Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Tired of dry, overcooked chicken breasts or boring breakfast routines? Apple Cinnamon Rolls bring the irresistible aroma and flavor of fresh apples and cinnamon swirls into soft, gooey rolls that melt in your mouth.

At dishfoody.com, sharing vibrant and feel-good recipes that create joyful moments around the table is the pride. These homemade rolls combine tender dough with warm apple filling and sweet cinnamon spice, topped with luscious cream cheese glaze.

This article explores why this recipe works, ingredient tips, step-by-step instructions, expert baking hacks, flavor variations, serving ideas, and answers common FAQs.

Why This Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Works

• Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients for a homemade bakery-quality treat
• Combines tender enriched dough with warm, fragrant apple-cinnamon filling
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack any time of day

Ingredients & Prep for Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Dough Essentials

• 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• 1¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup lukewarm milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed and room temperature

Apple Filling

• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, diced small
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Cinnamon Filling

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Cream Cheese Glaze

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream

Prep Steps

Mix dry ingredients for dough. Heat milk and activate yeast. Prepare apple filling by cooking apples with sugar, lemon, cornstarch, and cinnamon until thick. Beat butter, sugars, and spices for cinnamon filling. Whisk cream cheese glaze ingredients until smooth.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Pre-Cooking Prep

Spray or butter 9×13-inch baking pan. Let dough rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours or until doubled.

Cooking Method

1. Roll dough on a floured surface into a 15×22-inch rectangle.
2. Spread softened cinnamon filling evenly over dough.
3. Distribute apple filling evenly on top of cinnamon layer.
4. Roll dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal rolls using dental floss for clean cuts.
5. Place rolls in pan, cover and let rise 45-60 minutes until puffy.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake 28-30 minutes, tenting with foil if tops brown too fast.
7. Cool 10 minutes before drizzling cream cheese glaze.

Doneness Check

Rolls should be golden brown with a tender, gooey center.

Resting

Let rolls rest slightly for easier cleanup and fuller flavor.

Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Rolls

• Use dental floss to slice clean rolls without squashing.
• Let dough rest during rolling if it shrinks.
• Cover rolls in foil mid-bake for evenly browned tops.

Flavor Variations for Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Spicy Twist

Add nutmeg and cloves to apple filling for deeper autumnal flavor.

Keto/Paleo

Use almond flour-based dough and sugar alternatives; coconut cream glaze.

Global Flavors

• French: Add orange zest and Grand Marnier to filling.
• Italian: Add mascarpone to glaze and sprinkle with toasted almonds.
• Middle Eastern: Use rosewater and cardamom in fill and glaze.

Serving Suggestions for Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Serve rolls warm with a cup of coffee or chai tea. Pair with fresh fruit or yogurt for breakfast or brunch.

FAQs for Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Can these be made ahead?
Yes, chilled dough can be prepared the night before; rolls freeze well.

How do I avoid soggy rolls?
Don’t overfill and bake fully; cool in pan before glazing.

Are these safe for children and pregnant women?
Use pasteurized dairy products and fully cooked dough.

Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and soft for any occasion, making mornings cozy and celebrations special. Try this recipe for a homemade classic everyone loves. For more warm, inviting dishes, visit dishfoody.com and check out our Banana Cinnamon Rolls next!

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Print Recipe

Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls filled with gooey caramelized apples and warm spices, finished with a creamy vanilla glaze the perfect cozy treat for fall mornings.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 55 mins
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Filling:

• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• For the Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

• 1. Warm milk to about 110°F (43°C) and combine with yeast and 1 tbsp sugar. Let it sit until frothy, about 5 minutes.
• 2. Mix in the remaining sugar, butter, egg, and salt. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
• 3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes, then place it in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
• 4. Meanwhile, melt butter in a skillet, add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until apples are soft and caramelized, about 5–7 minutes. Cool slightly.
• 5. Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread the apple filling evenly over it.
• 6. Roll tightly from one long side and cut into 9–12 rolls.
• 7. Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
• 8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
• 9. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls.

Notes

• You can prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate overnight — just bake in the morning.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Use Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples for the best flavor balance.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Apple Cinnamon Rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, fall breakfast, apple dessert, easy brunch