These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic, bringing the warmth of cinnamon and the sweet, spiced flavor of baked apples into each roll.
They start with a soft, fluffy dough that’s rolled out and spread with a mixture of butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Layer in chopped apples into the filling, like Granny Smith, Gala or Honeycrisp, adding a burst of fruity flavor and texture.
As the rolls bake, the apples soften, releasing their juices and infusing the dough with a rich apple-cinnamon aroma that fills the kitchen. Once golden brown, top them with a creamy glaze of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a hint of cinnamon. This glaze adds a smooth, tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the apple-cinnamon flavor without overpowering it.
These rolls are perfect for fall mornings or holiday gatherings, offering a cozy, comforting treat that pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The combination of soft dough, spiced apples, and cinnamon makes each bite indulgent, while the glaze adds the perfect finishing touch to these irresistible apple cinnamon rolls.
How to make apple cinnamon rolls
Begin by adding yeast, 1 tsp (5g) of sugar, and 1/4 cup lukewarm milk to a large bowl. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to activate the yeast.
Next, add the flour, sugar, and salt to the bowl. Pour in the remaining milk, eggs, and melted butter.
For a smooth dough, start mixing slowly to combine the ingredients, then increase the speed if using a mixer to fully incorporate them. Knead until the dough becomes smooth and begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. It should feel soft to the touch but not too sticky.
You can knead the dough with a mixer, which will take about 5 to 7 minutes on medium speed, or knead by hand if you prefer.
Cover with plastic wrap, and let the dough rest for 10-15 in a warm area.
Meanwhile, prepare the butter cinnamon mixture by combining butter, cinnamon, and sugar in a small bowl. Softened butter spreads more easily, so make sure to take it out of the fridge ahead of time.
For the apple filling, use about 2 medium apples cut into small pieces, then toss them with a tablespoon of flour. This step helps absorb excess moisture so that the dough doesn’t become soggy while baking.
How to shape the rolls
To shape the rolls, roll the dough on an oiled or floured surface into a 12×18 inch (30x45cm) rectangle. Using a rolling pin, roll from the center out to the edges, applying even pressure to achieve a consistent thickness throughout.
Once you have your rectangle, spread the butter cinnamon mixture generously over the entire surface, ensuring you cover every corner. Make sure to use a spatula or the back of a spoon to get an even layer.
Sprinkle the apple pieces evenly across the dough, pressing them gently into the butter cinnamon layer to help them stay in place while rolling.
Starting from one of the longer edges, roll the dough up tightly to create a log shape, making sure to keep the roll as tight as possible for a uniform shape. When you reach the end, pinch the seam to seal it securely; this will prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
Using as harp knife or a dough scraper cut it into 12 equal rolls.
Arrange the rolls on a parchment paper lined 9×13 inch (23x33cm) baking pan, leaving space between each. Cover with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for about an hour in a warm place until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly browned.
For the glaze, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and cinnamon, then spread over the warm rolls.
Enjoy fresh and store any leftover apple cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature.
Hope you will try these apple cinnamon rolls. They’re sure to be a hit, adding a delicious and memorable touch to any occasion. If you do, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram, would love to see how they turn out for you.
Other similar recipes you may like to try
This Cinnamon Wool Roll Bread is a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion It combines warm cinnamon flavors with the soft, fluffy texture of freshly baked sweet bread.
This easy recipe for Giant Apple Cinnamon Roll is the perfect fall dessert for apple season. It is quick to prepare and requires no yeast.
Try these fluffy Twisted Cinnamon Rolls, each beautifully swirled with fragrant cinnamon and kissed with a touch of sweetness.
For more sweet bread recipes check our collection of 25 Sweet Bread Recipes. For more apple treats check our full collection of Apple Recipes.
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Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
For the dough
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp (7g) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) lukewarm milk
- 2 tbsp +1 tsp (35g) sugar
- 1 tsp (5g) salt
- 2 eggs
- 4 tbsp (56g) melted butter
Cinnamon Filling
- 5 tbsp (70g) butter , at room temperature
- 2 tbsp (13g) ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar
Apple Filling
- 10 oz (300g) apples , peeled, cored, about 2 medium apples
- 1 tbsp (10g) flour
Cream Cheese Topping
- 7 oz (200g) cream cheese , at room temperature
- 1/2 tsp (1g) cinnamon powder
- 1/3 cup (40g) powdered sugar
Instructions
Prepare the dough.
- In a medium bowl add yeast, 1 tsp (5g) sugar and 1/4 cup lukewarm milk. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to activate the yeast.
- Add the flour, sugar and salt. Add the remaining milk, eggs, and melted butter. Start kneading it until smooth and it slightly pulls away from the sides of the bowl. You can knead the dough by hand or use a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Transfer the dough into an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
Prepare the butter cinnamon mixture.
- In a small bowl combine butter with cinnamon and sugar.
- Set aside.
Prepare the apples.
- Cut the apples into small pieces and place them into a bowl.
- Toss them with 1 tablespoon of flour.
How to shape the rolls.
- On an oiled or floured surface roll the dough in a 12×18 inch (30x45cm) rectangle. Spread the butter cinnamon mixture over the top of the rectangle.
- Spread the apples evenly.
- Roll the dough and cut into 12 equal-sized rolls. Place on a parchment paper lined (9×13 inch – 23x33cm) tray with 1/2 -1 inch (2 cm) distance between them to allow them to rise.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about one hour, until doubled in size. (if the tray is not too tall you might need to grease the plastic wrap so it doesn't stick).
- Preheat the oven to 350F (180C).
- Bake the rolls for about 15-20 minutes until lightly browned.
Prepare the glaze.
- Mix the cream cheese with powdered sugar and cinnamon and spread over the warm rolls.
- Store leftover apple cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature.
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