The scent of cinnamon and apples wafting through your home signals that something magical is happening in your kitchen. Apple cinnamon rolls combine the comfort of traditional cinnamon rolls with the nostalgic flavor of apple pie, creating a treat that’s impossible to resist. The perfect balance of tart apples and warm cinnamon folded into pillowy soft dough creates a breakfast or dessert that has everyone reaching for seconds.
What makes apple cinnamon rolls truly special is their versatility. They’re perfect for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. The combination of textures—from the soft, fluffy dough to the tender apple pieces and creamy frosting—creates a sensory experience that keeps this treat at the top of everyone’s favorites list.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Equipment
- Rolling Pin
- Baking Dish
- Oven
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast 2 1/4 tsp
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk 110°F
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup brown sugar for filling
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp butter softened, for filling
- 1 1/2 cups apples peeled and diced
- 1 cup powdered sugar for glaze
- 2 tbsp milk for glaze
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract for glaze
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the melted butter, egg, and salt, then gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, then cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
- Roll out the dough into a 15×9-inch rectangle and spread softened butter over the surface.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, then add the diced apples.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal rolls.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Customization: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Serving Tip: Warm the rolls slightly before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition
The Delicious History Behind Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls have a rich history beginning in Sweden, where they’re known as “kanelbullar” and are such a beloved part of Swedish culture that they even have their own holiday on October 4th. Traditional cinnamon rolls spread throughout Europe and eventually made their way to America, where they’ve become a staple in bakeries and home kitchens alike.
The brilliant addition of apples to cinnamon rolls represents a more modern twist, drawing inspiration from America’s love affair with apple pie. This fusion of two classic desserts creates a nostalgic and irresistible treat that captures the best elements of both. What started as primarily a seasonal fall favorite has evolved into a year-round indulgence that brings comfort regardless of the calendar.
While classic cinnamon rolls focus solely on the cinnamon-sugar filling, apple cinnamon rolls introduce a layer of complexity with their fruity filling. This adaptation reflects how recipes evolve over time, responding to regional ingredients and changing tastes. Today’s apple cinnamon rolls might remind you of the apple cider churros that have also become popular in recent years, showing how apple and cinnamon remain a timeless flavor combination.
Everything You’ll Need To Make Perfect Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Before diving into the baking process, gather all your ingredients and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need for homemade apple cinnamon rolls that will have everyone asking for your recipe:
Ingredients for the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup lukewarm milk
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
Ingredients for the Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Ingredients for the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of kosher salt
Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
Equipment You’ll Need:
- Stand mixer with dough hook (or hand mixer)
- Rolling pin
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Saucepan (for cooking apple filling)
- Knife or dental floss (for cutting rolls)
The key to successful apple cinnamon rolls lies in using the right apples. For a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness that holds up during baking, Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal choices. If you’re looking for more guidance on selecting and storing apples, our guide on the best way to store apples can help ensure your ingredients stay fresh.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Creating these delicious apple cinnamon rolls requires a few steps, but the effort is well worth the result. Follow these detailed instructions for perfectly fluffy, flavorful rolls every time:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
- With the mixer on low, slowly add the lukewarm milk and mix until just combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
- Add softened butter in small pieces, mixing until incorporated.
- Switch to the dough hook and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
- While the dough rises, combine diced apples, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt in a medium saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are slightly softened and the mixture has thickened.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before using.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, cinnamon, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined and spreadable.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and transfer to a floured surface.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 16×20 inches.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one of the long edges.
- Spread the cooled apple filling over the cinnamon layer.
- Starting from the long edge without the border, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces, each about 1 1/2 inches thick.
- Arrange the rolls in a parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving some space between each roll for rising.
- Cover and let rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are doing their final rise.
- Bake the rolls for 28-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
- If the rolls are browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 6: Add the Cream Cheese Glaze
- While the rolls are baking, make the glaze by beating together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, then mix well.
- Add heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Allow the rolls to cool for 5-10 minutes after baking, then spread the glaze generously over the warm rolls.
If you’ve mastered these apple cinnamon rolls and are looking for another fruity dessert challenge, you might enjoy making an apple and cherry crumble as well. Both recipes showcase the wonderful flavors of fresh fruit combined with warming spices.
