Best Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Introduction
Is there anything more comforting than the smell of warm apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen on a crisp morning? That incredible aroma is your first clue that something magical is about to happen. Today, we are making the ultimate cozy-season treat: Apple Cinnamon Rolls. These soft, fluffy rolls are swirled with a sweet, spiced apple filling and topped with a creamy glaze, creating a dessert that feels like a warm hug. They are perfect for a weekend brunch or a special holiday breakfast, and I promise they are easier to make than you might think!
Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon bun. This recipe takes the beloved, gooey pastry and elevates it with tender, cooked apples and a hint of nutmeg. The result is a truly special bake that combines the homey comfort of apple pie with the soft, yeasted dough of a traditional roll. These rolls hold a significant place in autumn baking because they capture the essence of the season in every single bite. They align perfectly with our blog’s mission to deliver incredibly delicious yet approachable recipes for bakers of all levels. If you are looking for more ways to use those fresh-picked apples, you must try our amazing Classic Apple Pie. For another fantastic breakfast idea that uses yeast, our readers also adore these Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls. This version, however, is a seasonal favorite that always earns rave reviews from family and friends.
Why I Love This Recipe
I have a deep personal connection to this recipe because it reminds me of baking with my grandmother during fall weekends. She always insisted on using freshly picked apples from our local orchard, and the entire house would smell like pure happiness. I love this recipe for Apple Cinnamon Rolls because it brings everyone together. The process of rolling the dough and sharing the warm, sticky results creates such joyful memories. For me, it is more than just a pastry; it is a tradition that I am now thrilled to share with you.
Health and Nutrition
Why it’s good for your body
These Apple Cinnamon Rolls offer more than just incredible flavor because they pack a surprising nutritional punch. Apples provide a fantastic source of dietary fiber, which actively supports healthy digestion and helps you feel full. Furthermore, cinnamon is a powerful antioxidant spice, so it helps combat inflammation within your body. Although it’s a sweet treat, this dessert incorporates real fruit, unlike many other options. You get essential vitamins from the apples, even though you are enjoying a delicious baked good. Choosing a homemade version means you control the ingredients, so you can significantly reduce processed sugars. Each bite of these Apple Cinnamon Rolls delivers warmth and comfort while also providing some beneficial nutrients. Ultimately, this treat feels indulgent although it contains wholesome components that contribute to your well-being.
How it fits in a healthy lifestyle
Enjoying an Apple Cinnamon Roll fits perfectly into a balanced diet when you practice mindful eating. You can savor one as a satisfying occasional treat alongside nutrient-dense meals. For specific dietary goals, you can easily adapt the recipe. Use a gluten-free flour blend to make it celiac-friendly or try a sugar alternative to reduce the carbohydrate content. Pairing a roll with a source of protein, like a glass of milk or a handful of nuts, can help stabilize your energy levels. This approach makes it a practical part of your everyday habits without feeling restrictive. For more ideas on balancing your meals, explore our guide to meal prepping for beginners. If you are looking for other delicious ways to incorporate fruit into your day, our healthy muffin recipes are a great place to start.
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Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls
These Apple Pecan Cinnamon Rolls are super gooey and delicious. They are filled with a cinnamon brown sugar filling, a cooked apple pie filling, and toasted pecans. They are then finished off with a smooth cream cheese frosting. The components for these Cinnamon Rolls can be made ahead of time, meaning the rolls just need to be assembled in the morning for the perfect Thanksgiving breakfast!
- Total Time: 7 minute
- Yield: 12 cinnamon buns 1x
Ingredients
- 250g whole milk, lukewarm
- 50g Granulated Sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dried yeast
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 565g All-Purpose Flour
- 100g Unsalted Butter, at room temperature
- 850g – about four medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced small
- 30g Unsalted Butter
- 80g Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 Tbsp Corn starch
- 125g Pecan Halves
- 190g Unsalted Butter, at room temperature
- 280g Brown Sugar
- 2 Tbsp plus 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp Kosher salt
- 115g Unsalted Butter, at room temperature
- 225g Cream Cheese, at room temperature
- 250g Powdered Sugar, sifted
- 1–2 Tbsp Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Place the lukewarm milk, 25g of the sugar, and the yeast in a medium sized bowl, and stir to combine. Leave for 10-15 minutes, or until foamy.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, place the flour, salt, and remaining sugar, and mix briefly to combine.
- Add the milk mixture and egg to the dry ingredients, and mix on low for 2-3 minutes. Increase the speed of the mixer to medium, and mix for a further 5 minutes. Add the butter a little at a time, waiting until it is incorporated until adding the next piece. Mix for a further 7-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and soft.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place into a bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 2 hours and up to overnight, until doubled in size. Alternatively you can place it in a warm spot until doubled in size, 45 minutes to an hour.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the apples, sugar, cinnamon, and salt, and cook, stirring often, until the apples are tender, 3-5 minutes.
