Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls wafting through your kitchen. These fluffy swirls are bursting with sweet, tender apples and warm cinnamon, all wrapped up in soft, pillowy dough and finished with a silky vanilla glaze. Whether you’re making a cozy weekend breakfast or treating friends and family on a special occasion, this recipe checks every box for comfort, flavor, and pure happiness—one bite, and you’ll understand why they’re a treasured favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about how simple pantry staples come together to create Apple Cinnamon Rolls that taste absolutely extraordinary. Each ingredient has a role to play, from their soft, tender dough to the comforting apple filling and the luscious glaze that ties it all together.

• Active Dry Yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): This gives the rolls their signature fluffy, light texture by helping the dough rise beautifully.
• Warm Milk (1/2 cup, 110°F): The perfect environment to activate yeast, ensuring your dough is soft and moist.
• Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Adds sweetness to both the dough and helps feed the yeast for a great rise.
• Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup melted for dough; 2 tablespoons softened for filling): Melted butter keeps the dough rich and tender, while a bit more in the filling creates a luscious base for the apples and cinnamon.
• Large Egg (1): Binds the dough and adds richness.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups): The structure and body of your rolls—always spoon and level the flour for best results.
• Apples (2 medium, peeled and finely diced): Fresh apples provide juicy, tart-sweet pops in every bite of your Apple Cinnamon Rolls.
• Brown Sugar (1/3 cup): Adds a caramel-like richness that pairs perfectly with apples and cinnamon.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The defining cozy, spicy note in every swirl.
• Powdered Sugar (1 cup, for glaze): For that classic, sweet finishing touch.
• Milk (2 tablespoons, for glaze): Thins the glaze just enough to pour properly over warm rolls.
• Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon, for glaze): Brings a lovely, aromatic flavor to the simple icing.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Proof the Yeast

Begin by adding the yeast to a large mixing bowl with the warm milk. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until the surface becomes frothy and smells delightfully yeasty. This stage ensures your Apple Cinnamon Rolls will puff up and bake to perfection—if the mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast might be expired, so double-check before moving on.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Next, stir in the granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt until everything is nicely combined. Gradually add the flour, mixing as you go, until a soft dough forms. This dough should be slightly sticky but pliable—add a sprinkle more flour if it seems too wet. Now, turn it out on a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 6 minutes, working it until smooth and elastic. Pop the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.

Step 3: Make the Filling

While the dough is doing its thing, get the filling ready. In a bowl, combine your finely diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. The apples soak up all those cozy spices and become tender and juicy when baked inside the rolls. This step is where the real apple magic happens!

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

After that first rise, punch down the dough gently and roll it into a rectangle about 14 by 9 inches on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough—don’t skimp! Evenly sprinkle your apple-cinnamon mixture over the buttery surface. Then, starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly into a log, sealing the edge. Slice into 9 to 12 even rolls and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Picture-perfect swirls in every pan!

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the baking dish and let the rolls rise once more for about 30 minutes. This final rest allows the rolls to puff up, filling every space in the pan and getting ready to bake up fluffy and golden brown.

Step 6: Bake and Glaze

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on the middle rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden on top and cooked through. Meanwhile, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth—it should be pourable but not runny. Once the Apple Cinnamon Rolls are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle generously with the glaze so it soaks into all the nooks and crannies.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

For a little something extra, sprinkle your fresh Apple Cinnamon Rolls with a dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans right over the glaze. The crunch and flavor from the nuts make them look and taste bakery-worthy!

Side Dishes

Serve these rolls alongside a simple fruit salad, creamy yogurt, or even a savory egg bake to balance their sweetness. A hot cup of coffee or spiced chai is the perfect companion, turning any morning into a special occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Apple Cinnamon Rolls into a showstopping breakfast platter! Arrange them on a cake stand for a brunch centerpiece, or wrap them up in parchment with a ribbon for holiday gifts. You can even serve mini versions at parties so everyone gets their own adorable swirl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep your Apple Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay delightfully moist and soft—just be sure to keep them covered, so they don’t dry out.

Freezing

For longer storage, let the baked rolls cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to two months! When you need a quick treat, simply thaw and reheat for a breakfast that tastes freshly baked.

Reheating

Pop leftover rolls in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds to bring them back to their warm, gooey glory. If you’re reheating several, arrange them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make Apple Cinnamon Rolls the night before?

Absolutely! After assembling and slicing the rolls, cover the pan tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as usual.

What apples are best for this recipe?

Try Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Honeycrisp for natural sweetness. Any firm, crisp apple will work—you want pieces that hold their shape and offer a juicy bite after baking.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Roll the dough up tightly and pinch the seam together at the end. Also, don’t overfill—the right amount of filling will stay put and create beautiful, distinct swirls.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to Apple Cinnamon Rolls?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even golden raisins make wonderful additions to the filling for extra flavor and crunch.

Is it possible to use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast in equal measure, and there’s no need to proof it—just whisk it into the flour and proceed as directed.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls: the aroma, the ooey-gooey spirals, the taste of autumn in every bite. If you’re craving comfort or looking to wow your loved ones, give this recipe a try—I can’t wait for you to experience how quickly these rolls disappear from the pan!

Print