There is something truly magical about warm, gooey cinnamon rolls filled with the fresh, sweet-tart burst of apples, and that is exactly what this Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe brings to your kitchen. With tender dough wrapped around a heavenly blend of cinnamon-spiced apples and brown sugar, all topped with a luscious vanilla glaze, these rolls are the perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or any time you want to indulge in a cozy homemade delight. Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday brunch or just savoring a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, these apple cinnamon rolls will quickly become your new favorite go-to comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a key role in crafting the perfect flavor and texture. From the soft, elastic dough to the warm, spiced apple filling and sweet glaze, every ingredient is carefully chosen to make this recipe unforgettable and straightforward to follow.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the dough, providing structure and softness for tender rolls.
- Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise beautifully, creating light and fluffy rolls.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast for that perfect rise.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
- Whole milk (warm): Moistens the dough and contributes to a rich, tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Adds a creamy richness to the dough and the filling’s flavor boost.
- Large egg: Binds the dough ingredients and adds tenderness.
- Peeled and finely chopped apples: Fresh and tart, these provide the juicy, flavorful filling.
- Brown sugar: Mixes with the apples to create a caramelized, deep sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: A must-have spice for that classic warm, aromatic flavor.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, cozy spice note that complements the cinnamon and apples.
- Powdered sugar: For the glaze, bringing a sweet finish with smooth texture.
- Milk: Used to perfect the glaze’s consistency so it drizzles just right.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the glaze with a hint of fragrant warmth.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a large bowl—this mixture builds the foundation for your dough. Then add warm milk, melted butter, and a large egg, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Knead this dough by hand or with a dough hook for about 6 to 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which ensures your rolls will have the perfect fluffy texture. Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it to rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size—this is where the magic of yeast helps create those irresistible layers.
Step 2: Make the Apple Cinnamon Filling
While the dough is rising, mix your peeled and finely chopped apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This filling is what transforms the rolls from ordinary to extraordinary, layering sweet and spicy flavors with fresh apple texture. Using softened butter helps the filling cling to the dough perfectly when spread out, giving you that classic gooey roll experience.
Step 3: Roll and Assemble the Rolls
Once your dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 10×16-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the spiced apple mixture on top. Now, from the long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log—this rolling creates those beautiful spiral layers packed with filling. Slice the log into 12 even rolls and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 30 to 40 minutes until they look puffed and ready to bake.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through—your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that’s hard to resist. This baking time ensures the rolls are soft and fluffy inside with a lovely golden crust.
Step 5: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze
While the rolls cool just a little, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the warm cinnamon rolls; the glaze seeps into the spirals and adds the perfect final touch of sweetness and shine that brings everything together invitingly.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle some finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze for crunch and nutty flavor. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few fresh apple slices on the side can also enhance the presentation and deepen the apple theme beautifully.
Side Dishes
These rolls shine on their own but pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. For a fuller breakfast, serve alongside creamy scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness with some freshness and protein.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, arrange the rolls on a rustic wooden board with edible flowers or fresh mint sprigs for a farm-to-table look. You can also serve individual rolls nestled in small dessert plates with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt for an elegant twist that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, preserving their moist texture. If you want to stretch it further, tuck them into the fridge and enjoy within 4 days—just remember to warm them gently before serving to revive that fresh-baked sensation.
Freezing
To freeze, prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and bake fresh the next morning. This method lets you enjoy freshly baked apple cinnamon rolls without the wait anytime.
Reheating
Reheat the rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. This will soften the dough and melt the glaze slightly, making them taste just as amazing as when fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith are best for a nice balance with the sweetness, but you can also try Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter, juicier filling. Just keep the texture in mind so the apples don’t become too mushy.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the whole milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The dough and filling will still come out delicious and tender.
Can I replace instant yeast with active dry yeast?
You can, but active dry yeast needs to be dissolved in warm water before mixing with other ingredients, and usually requires a longer rising time. Just be sure to adjust accordingly and watch the dough as it rises.
How do I prevent my rolls from getting soggy?
Make sure to drain excess moisture from the chopped apples if they seem very juicy, and avoid over-spreading the butter to keep the dough from getting soggy. Also, don’t underbake—fully baked rolls hold up better without becoming too wet.
Can I prepare the rolls entirely the night before?
You can prepare the dough and filling the night before, assemble the rolls, and keep them covered in the fridge before baking in the morning. This slow rise enhances flavor and freshness, giving you warm freshly baked rolls with minimal morning effort.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe delivers all the warmth, sweetness, and homemade goodness you could wish for in a comforting baked treat. I invite you to roll up your sleeves and try making these yourself—you’ll be rewarded with melt-in-your-mouth rolls bursting with apple and spice, perfect for sharing or savoring solo. There is no better way to fill your kitchen with love and delicious aromas than baking a batch of these classic favorites from scratch.
Print
Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, featuring a soft, fluffy dough filled with a spiced apple mixture. Topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, they make the perfect cozy breakfast or dessert during the fall season.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup whole milk (warm)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
For the Filling
- 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead by hand or with a dough hook for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling: Meanwhile, prepare the filling by combining the peeled and finely chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl to create a flavorful spiced apple mixture.
- Roll Out Dough and Assemble Rolls: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 10×16-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the apple filling on top evenly. Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a log shape and slice it into 12 equal rolls.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover them, and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy and slightly sprung back when touched.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through with a soft interior.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls before serving to add a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast with the cinnamon and sugar.
- These rolls are best enjoyed warm but can be reheated in the microwave for convenience.
- To make ahead, prepare the rolls up to the second rise stage, then refrigerate overnight and bake in the morning for fresh rolls.