- Add the corn starch and mix well to incorporate, then continue to cook until the mixture has thickened and the apples are coated.
- Transfer to an airtight container and chill until ready to use.
- Preheat the oven to 350°f / 180°c. Line a small sheet pan with parchment paper and place the pecans on it.
- Toast the pecans for about 10 minutes, shaking occasionally, until lightly browned and toasted throughout (snap one open to check).
- Transfer to an airtight container until ready to use and store at room temperature.
- Place the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Mix well to combine.
- Grease a baking dish (9”x13” or 23cm x 33cm) or line with parchment paper.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and roll into a rectangle that is 24” x 16” (60cm x 40cm), squaring off the edges often as you roll. Spread with the brown sugar cinnamon mixture, ensuring the filling is spread evenly over the surface.
- Spread the apple pie filling out evenly. Roughly chop the toasted pecans, and spread over the apple filling.
- Starting with a long side, roll up into a tight spiral. Cut the log into two pieces and place them side by side on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and lightly sprayed with cooking spray. Lightly cover the dough logs with plastic wrap, and transfer to the freezer for 20 minutes in order to firm up slightly (this step is optional but helps give a neater cut).
- Once the dough logs have chilled, remove from the fridge. Using a sharp knife, slice each log into 6 equal pieces (I like to use a ruler), and arrange on the prepared baking sheet or baking dish, evenly spacing between.
- Lightly cover the pan with plastic wrap, and leave to rise for 45 minutes to an hour, or until puffy, and a small indentation is left when poked gently with your finger.
- While the rolls are rising, preheat the oven to 350°f / 180°c.
- Bake the rolls for 35 to 40 minutes, or until deeply golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to stand for 15 minutes or so before icing with the Cream Cheese Frosting.
- Place the butter and cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until well combined. Add in the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and salt, and whip until light and fluffy.
- Spread onto the cinnamon rolls while they are still slightly warm.
- Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature. Rewarm in the microwave before serving.
Notes
For best results, chill the dough logs in the freezer for 20 minutes before slicing to get cleaner cuts. The apple filling, toasted pecans, and cinnamon filling can all be prepared ahead of time. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 1 hr
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 58
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 55
How to Prepare This Dish
Steps and time-saving tips
First, gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven. Consequently, you will save time and avoid any mid-recipe surprises. Next, whisk your dry ingredients together in a large bowl; meanwhile, gently warm your milk and melt your butter. Importantly, use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough because it makes the process incredibly fast and effortless. After that, let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. While you wait, prepare the delicious apple filling by sautéing diced apples with cinnamon and brown sugar. Once the dough is ready, roll it out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Then, evenly spread the softened butter and generously sprinkle your apple cinnamon mixture over the top. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log and use dental floss to slice it into even rolls. Finally, place them in a baking dish, let them rise again briefly, and bake until they are golden brown and your kitchen smells amazing.
Mistakes I’ve made and learned from
I have absolutely overproofed my dough, resulting in rolls that collapsed in the oven and tasted a bit yeasty. Now, I set a timer and look for the dough to just double in size, not triple. Another common error was slicing the rolls with a knife, which squashed them. I quickly learned that using unflavored dental floss creates perfect, clean cuts every single time. Also, I used to skip the step of letting my melted butter cool slightly, which then melted my sugar filling and created a mess. For more tips on handling sweet, gooey fillings, check out my guide on creating the perfect pie crust, as the principles are very similar. If your apples release too much liquid, don’t worry. My post on fixing common baking mistakes has a great section for salvaging a runny filling.
Cultural Connection and Variations
Where this recipe comes from
The heartwarming story of Apple Cinnamon Rolls begins in the cool, crisp kitchens of Northern Europe, particularly in Sweden and Denmark. Here, bakers have long celebrated the autumn harvest by folding spiced apples into their sweet, yeasted dough. This tradition was a practical way to use a seasonal bounty, although it quickly became a cherished ritual for families gathering as the weather turned colder.
When immigrants brought their baking traditions to America, they found a nation rich with apple orchards. The recipe evolved into the decadent treat we know today, often featuring a rich cream cheese glaze that feels distinctly American. Many of us have a personal connection to this pastry, perhaps remembering a grandparent rolling out dough on a floured tabletop. The scent of baking Apple Cinnamon Rolls, therefore, is more than just a smell; it is a story of migration, adaptation, and the simple joy of sharing something made with love.
How it fits in today’s cooking
Apple Cinnamon Rolls remain a superstar in modern cooking because they perfectly bridge the gap between nostalgic comfort and contemporary trends. They are a quintessential feature of holiday mornings and weekend brunches, filling the home with an irresistible aroma that promises a special meal. Even though they feel indulgent, home cooks are finding clever ways to adapt them, such as using whole wheat flour or incorporating less refined sugars to suit today’s health-conscious preferences.
