while they’re still warm. These little touches add gorgeous contrast and elevate the treat to bakery status.

Side Dishes

Because Apple Cinnamon Rolls shine so brilliantly, pair them with a simple side: think crisp bacon, scrambled eggs, or a fresh fruit salad. For a special brunch, serve alongside a creamy latte, hot cider, or spiced tea—these drinks balance out the sweetness and keep every bite feeling fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

If you really want to impress, stack your rolls on a tiered stand for a party or brunch buffet. For individual servings, drizzle with glaze right at the table or serve on tiny plates with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also tuck them into pretty bakery boxes with parchment for a heartfelt homemade gift. Apple Cinnamon Rolls are just meant to be shared (and Instagrammed)!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Apple Cinnamon Rolls moist and soft, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to stretch their lifespan a bit longer, refrigerate them, but always bring them back to room temp or reheat before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Apple Cinnamon Rolls freeze beautifully! Once baked and cooled, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months—perfect for prepping ahead or emergency sweet cravings. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter.

Reheating

To enjoy that freshly baked feel, warm rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven (covered with foil) for 8–10 minutes. If you’ve frozen them, let them thaw completely first. A quick reheat brings back the gooey apples and soft texture that make these rolls so comforting.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of apple for the filling?

Absolutely! While crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and balance the sweetness, you can mix and match with what you have. Softer apples will cook down more, creating a softer filling, while firmer ones stay chunkier.

Can the dough be made the night before?

Yes! Prepare the Apple Cinnamon Rolls up to the second rise, cover the assembled (but unbaked) rolls tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise a bit in the morning before baking.

How do I prevent the rolls from unrolling when baking?

For the neatest Apple Cinnamon Rolls, roll up the dough tightly and place the slices close together in your baking dish. The snug positioning helps them support each other and rise upward instead of unraveling.

Can I add nuts or caramel to the filling?

Of course! Chopped walnuts or pecans add wonderful crunch and richness, while a drizzle of caramel sauce over the apple mixture (before rolling up) brings extra gooeyness. Personalize to your taste or season.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes, Apple Cinnamon Rolls can be made vegan by swapping dairy milk and butter for plant-based alternatives and replacing the egg with applesauce or a flax egg. The result is still deliciously soft and flavorful!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the smell and taste of Apple Cinnamon Rolls fresh from the oven. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a weekend treat maker, you’ll love bringing this recipe to your home—where every swirl is a hug, every bite a taste of fall. I can’t wait for you to share these with friends, family, or even just yourself on a quiet morning!

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