If you love cozy mornings filled with sweet aromas and soft, gooey treats, these Apple Cinnamon Rolls are about to become your new favorite breakfast or snack. Imagine tender rolls packed with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples that melt in your mouth, all wrapped up in a buttery dough. These rolls bring a little slice of comfort and warmth to any day, making them perfect for lazy weekend mornings or as a special treat for guests.
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a chilly fall weekend when I wanted something that felt like a warm hug in pastry form.
I had leftover apples and a craving for cinnamon rolls, so I decided to combine the two.
The result was magical a perfect balance of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and soft dough that instantly became a family favorite.
It’s the kind of recipe that invites you to slow down, take a bite, and savor the simple joys of baking.
Why You’ll Love This
First, the flavor is incredible. The combination of fresh apples with cinnamon and brown sugar creates a sweet, lightly spiced filling that tastes like autumn in every bite. It’s like a mini apple pie wrapped inside a roll.
Second, the texture is divine. The dough is soft and fluffy, while the apple filling adds a moist, tender bite that keeps these rolls from feeling dry or heavy. Each roll pulls apart perfectly for a satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Third, they’re surprisingly easy to make. While it might seem like a fancy pastry, this recipe uses straightforward ingredients and simple steps. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you can pull these off and impress your family or friends.
Finally, they’re versatile. You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven for breakfast, pack them as a sweet snack for school or work, or even serve them as a cozy dessert. Plus, you can customize the filling with nuts, raisins, or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze if you want to get fancy.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1 to 1.5 hours for dough rising)
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours (including rising time)
Cuisine Type(s): American, Breakfast, Dessert
Servings: 8-10 rolls
Estimated Cost: Moderate — uses common baking ingredients and fresh apples
Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk and wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
- Rolling pin
- Baking dish or sheet pan
- Pastry brush (optional, for butter)
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap for dough rising
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced (about 1 ½ cups)
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Notes:
You can swap whole milk for any milk alternative like almond or oat milk, just make sure it’s warmed to activate the yeast. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil or margarine. The apples can be any sweet variety like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp. If you prefer a sugar-free option, try using a sugar substitute compatible with baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the dough
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Then add sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour, about half a cup at a time, until the dough starts to come together. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a dough hook for 5-6 minutes on medium speed. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size. - Prepare the apple filling
While the dough is rising, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix until the apples are well coated and the cinnamon sugar is evenly distributed. Set aside to let the flavors meld while the dough rises. - Roll out the dough
Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12 by 16 inches. Try to keep the thickness even—about ¼ inch thick—so the rolls bake uniformly. - Add the filling and roll
Brush the dough lightly with melted butter if you want extra richness. Spread the apple filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border along the edges to prevent leaks. Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal it well. - Cut and arrange the rolls
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the roll into 8-10 even pieces. Arrange the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish or lined sheet pan, leaving a little space between them to expand. Cover again and let rise for another 20-30 minutes until puffy. - Bake and glaze
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before drizzling with your optional glaze. To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth and drizzle over the warm rolls.
Nutrition Facts (Per Roll, approx.)
Calories: 280
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Fat: 7g
Sodium: 210mg
Vitamin A: 6% DV
Vitamin C: 4% DV
Calcium: 4% DV
Iron: 8% DV
Tips for Success
Start with warm milk, not hot, to activate your yeast perfectly without killing it. If the milk is too cold, the dough may take longer to rise.
Kneading is key for fluffy rolls. If kneading by hand, use the heel of your palm and fold the dough over itself repeatedly until smooth.
Don’t skip the second rise after shaping your rolls. It helps them get that soft, pillowy texture inside.
Use fresh, crisp apples that hold their shape but soften during baking. Softer apples can turn mushy and make the filling watery.
Common Questions
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling the night before, roll, slice, and arrange the rolls, then refrigerate overnight. Just bring them to room temperature and let them rise before baking the next morning.
Can I freeze the rolls?
Absolutely. After baking and cooling, wrap the rolls tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
What if I don’t have fresh apples?
You can use frozen apples if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw and drain excess moisture to avoid soggy rolls.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins add great texture and flavor. Sprinkle them over the apple filling before rolling.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel like mixing it up? Try swapping the apples for pears or peaches for a different fruity twist. For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and butter substitutes, and replace the egg with a flax egg or mashed banana. If you want a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, but expect a slightly different texture. For an extra indulgent touch, spread cream cheese frosting on top instead of the simple glaze.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve these Apple Cinnamon Rolls warm, fresh out of the oven with a cup of your favorite coffee or chai tea for the perfect cozy morning. They also pair wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of vanilla yogurt for a balanced breakfast. For dessert, try them alongside a scoop of cinnamon ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to take things to the next level.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
For the dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
- 1 cup whole milk warmed (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the filling
- 2 medium apples peeled, cored, and finely diced (about 1 ½ cups)
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Glaze (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Then add sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour, about half a cup at a time, until the dough starts to come together. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a dough hook for 5-6 minutes on medium speed. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix until the apples are well coated and the cinnamon sugar is evenly distributed. Set aside to let the flavors meld while the dough rises.
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12 by 16 inches. Try to keep the thickness even—about ¼ inch thick—so the rolls bake uniformly.
- Brush the dough lightly with melted butter if you want extra richness. Spread the apple filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border along the edges to prevent leaks. Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal it well.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the roll into 8-10 even pieces. Arrange the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish or lined sheet pan, leaving a little space between them to expand. Cover again and let rise for another 20-30 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before drizzling with your optional glaze. To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth and drizzle over the warm rolls.
Notes
Making Apple Cinnamon Rolls fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and your heart with a little extra joy.
Whether it’s a special weekend breakfast or a sweet snack to brighten your afternoon, these rolls are sure to become a beloved tradition.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing a moment in my kitchen.
I can’t wait to hear how your rolls turn out!
Happy baking, friend.
