Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you love warm, gooey cinnamon rolls and crave the autumnal comfort of baked apples, these Apple Cinnamon Rolls will absolutely make your heart (and kitchen!) sing. Imagine plush, buttery spirals of dough, filled with juicy apples spiced just right, all finished with a silky vanilla glaze—every bite is pure nostalgia. Whether you’re baking for a cozy weekend breakfast or sharing a sweet moment with friends, these Apple Cinnamon Rolls are the kind of treat that feel like home and celebration all at once.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Apple Cinnamon Rolls lies in simple ingredients coming together to create irresistible flavor and texture. Each component—from the tender dough to the spiced apple filling—plays a starring role in making these rolls truly special.

• Active dry yeast: Gives your rolls the perfect rise and that dreamy fluffy texture we all crave.
• Warm milk (110°F): Activates the yeast and adds richness to the dough, making it soft and tender.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps feed the yeast for a perfect rise.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Adds a decadent buttery flavor—crucial for both the dough and filling.
• Large egg: Binds the dough together and improves its structure and color.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spiced flavors in every roll.
• All-purpose flour: A trusty base that creates a soft, chewy roll when properly kneaded.
• Apples (peeled, cored, and finely diced): The heart of the filling, adding pops of sweet, juicy fruit with every bite.
• Brown sugar: Brings a warm, caramel-like sweetness to the filling—so cozy with apples and cinnamon.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses each roll with classic, comforting spice.
• Powdered sugar: The key to a smooth, sweet glaze that melts into the warm rolls.
• Milk (for glaze): Helps whisk the glaze into the perfect pourable consistency.
• Vanilla extract: Adds sweet, fragrant depth to the finishing glaze.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until you see a foamy layer form on top. This little science experiment is your assurance that the yeast is alive and ready to make your Apple Cinnamon Rolls beautifully fluffy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Stir the sugar, softened butter, egg, and salt into the yeast mixture. Add the flour gradually until a soft but workable dough forms. If it’s a bit sticky, that’s okay—just flour your hands to keep things manageable as you move to the next step.

Step 3: Knead and Rise

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the dough to feel smooth and elastic under your hands. Once it’s supple and springs back, place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour. Watching your dough double in size is always an exciting moment!

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, combine your finely diced apples with brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a bowl. The apples will soak up all that lovely spice, turning them into little gems of autumn flavor. This filling is what sets Apple Cinnamon Rolls apart from classic cinnamon rolls—it’s truly worth the minimal extra prep!

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Once your dough has puffed up, roll it out to a 14×9-inch rectangle. Gently spread the softened butter over the surface, then scatter the apple filling evenly on top. Roll up the dough tightly from the long side into a snug log, and slice into 9 beautiful spirals. Each piece promises a swirl of apples in every bite.

Step 6: Second Rise and Bake

Arrange the sliced rolls in a greased 9-inch baking dish. Cover them and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. While they prove, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 22 to 25 minutes until golden, fragrant, and irresistibly inviting. The kitchen will smell like a bakery—enjoy every second!

Step 7: Make and Drizzle the Glaze

While the Apple Cinnamon Rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle generously over the warm rolls, letting it ooze into every nook and cranny. This finishing touch is what makes these rolls utterly irresistible for breakfast or dessert.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

A simple dusting of extra cinnamon or a scattering of chopped toasted nuts can add lovely texture and visual appeal. For a special touch, try a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh apple slices on the side—you’ll love how it wraps up the flavors.

Side Dishes

Serve your Apple Cinnamon Rolls alongside creamy Greek yogurt, a crisp fruit salad, or even a mug of spiced chai or coffee. Their sweetness pairs beautifully with tangy or mildly spiced sides, making for a balanced breakfast or brunch menu.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your rolls into an eye-catching brunch centerpiece by arranging them on a pretty cake stand, or bake them in individual ramekins for personalized portions. For a crowd, you can even prep them in advance and let everyone drizzle their own glaze at the table—stage-worthy and interactive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftover Apple Cinnamon Rolls tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to five days. They stay delightfully soft and moist with proper covering.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months—perfect for satisfying last-minute cravings or prepping for holiday breakfasts.

Reheating

Warm Apple Cinnamon Rolls taste like they’ve just emerged from the oven! Simply microwave individual rolls for 20–30 seconds or reheat an entire pan in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10–15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent over-browning. Don’t forget to add fresh glaze after reheating if you like them extra gooey.

FAQs

Can I make Apple Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking for a fresh, warm treat with minimal morning effort.

Which type Breakfast, Dessert

Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a wonderful contrast to the sweet filling, but Honeycrisp or Fuji apples are great if you like a sweeter, softer texture. Feel free to mix and match for your personal taste!

Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or a handful of golden raisins add extra texture and flavor. Simply mix them into the apple filling before rolling up your dough. Make it your own!

How do I keep the rolls from getting dry?

The key is to cover them tightly after baking and to avoid overbaking. Check the rolls at the earliest bake time, and pull them from the oven as soon as they’re golden and cooked through. The glaze also helps keep them moist and luscious.

What can I use instead of a stand mixer?

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are just as easy to make by hand. Stir everything together with a sturdy spoon, and knead the dough right on your countertop. It’s a little bit of extra effort, but so rewarding!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate cozy treat, these Apple Cinnamon Rolls deliver big time. They’re tender, gooey, and packed with spiced apple goodness—truly the stuff of comfort food dreams. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend or two, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the best scents of the season. You’ll be glad you gave these a try!

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