Imagine waking up to the irresistible smell of warm, gooey cinnamon-spiced rolls filled with tender apples—this Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe brings that cozy comfort right to your kitchen. It’s a delightful twist on a classic favorite, where the sweet and slightly tart apple filling perfectly complements the soft, fluffy dough, all topped with a luscious glaze that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, these apple cinnamon rolls are a guaranteed showstopper that taste like a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to making these apple cinnamon rolls truly shine. Each component plays a vital role, from the soft dough that rises perfectly to the fragrant, flavorful filling that bursts with warm spices and fresh apple goodness.
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base for a soft yet sturdy dough that holds the filling beautifully.
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): Essential for that perfect fluffiness and rise.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the dough’s depth.
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F): Provides moisture and warmth to wake up the yeast.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Brings richness and tenderness to the dough.
- 1 large egg: Adds structure and richness.
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and finely diced): Fresh, juicy apples bring a bright tartness and texture.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The soul of the rolls, offering warmth and spice.
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg: A subtle hint of aromatic spice for complexity.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Helps cook the apples tenderly and keeps filling moist.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the filling so it stays perfect during baking.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The sweet base for the luscious glaze.
- 2–3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency for drizzling.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds sweet, fragrant depth to the glaze.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl—this wakes up the live yeast and creates that fragrant foamy magic that means your rolls will rise beautifully. After 5 to 10 minutes, once foamy, stir in melted butter, egg, and salt for richness and flavor. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms, then knead either by hand or with a mixer until smooth and elastic. Placing the dough in a greased bowl and letting it rise until doubled sets the stage for those airy, tender cinnamon rolls.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
While the dough is rising, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour in a small bowl—these spices are what make the filling sing. Melt butter in a skillet and sauté diced apples until they soften just a bit, releasing their juices and sweet aroma. Let this mixture cool slightly before folding it into the sugar-spice blend, ensuring every bite bursts with perfectly balanced flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
After the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle—roughly 16 by 12 inches. Spread the apple filling evenly over every inch, then roll the dough tightly from the longer side to form a log bursting with sweet apple goodness. Cut this log into 12 even rolls and place them snugly in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 30 minutes so they puff up just right before baking.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for about 25 to 28 minutes until they turn golden brown and the aroma fills your home. While they bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a silky glaze that will add a glossy, sweet finish.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve Warm
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle this warm glaze generously over the top, letting it melt into the nooks and crannies. The combination of warm apple, cinnamon, and vanilla glaze is pure bliss and impossible to resist.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Top your apple cinnamon rolls with a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of crunch and warmth. A light drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream can turn the experience decadent without overpowering the natural flavors.
Side Dishes
These rolls are perfect on their own but also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy latte. For a brunch spread, consider fresh fruit salads or savory options like crispy bacon and scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the rolls in a rustic wooden board for a cozy vibe or arrange them in cute individual ramekins for personal servings. You can also stack them like a sweet tower on a dessert platter, each roll glistening with glaze, perfect for impressing guests or sharing at special brunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover apple cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their softness. If you live in a warmer climate, refrigeration is a good option, though it may firm up the rolls slightly.
Freezing
These apple cinnamon rolls freeze wonderfully. After the first rise and shaping, wrap the tray tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, let rise, bake fresh, and enjoy that homemade warmth anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy the rolls fresh again, warm them in a microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Adding a few drops of water on top before reheating keeps them moist and soft, as if they were freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples in this Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp provide a wonderful tart-sweet balance, feel free to experiment with your favorites. Just keep in mind that softer apples might cook down more during sautéing.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
You can make some substitutions like using plant-based milk and vegan butter, along with a flax egg instead of a chicken egg. The texture might vary a little, but you’ll still get delicious rolls.
How long does the dough need to rise?
The first rise takes about an hour or until the dough doubles in size. After rolling and filling, a second 30-minute rest helps ensure the rolls bake up soft and fluffy.
Can I prepare these rolls the night before?
Definitely! You can refrigerate the assembled rolls before the second rise, then bring them to room temperature and let them rise before popping them in the oven the next morning.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover apple cinnamon rolls?
Warming them gently in the microwave or oven revives their fresh-baked softness. Adding a small amount of milk before reheating helps keep them moist and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe brings together the best of autumn’s flavors in a way that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s the kind of bake that fills your home with warmth and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try it, these rolls will become a beloved ritual for cozy mornings and anytime treats. So roll up your sleeves, bake a batch, and enjoy every sweet, spiced bite with those you love.
Print
Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 90 minutes rising time)
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these classic Apple Cinnamon Rolls featuring a soft, yeasted dough rolled with a fragrant apple cinnamon filling and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls offer a warm, comforting treat with a balance of tender apples, cinnamon spice, and a luscious glaze.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and finely diced)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Allow this mixture to sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is activated. Add the melted butter, beaten egg, and salt, then gradually stir in the flour to form a soft dough.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for kneading. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Make the Filling: While the dough is rising, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour in a small bowl. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the softened butter. Add the diced apples and sauté for 3–5 minutes until they are slightly softened. Remove from heat and let the apple mixture cool, then mix in the sugar and spice mixture thoroughly.
- Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Evenly spread the apple filling over the dough. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log and slice it into 12 even rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the cinnamon rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise in a warm place for 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–28 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze and Serve: While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls just before serving to add a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- You can prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them prior to the second rise; bring them to room temperature before baking.
- Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are recommended for the best tart-sweet balance in the filling.
