Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Apple cinnamon rolls are the perfect combination of soft, fluffy dough and a warm, sweet apple cinnamon filling. These homemade rolls are baked until golden and finished with a smooth cream cheese frosting that melts beautifully over the warm rolls.

If you love homemade sweet rolls, you might also enjoy my soft burger buns recipe, which uses a similar dough technique to create an incredibly tender texture. The combination of apples and cinnamon makes these rolls especially cozy and perfect for cooler days.

Apple cinnamon rolls are a delicious twist on classic cinnamon rolls. The warm cinnamon spice and soft baked apples create a comforting flavor that many people love during the fall season. You can read more about the history of cinnamon rolls to see how this beloved pastry became popular around the world.

These soft apple cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting homemade dessert. They bake up incredibly fluffy with a rich apple filling and creamy frosting that makes every bite irresistible.

These apple cinnamon rolls are incredibly soft, fluffy, and filled with a sweet apple cinnamon mixture that makes every bite rich and comforting. As the rolls bake, the apples become tender and the cinnamon filling creates a warm, delicious aroma throughout the kitchen.

The dough is light and buttery, giving the rolls a soft bakery style texture that stays tender even after baking. Once the rolls come out of the oven, they are topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting that melts gently over the warm rolls and adds the perfect creamy sweetness.

Apple cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast, weekend brunch, or a cozy homemade dessert. They are especially popular during the fall season when apples and warm spices are at their best, but honestly they are delicious any time of the year.

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Quick Recipe Info

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Apple Filling Cook Time: 10 to 15 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: about 2 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 rolls
• Difficulty: Easy
• Recipe Type: Sweet rolls, breakfast, dessert

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are made with simple baking ingredients, fresh apples, warm spices, and a creamy homemade glaze.

Warm milk: Helps activate the yeast and creates a soft, tender dough.

Active dry yeast: Gives the rolls their light, fluffy texture.

Granulated and brown sugar: Sweeten the dough and add a subtle caramel flavor.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the rolls soft.

Butter: Adds richness to the dough, filling, and cream cheese glaze.

Egg: Helps create a smooth, tender, and enriched dough.

Vanilla extract: Adds warm flavor to the dough, apple filling, and glaze.

Cinnamon: Brings a cozy spiced flavor to both the dough and apples.

Apples: Use firm apples that hold their shape while cooking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady.

Cornstarch: Thickens the apple filling and prevents it from becoming watery.

Cream cheese: Creates the rich and creamy glaze spread over the warm rolls.

Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese glaze.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls

1. Activate the yeast

In a large bowl pour 1 cup of warm milk. The milk should be warm, about 100 to 105°F (37 to 40°C), so it can properly activate the yeast.

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast over the milk, then add a small amount of the sugar. Stir gently to combine.

Let the mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. The yeast should become foamy and slightly bubbly on the surface. This means the yeast is active and ready to be used for the dough.

2. Prepare the Dough

Once the yeast mixture becomes foamy, add the egg, melted butter, and the remaining sugar to the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined.

Gradually add the flour, salt, and cinnamon to the mixture. Begin mixing the dough with your hands until all the ingredients come together.

Continue kneading in the bowl until a soft dough forms. The dough should be smooth, soft, and slightly tacky but not sticky.

3. First Rise

Lightly coat the dough with a small amount of oil to prevent it from drying out while it rises. This also helps keep the surface of the dough soft and smooth.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot in your kitchen. Let the dough rest for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

During this time the yeast will begin to work and create air bubbles inside the dough. This process is what makes apple cinnamon rolls soft, fluffy, and light after baking.

4. Prepare the Apples

While the dough is resting and rising, you can prepare the apples for the filling. Start by washing the apples well under running water to remove any dirt or residue.

Next, peel the apples and remove the cores. Cutting out the core helps create a smoother filling and ensures there are no tough pieces in the rolls.

Once the apples are peeled and cleaned, cut them into small cubes. Try to keep the pieces fairly even in size so they cook evenly later when preparing the apple filling.

These small apple pieces will become soft and tender during cooking and will create a delicious, sweet apple cinnamon filling inside the rolls.

