Apple Cinnamon Rolls 

If you love cinnamon rolls, wait until you try them with an apple pie twist. These Apple Cinnamon Rolls combine pillowy soft dough, a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling, and tender caramelized apples for a cozy, fall-inspired treat. As they bake, the apples release their sweetness, blending into the filling and creating a gooey, spiced swirl that tastes like apple pie wrapped in a cinnamon roll. Topped with a creamy glaze (or cream cheese frosting if you prefer), these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. They make your kitchen smell like heaven and taste even better than they look.

Prep Dough: 20 minutes

First Rise: 1–1.5 hours

Prepare Apple Filling: 10 minutes

Assemble & Roll: 15 minutes

Second Rise: 30–40 minutes

Bake: 25–30 minutes

Cool & Glaze: 10 minutes

Total Time: ~3 hours (mostly rising time)

Ingredients (Makes 12 Rolls)

For the Dough:

1 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)

2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, room temp

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)

1 tsp salt

For the Apple Filling:

3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

½ cup brown sugar

2 tsp ground cinnamon

2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced

1 tbsp butter (for sautéing apples)

1 tbsp brown sugar (extra for apples)

For the Glaze (or Cream Cheese Frosting):

1 cup powdered sugar

2–3 tbsp milk (or heavy cream)

½ tsp vanilla extract
(Optional: 4 oz cream cheese + 2 tbsp butter for cream cheese frosting)

Instructions

Make the Dough

In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Whisk in egg, egg yolk, and melted butter.

Add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Knead dough (by hand 8–10 minutes or with mixer 5 minutes) until smooth and elastic.

Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours, until doubled.

Prepare the Apple Filling

Melt 1 tbsp butter in a skillet. Add diced apples and 1 tbsp brown sugar.

Cook 5–6 minutes until apples soften slightly. Remove from heat and cool.

Assemble Rolls

Roll risen dough into a rectangle (~14×9 inches).

Spread softened butter across dough. Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar + cinnamon mixture.

Scatter cooked apples over the top.

Roll up tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 12 even rolls.

Second Rise

Place rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cover loosely and let rise 30–40 minutes, until puffy.

Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake rolls 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

Glaze & Serve

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Drizzle over warm rolls (or spread cream cheese frosting).

Serve warm, gooey, and delicious.

Tips for Success

Best apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith balance sweetness beautifully.

Don’t overbake: Rolls should be soft and golden, not dry.

Overnight option: Assemble rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Next morning, bring to room temp, let rise 30 mins, then bake.

Make ahead: Rolls freeze well (baked, unfrosted) for up to 2 months.