Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Warm, Sweet & Irresistible — Apple Cinnamon Rolls You’ll Love

There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. Now imagine sweet, tender apples mingling with warm cinnamon and brown sugar, all wrapped in soft, pillowy dough — that’s exactly what these Apple Cinnamon Rolls deliver.

Whether you’re baking for a lazy weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or simply to treat yourself, this recipe is beginner-friendly and absolutely rewarding. You don’t need fancy techniques, and I’ll guide you step-by-step to ensure you get rolls that are perfectly fluffy and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dough

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
All-purpose flour	3 ½ cups (420g)	Forms the dough structure
Granulated sugar	¼ cup (50g)	Sweetens the dough
Active dry yeast	2 ¼ tsp (1 packet)	Leavens the dough
Salt	½ tsp	Balances flavors
Whole milk	¾ cup (180ml)	Hydrates and enriches the dough
Unsalted butter	⅓ cup (75g), melted	Adds moisture and richness
Large egg	1	Binds the dough

Filling

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Apples (peeled & diced)	2 medium (about 1 ½ cups)	Adds sweet apple flavor
Brown sugar	¾ cup (150g)	Sweetens and caramelizes
Ground cinnamon	1 ½ tbsp	Warm spice flavor
Unsalted butter	4 tbsp (60g), softened	Helps filling stick to dough
Cornstarch	1 tbsp	Thickens the apple filling

Tools You’ll Need

Tool	Why You Need It	Recommended
Large mixing bowl	For mixing dough	Recommended Mixing bowl
Stand mixer (optional)	Speeds up kneading process	Recommended mixer
Dough cutter	For clean, even rolls	See this cutter
Measuring spoons & cups	For accuracy	measuring tools
Rolling pin	Rolls dough evenly	Recommended rolling pin
9×13 inch baking dish	For baking the rolls	Check this dish

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C) — it should feel lukewarm but not hot.
2. In a large bowl (or in your stand mixer), whisk together warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
3. Stir in melted butter, egg, salt, and 2 cups of flour.
4. Gradually add the remaining flour and knead for 5–7 minutes by hand or with the mixer fitted with a dough hook until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly greased mixing bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Pro Tip: Your oven (turned off) with the light on makes a perfect warm spot for proofing!

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. In a pan over medium heat, cook the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch for 5–7 minutes until the apples are softened and the mixture is thickened. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Roll and Fill

1. On a floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a 16×12 inch rectangle.
2. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface.
3. Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the buttered dough.

Step 4: Roll Up & Slice

1. Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
2. Slice into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dough cutter.

Step 5: Second Rise

1. Place rolls in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
2. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.

Step 6: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

1. Whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and pourable.
2. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
• Enjoy with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast.

Tips for Success

• Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
• Let the dough rise fully — under-proofing means denser rolls.
• Let rolls cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from sliding off.

FAQs about Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Can I make Apple Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, bring to room temperature and bake as directed.

Can I freeze Apple Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely. Freeze baked, unglazed rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before glazing.

What apples work best for this recipe?

Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best.

Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?

Yes! You can knead by hand — a bit more time and elbow grease, but totally doable.

Conclusion

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are everything you want in a cozy treat — soft, gooey, packed with cinnamon-spiced apples, and topped with luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfect for any morning or special occasion, and even more enjoyable when made with the right tools to make the process smooth and fun.

Happy baking — your kitchen is about to smell amazing!