Irresistible Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe to Try Today

There’s something wonderfully comforting about combining two classic treats into one indulgent delight: apple pie cinnamon rolls. These soft, pillowy rolls filled with spiced apples bring the nostalgic flavors of apple pie right to your breakfast table.

this Recipe

If you love warm cinnamon, tender apples, and sweet glaze, this apple pie cinnamon rolls recipe is perfect for cozy mornings or special occasions. Let’s dive into making these irresistible rolls that will fill your home with inviting aromas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, fluffy dough paired with a sweet apple pie filling for a perfect flavor combo.
• Easy to follow with simple pantry ingredients and fresh apples.
• Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert—versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• Freshly baked rolls release warm aromas that make your kitchen feel like home.
• Can be made ahead and reheated for busy mornings or gatherings.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make the dough, filling, and glaze for your apple pie cinnamon rolls.

• 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 medium apples (about 1 1/2 cups peeled, diced; Granny Smith or Fuji)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours (includes dough rising)
• Servings: 12 rolls
• Calories: Approximately 320 per roll

How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

1. In a small bowl, stir the warm milk and yeast together. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy to activate the yeast.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs. Add the yeast mixture and mix well. Gradually add flour, stirring until a soft dough forms.
3. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until doubled.
4. While dough rises, prepare the filling: Toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and softened butter. Set aside.
5. Once dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a 16×12-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
6. Evenly spread the apple filling over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one long edge.
7. Starting from the long edge with filling, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
8. Cut the roll into 12 equal slices and place them cut side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 22-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and cool slightly.
10. For the glaze, beat powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle generously over warm rolls before serving.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough rise evenly.
• Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Fuji for the best texture in the filling.
• Don’t overfill the rolls to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
• Cover the dough properly during rising to avoid drying out the surface.
• Warm the glaze slightly if too thick to drizzle smoothly over the rolls.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover apple pie cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls individually wrapped for up to 2 months.

To reheat, warm refrigerated or thawed rolls in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds until soft and gooey. Add fresh glaze after reheating for the best experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different kind of apple for the filling?

Yes! While Granny Smith and Fuji apples are ideal due to their firmness and tartness, you can use any apple you like. Just avoid very soft or mealy varieties as they may become mushy when baked.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and springs back slowly when lightly pressed with your finger. This usually takes about 1 to 1 1/2 hours in a warm place.

Can I make the dough in a bread machine?

Absolutely! Use the dough setting on your bread machine and add the ingredients as directed. Once the dough is ready, proceed with rolling, filling, and baking as outlined in the recipe.

Is it okay to prepare these rolls the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them covered overnight. Allow them to come to room temperature and rise before baking in the morning for fresh, warm apple pie cinnamon rolls.