Creative bakers are also constantly reimagining this classic. Some are adding a handful of nuts for crunch, while others might swirl in a layer of salted caramel for a sweet-and-salty twist. For those looking to expand their baking repertoire with other seasonal fruit desserts, our guide on how to make the best apple crisp offers fantastic inspiration. The versatility of apples makes them a favorite ingredient, so if you find yourself with extra fruit, consider trying our easy apple pie recipe for another comforting bake. This enduring appeal ensures the Apple Cinnamon Roll is just as relevant in today’s kitchen as it was generations ago.
Taste and Texture
What makes it delicious
These Apple Cinnamon Rolls deliver an incredibly warm and comforting sensory experience. You will first notice the rich, fragrant aroma of cinnamon and baked apples that fills your kitchen. Each bite offers a perfect contrast in textures because the bun itself is supremely soft, tender, and airy. Meanwhile, the filling provides a delightful chewiness from the soft, caramelized apple pieces. A sweet and slightly tangy cream cheese glaze melts over the warm swirls, creating a creamy finish that complements the spices beautifully. The standout flavor comes from the generous cinnamon sugar swirl, which pairs magically with the tart, tender apples. Although the dough is light, the overall treat feels indulgent and rich. These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a masterpiece of cozy flavors and satisfying textures that make every bite unforgettable.
Boosting the flavor
You can easily boost the flavor of your Apple Cinnamon Rolls with a few creative tweaks. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to your cinnamon sugar filling for a more complex spice profile. A drizzle of our easy salted caramel sauce instead of the classic glaze introduces a delicious salty-sweet contrast. For a richer dough, swap the milk for buttermilk to add a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. Toasting the walnuts or pecans before sprinkling them into the filling will provide a wonderful crunch and deepen their nutty flavor. Consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra special treat. You can also prepare the filling in advance using our guide for make-ahead pie filling to concentrate the apple flavor and save time.
Tips for Success
Best practices for results
Always use room temperature ingredients for your Apple Cinnamon Rolls dough because this allows for optimal yeast activation and a more even rise. Proof the yeast in warm milk first to ensure it is active and bubbly, so you avoid a dense final product. Roll the dough out evenly to a consistent thickness, although you should be gentle to prevent tearing the delicate layers. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the rolls cleanly, which helps them maintain their perfect shape while baking. Finally, do not overbake your Apple Cinnamon Rolls, as they will continue to cook slightly from residual heat once pulled from the oven.
Mistakes to avoid
A common error is adding filling that is too wet, which can make the baked rolls soggy and difficult to slice neatly. To prevent this, always toss your apple pieces with a little flour or cornstarch to absorb excess moisture before assembling. Another frequent mistake is using cold butter in the filling, even though it will not spread evenly and can tear the dough. Instead, use very soft, spreadable butter for a smooth, consistent layer. Rushing the rising process is also detrimental, because it results in less fluffy rolls; a slow rise in a warm spot is always best for developing flavor and texture. For more guidance on working with yeast, our guide on working with yeast is an excellent resource. Furthermore, ensure your glaze is the right consistency; if it is too thin, it will just run off, but if it is too thick, it will be difficult to drizzle. You can find the perfect balance for a cream cheese glaze in our dedicated cream cheese glaze recipe.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
How to serve this dish
For a truly memorable presentation, serve these warm Apple Cinnamon Rolls on a rustic wooden board or a beautiful ceramic platter. Consequently, you can create a stunning centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in. Drizzle the glossy icing over the top just before serving, allowing it to cascade beautifully down the sides. Moreover, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped pecans adds a final touch of elegance. These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for a cozy weekend brunch, a holiday morning like Christmas, or any celebratory gathering where you want to offer a special treat.
What goes well with it
Firstly, a hot cup of coffee is the ultimate partner for these spiced rolls, as its robust bitterness perfectly cuts through the sweet, gooey filling. Alternatively, a cold glass of milk provides a classic, comforting pairing that both kids and adults adore. For a savory balance that makes a complete meal, consider serving these Apple Cinnamon Rolls alongside a plate of our perfectly scrambled eggs. Finally, a dollop of our creamy vanilla bean ice cream transforms them into a decadent dessert that is absolutely irresistible.
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are the best for baking. They hold their shape and provide a nice contrast to the sweet filling in your Apple Cinnamon Rolls, preventing them from becoming mushy during the baking process.
To keep them moist, avoid overbaking and ensure your dough isn’t too dry. Placing a pan of water in the oven while baking creates steam, and brushing the baked rolls with melted butter right out of the oven also helps lock in moisture for your Apple Cinnamon Rolls.
Yes, you can freeze unbaked cinnamon rolls after the second rise. Place the shaped rolls on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then let them come to room temperature before baking as usual.
Tough rolls are often the result of overmixing or over-kneading the dough, which develops too much gluten. Using a light hand when shaping and ensuring you don’t add too much flour during rolling are key steps for a soft, tender texture.