5. Cook the Apple Filling

evenly coated with the sugar and warm spices. This step allows the apples to absorb the flavor of the cinnamon and vanilla as they begin to heat.

Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the apples, stirring occasionally so they cook evenly and do not stick to the bottom of the pan. As the apples cook they will slowly begin to soften and release their natural juices. The brown sugar will melt and combine with the cinnamon, creating a rich and flavorful apple mixture. At this point the kitchen will start to fill with the wonderful aroma of warm cinnamon and sweet apples, making the whole house smell cozy and inviting.

Continue cooking the apples until they become soft and tender but still hold their shape. In a small bowl mix the cornstarch with the water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the saucepan and stir well so it blends into the apples. Cook for another minute or two until the filling thickens slightly and becomes glossy.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the apple filling to cool slightly before spreading it over the dough.

6. Shape the Dough and Add the Filling

Once the dough has doubled in size, gently transfer it onto a lightly floured work surface. The dough should feel soft, airy, and smooth after resting.

Using your hands, begin to gently stretch and shape the dough into a large rectangle. Take your time and slowly press and pull the dough outward until it becomes evenly flattened. The dough should be soft and flexible, making it easy to shape without tearing.

Next, spread a thin layer of softened butter over the surface of the dough. This layer of butter adds extra flavor and helps create a rich, soft texture inside the rolls.

Once the butter is evenly spread, begin adding the prepared apple filling over the dough. Use a spoon to distribute the apples across the surface, making sure the filling is spread evenly from edge to edge.

Finally, gently spread the apples so they form a nice, even layer over the dough. Try to keep the apples well distributed so every roll will be filled with the sweet apple cinnamon mixture.

7. Cut and Shape the Rolls

Once the apple filling is evenly spread over the dough, begin cutting the dough into long strips. Use a knife or a dough cutter to cut the dough into even strips, making sure each strip has a good amount of apple filling.

Take one strip of dough and gently start rolling it into a spiral shape. Roll it carefully so the apples stay inside the dough and the roll keeps its nice shape.

As you roll the dough, you will start to see the beautiful layers of soft dough and apple filling forming inside the roll. Each roll should look full and nicely layered.

Hold the finished roll in your hand and gently adjust the shape if needed. The roll should be compact but not too tight so it can rise nicely while baking.

Place each roll into a prepared baking dish or pan. Arrange the rolls next to each other, leaving a small amount of space between them so they have room to rise.

Continue placing the rolls into the pan until the dish is filled. The rolls should sit close together, which helps them stay soft and fluffy while baking.

Bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes, or until they become beautifully golden brown and fully baked.

8. Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the rolls are baking in the oven, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a mixing bowl add the cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and powdered sugar.

Using a whisk or hand mixer, beat all the ingredients together until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and well combined. The glaze should have a soft and spreadable texture.

Once the glaze is fully mixed, place the bowl in the refrigerator while the rolls finish baking. This helps the glaze stay slightly firm and ready to spread over the warm apple cinnamon rolls as soon as they come out of the oven.

9. Freshly Baked Rolls

Once the apple cinnamon rolls are finished baking, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. The rolls should be beautifully golden brown on top and soft in the center.

As the rolls come out of the oven, the warm aroma of baked dough, cinnamon, and sweet apples will fill the kitchen. The rolls should look fluffy and slightly puffed, with the apple filling gently bubbling between the layers.

Allow the rolls to rest for a few minutes in the baking dish before adding the glaze. This short resting time helps the rolls settle and makes them easier to spread with the cream cheese topping.

10. Spread the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the rolls are still warm, take the cream cheese glaze out of the refrigerator. Using a spoon or spatula, gently spread the glaze over the freshly baked rolls.

The warmth of the rolls will slowly melt the glaze, allowing it to spread smoothly over the soft layers of dough. As the glaze melts, it seeps slightly into the rolls and adds a rich, creamy sweetness to every bite.

Continue spreading the glaze evenly across the rolls until the tops are nicely coated. The combination of warm apple cinnamon rolls and creamy glaze creates a soft, sweet, and irresistible finish.

Storing and Freezing Apple Cinnamon Rolls

If you have leftover apple cinnamon rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keeping them covered helps maintain their soft texture and prevents them from drying out.