Full Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Nutritional Information (per roll):
Calories: 420
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 59g
Sugar: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 120mg
The total preparation and cooking process takes about 2.5 hours, with most of that time being inactive rising time. The active hands-on time is only about 30 minutes, making these rolls a feasible project even for busy bakers. The recipe yields 12 generously-sized rolls, perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Delicious Variations and Expert Tips
Once you’ve mastered the basic apple cinnamon roll recipe, you can experiment with these creative variations to keep things interesting:
Tasty Variations:
- Apple Pecan Cinnamon Rolls: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans to the filling for a delightful crunch.
- Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Replace the cream cheese glaze with homemade caramel sauce for a decadent twist.
- Maple Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup to your glaze for a seasonal flavor boost.
- Spiced Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom to the cinnamon filling for complex flavor.
- Apple Chai Cinnamon Rolls: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of chai spice blend into your cinnamon filling for an aromatic twist.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you might even try incorporating elements from our popular mango churro recipe by adding a tropical fruit layer alongside the apples for an unexpected flavor combination.
Pro Tips for Perfect Rolls:
- Use room temperature ingredients for the dough to ensure even mixing and proper rising.
- Don’t rush the rising process – proper proofing is essential for fluffy, light rolls.
- When rolling up your dough, keep it tight but don’t squeeze so hard that the filling squishes out.
- For even-sized rolls, mark your log with a knife before cutting to ensure uniform pieces.
- Let the rolls cool for 5-10 minutes before adding glaze – this prevents it from completely melting away.
- For make-ahead convenience, prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise, then refrigerate overnight and bake in the morning.
How to Store Apple Cinnamon Rolls for Maximum Freshness
Proper storage is crucial to maintain the freshness of apple cinnamon rolls after baking. Follow these guidelines for the best results:
Room Temperature Storage:
When storing apple cinnamon rolls at room temperature, place them in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. This method is ideal if you plan to enjoy the rolls within a day or two of baking, as it helps maintain their soft texture.
Refrigerator Storage:
For longer storage, keep your apple cinnamon rolls in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They’ll remain good for up to 5 days. Before serving refrigerated rolls, reheat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft texture and enhance the cinnamon aroma.
Freezer Storage:
Apple cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. You can freeze them either before or after baking. For unbaked rolls, freeze them after cutting and placing in the pan, but before the second rise. For baked rolls, allow them to cool completely before freezing. You can learn more specific techniques for preserving the flavor of your ingredients in our guide on the best way to store cooking apples.
Freezing Instructions:
- Unbaked Rolls: Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, allow to rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours, then bake as directed.
- Baked Rolls: Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature or reheat frozen rolls in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
If you’re planning to freeze rolls with cream cheese frosting, consider freezing the rolls and frosting separately for best results. The texture of cream cheese frosting can change slightly when frozen and thawed.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Apple Cinnamon Rolls
What are the best apples for apple cinnamon rolls?
Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness balances the sweet filling, and they hold their shape during baking. Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady apples also work well. Avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious or McIntosh, as they can become mushy during baking.
Can I make apple cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This overnight preparation method actually enhances the flavor development.
How do I know when my apple cinnamon rolls are done baking?
The rolls should be golden brown on top, and the internal temperature should reach about 190°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, insert a toothpick into the center of a roll—it should come out clean with no wet dough attached.
Why didn’t my dough rise properly?
Several factors can affect dough rising: expired yeast, liquid that’s too hot (which kills yeast), or a room that’s too cold. For optimal rising, place your covered dough in a warm, draft-free area with a temperature around 75-85°F.
Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use canned apple pie filling as a shortcut. However, homemade filling allows you to control the sweetness and spice levels, and generally produces a fresher flavor. If using canned filling, chop the apple pieces smaller and drain excess liquid before spreading.
Warm Comfort in Every Bite
Apple cinnamon rolls represent more than just a delicious treat—they embody the comfort and connection we feel when sharing homemade food with loved ones. The magical combination of apples and cinnamon wrapped in pillowy dough creates an experience that speaks to something deeply satisfying in all of us. Whether served for a special breakfast, holiday brunch, or casual dessert, these rolls have a way of making ordinary moments feel special.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance: the slight tartness of the apples, the warmth of the cinnamon, and the richness of the cream cheese glaze create a harmony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. Don’t be surprised if making these rolls becomes a tradition in your home—they have a way of creating memories along with their mouthwatering aroma. So set aside a morning to fill your kitchen with the scent of baking apples and cinnamon, and prepare to share something truly special with those you care about.