Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls combine two of the most beloved fall desserts into one decadent treat. The soft, homemade dough is filled with warm, spiced apples and brown sugar, then topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting. They’re baked to golden perfection and make for an irresistible dessert or breakfast that everyone will love. With the comforting flavors of apple pie wrapped in the familiar goodness of cinnamon rolls, this recipe will quickly become a fall favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect fusion of two delicious desserts. The soft, pillowy dough contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced apple filling, while the cream cheese frosting adds a sweet and tangy finish. The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and apples gives the rolls a comforting, nostalgic flavor, perfect for cozy mornings, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want to treat yourself. These rolls are easy to make, but they taste like a bakery-quality indulgence.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• ¾ cup milk

• ¼ cup apple cider (or juice if cider is not available)

• 1 package instant rise yeast

• ¼ cup granulated sugar, divided

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon table salt

For the filling:

• 3 cups Granny Smith apples, finely chopped

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

For the frosting:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

• 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature

• 2 tablespoons milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk and apple cider to 110°F over medium-low heat. Pour the mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer with the hook attachment.

2. Add 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar and the yeast package. Let the mixture sit until it starts to foam, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the remaining sugar, softened butter, and egg. Mix on low speed for about 1 minute.

4. Add the flour and salt, and mix until the dough comes together, about 2-3 minutes.

5. Continue to mix and knead for another 5 minutes. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not stick to the sides of the bowl. If the dough is too sticky, add 1 teaspoon of flour.

6. Remove the dough from the bowl and shape it into a ball. Place it in a large bowl lightly oiled with no more than 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about 1 ½ to 2 hours.

7. Grease the bottom of a large cast iron skillet or a 9×13-inch baking dish.

8. Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a 12” x 18” rectangle, about ½-inch thick.

9. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped apples. Set aside.

10. Spread the softened butter over the dough and then top with the apple-sugar mixture, leaving a small amount of space along the long edge of the dough to start the roll.

11. Starting from the long edge, carefully roll up the dough into a tight log, sealing the edge at the end. Slice the dough into 12 even pieces.

12. Place the rolls in the prepared skillet or baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).

13. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.

14. While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth and creamy.

15. Once the rolls are done, let them cool for 5 minutes before drizzling with the frosting.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

• Servings: 12 rolls

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warm and gooey again. The rolls can also be frozen for up to 1 month; just reheat from frozen.

FAQs

1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough the night before. After it rises, cover it and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out, filling, and baking as usual.

2. Can I use a different type of apple?

Granny Smith apples are recommended because they hold up well during baking and provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the brown sugar. However, you can substitute them with other apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji for a sweeter taste.

3. Can I make these rolls without the cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you can skip the frosting or replace it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Alternatively, you can drizzle a bit of caramel sauce on top for a different flavor.

4. Can I use store-bought dough?

While homemade dough provides the best flavor and texture, you can use store-bought pizza or cinnamon roll dough as a shortcut. Just make sure to adjust the filling and baking time accordingly.

5. How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?

Ensure the filling mixture is evenly distributed and not too wet. Also, make sure the rolls rise in the oven properly to allow the dough to firm up and not get soggy.

6. Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the dough gluten-free. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum to help with the texture.

7. Can I freeze these rolls before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked rolls. After rolling them up, place them on a baking sheet, freeze them individually, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual.

8. Can I use other fruits in the filling?

Absolutely! While apples are classic, you can use other fruits like pears, peaches, or even berries for a unique twist.

9. How do I make sure the rolls rise properly?

Make sure the dough is in a warm environment during the rising period. You can place it in the oven with the light on or near a warm stovetop to create the right conditions for rising.

10. Can I reduce the sugar in the filling?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar in the filling, but be careful not to cut it too much, as the sweetness of the apples and brown sugar is key to achieving that comforting apple pie flavor.

Conclusion

These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a perfect combination of fall flavors in a soft, warm, and gooey treat. With tender dough, sweet cinnamon apples, and creamy frosting, they are sure to become a favorite dessert or breakfast treat. Whether served fresh out of the oven or as leftovers (if there are any!), they offer a delightful taste of autumn all year round!

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