For longer storage, place the rolls in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh for up to 4 to 5 days. Before serving, warm the rolls slightly in the microwave or oven so they become soft again and the cream cheese glaze melts gently.

Apple cinnamon rolls can also be frozen. Place the completely cooled rolls in a freezer safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months.

When ready to enjoy, thaw the rolls at room temperature and warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes until soft and warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Watch the Full Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Video

If you would like to see the entire process, watch the full step by step video below. The video shows how to prepare the dough, cook the apple filling, shape the rolls, and finish them with the creamy cream cheese glaze.

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Nutrition per roll

Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Sugar: 24 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 220 mg

Conclusion

These homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls combine soft, fluffy dough with a warm cinnamon apple filling and creamy cream cheese glaze. They are perfect for a cozy breakfast, weekend brunch, or sweet dessert. Serve them slightly warm and enjoy every soft, apple-filled bite.

Happy baking!

Inga

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

These soft and fluffy Apple Cinnamon Rolls are filled with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and finished with a rich cream cheese glaze. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting fall dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Rise Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Dough

• 1 cup warm milk, about 100–105°F (240 ml)
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast (9 g)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar, divided (60 g)
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar (70 g)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (115 g)
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract (15 ml)
• 4⅓ cups all-purpose flour (520 g)
• 1½ tsp salt (9 g)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• A small amount of oil for coating the dough

For the Apple Filling

• 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 cup packed brown sugar (200 g)
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (8 g)
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract (15 ml)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (16 g)
• 2 tbsp water (30 ml)

For Shaping the Rolls

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (28 g)

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (115 g)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (28 g)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)
• Pinch of salt
• 2 cups powdered sugar (240 g)

Equipment

• 1 Large mixing bowl
• 1 Small saucepan
• 1 Whisk or hand mixer
• 1 Rolling Pin
• 1 Knife or pizza cutter
• 1 9 × 13-inch baking dish

Method

 

1. Activate the yeast:Pour the warm milk into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk and add about 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture stand for 5-10 minutes, until foamy and bubbly on the surface.
2. Prepare the dough:Add the remaining granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the activated yeast. Mix until well combined. Gradually add the flour, salt, and cinnamon, mixing until a soft dough begins to form.
3. Knead the dough:Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, either by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. The finished dough should be smooth, soft, and slightly tacky. Add only a small amount of additional flour if it is extremely sticky.
4. Let the dough rise:Lightly coat the dough and mixing bowl with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm spot. Let the dough rise for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Prepare the apples:While the dough is rising, peel and core the apples. Cut them into small, evenly sized cubes so they cook evenly and fit easily inside the rolls.
6. Cook the apple filling:Place the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.

   In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour the mixture into the saucepan and stir well. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the filling thickens and becomes glossy. Remove it from the heat and let it cool before adding it to the dough.
7. Roll out the dough:Transfer the risen dough to a lightly floured work surface. Roll or gently stretch it into a large, evenly shaped rectangle.
8. Add the filling:Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Spoon the cooled apple filling over the butter and distribute it evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. Cut and shape the rolls:Cut the filled dough lengthwise into 12 even strips. Carefully roll each strip into a spiral, keeping the apple filling tucked inside. Gently adjust the shape of each roll without wrapping it too tightly.
10. Let the rolls rise again:Arrange the rolls in a greased 9 × 13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise in a warm place for approximately 30 minutes, until puffy.
11. Bake the rolls:Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the Apple Cinnamon Rolls for 25-30 minutes, until puffed, golden brown, and fully baked in the center. Let them cool in the baking dish for 5-10 minutes before adding the glaze.
12. Prepare the cream cheese glaze:Place the softened cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, salt, and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat with a whisk or hand mixer until smooth, creamy, and spreadable.
13. Glaze and serve:Spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls. The warmth will soften the glaze and allow it to melt slightly into the apple-filled layers. Serve the rolls warm.

Notes

• The milk should be warm but not hot. Milk that is too hot can damage the yeast.
• Let the apple filling cool before spreading it over the dough. Hot filling can make the dough soft and difficult to shape.
• Flour measurements can vary, so add the flour gradually and avoid making the dough too dry.
• For neater strips, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
• Add the cream cheese glaze while the rolls are warm, but not immediately after removing them from the oven.