Apple Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Introduction

There’s something magical about the aroma of fresh apple cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. The sweet scent of apples and warm spices drifting through the kitchen brings comfort and coziness, especially on crisp fall mornings.

This recipe is soft, fluffy, and perfectly swirled with spiced apple filling. It’s ideal for family gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or simply treating yourself with a cozy autumn bake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Warm fall flavors: Sweet apples and cinnamon make every bite taste like fall.
• Soft and fluffy: The dough bakes up pillowy and tender.
• Perfect for gatherings: A crowd-pleasing recipe for brunch or dessert.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prep the rolls ahead and bake fresh.
• Homemade glaze: A simple vanilla icing drizzled on top finishes it beautifully.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour (4 cups / 500 g) – Provides structure for the dough.
• Whole milk (1 cup / 240 ml, warm) – Activates yeast and creates softness.
• Active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp) – Helps the dough rise.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup / 100 g) – Sweetens both dough and filling.
• Butter (6 tbsp / 85 g, softened) – Adds richness.
• Eggs (2 large) – Bind the dough and enrich texture.
• Salt (1 tsp) – Balances flavor.
• Apples (2 medium, peeled and diced) – Use Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best flavor.
• Brown sugar (½ cup / 100 g) – Deep sweetness for the filling.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tsp) – The star spice.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup / 120 g) – For the glaze.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – Adds flavor to the icing.
• Milk (2–3 tbsp) – Thins glaze to drizzle consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the dough (20 minutes): In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, remaining sugar, butter, eggs, and salt. Knead for 8 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise 1 hour.
2. Make apple filling (10 minutes): In a skillet, cook diced apples with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened. Let cool.
3. Shape the rolls (15 minutes): Roll dough into a 14×18-inch rectangle. Spread apple filling evenly. Roll up tightly from the long side. Slice into 12 rolls.
4. Second rise (30 minutes): Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover and let rise until puffy.
5. Bake (25 minutes): Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.
6. Glaze (5 minutes): Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.

You Must Know

• Dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
• Let apples cool before spreading on dough.
• Rolls should double in size before baking.
• Drizzle glaze while rolls are still warm.

Storage Tips

• Store covered at room temperature for 2 days.
• Refrigerate up to 5 days.
• Freeze baked rolls (unglazed) up to 2 months.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Apples: Pears or peaches can be swapped in.
• Flour: Use bread flour for chewier rolls.
• Butter: Margarine works, but flavor will differ.
• Glaze: Swap vanilla for maple or almond extract.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with coffee or tea.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
• Perfect for Thanksgiving breakfast.
• Great addition to fall bake sales.

Cultural Context

Cinnamon rolls have long been a comfort food in American kitchens. Adding apples ties this classic to fall traditions, harvest celebrations, and cozy family moments around the table.

Pro Tips

• Use room-temperature eggs for smoother dough.
• Slice rolls with unflavored dental floss for neat swirls.
• Proof in a slightly warm oven if your kitchen is cool.
• For gooier rolls, underbake by 2 minutes.

Recipe FAQs

Lucy

Apple Cinnamon Roll Recipe

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with spiced apple goodness — the perfect cozy treat for crisp fall mornings, holiday brunches, or sweet autumn gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 rolls

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk, warm
• 2.25 tsp active dry yeast
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–3 tbsp milk (for glaze)

Equipment

• large mixing bowl
• stand mixer or hands for kneading
• Rolling Pin
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• skillet
• spatula

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, remaining sugar, butter, eggs, and salt. Knead for 8 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise 1 hour.
2. In a skillet, cook diced apples with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened. Let cool.
3. Roll dough into a 14×18-inch rectangle. Spread apple filling evenly. Roll up tightly from the long side. Slice into 12 rolls.
4. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover and let rise until puffy, about 30 minutes.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.

Notes

Let apples cool before spreading them on dough. Slice rolls cleanly using unflavored dental floss. Proof in a slightly warm oven for quicker rise. Drizzle the glaze while rolls are still warm for best melt and flavor.

For More Sweet Recipes, Check Out:

• Brioche Donuts with Vanilla Custard Filling
• Pineapple Cheesecake
• Healthy Cheesecake