Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is one of those sweet treats that feels like a warm hug in pastry form. If you’ve ever wondered how to get that perfect balance of soft dough, gooey cinnamon, and just the right hint of apple, you’re in the right place. I’ve been baking these for years, and I’m excited to share what works best.

Why You Should Try Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Honestly, who doesn’t love cinnamon rolls? Adding apples takes them to a whole new level. The fruit adds moisture and a fresh, slightly tart flavor that cuts through the sweetness. Plus, the aroma while baking? Absolutely unbeatable. I find these rolls perfect for lazy weekend mornings or when you need a little pick-me-up with your coffee.

Variations I’ve Tried And Loved

I’ve experimented with a few twists over time. Sometimes I swap out the apples for pears or add chopped nuts for extra crunch. One time, I tossed in some raisins, and while it wasn’t my favorite, my friends loved it. If you want a gooey center, sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar in the middle. Or drizzle cream cheese glaze on top for a richer finish.

Adaly Kandice

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Delicious homemade apple cinnamon rolls with a soft dough filled with cinnamon-spiced apples, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 360

Ingredients

  

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups peeled and chopped apples
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

 

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and yeast mixture.
3. Gradually add flour and knead until soft dough forms.
4. Cover dough and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
3. Spread softened butter over the dough.
4. Mix chopped apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
5. Roll up the dough tightly from one long edge to the other.
6. Cut into 8 equal slices and place on a greased baking pan.
7. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

1. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make glaze.
2. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh apples that aren't too watery. You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar if preferred. The glaze is optional but adds extra sweetness and moisture.

Serving The Apple Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls taste amazing fresh out of the oven, but I also enjoy them warmed up with a little cream cheese frosting or simple powdered sugar glaze. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or chai tea. For a brunch twist, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit.

Helpful Tips for Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

• Use room temperature ingredients; it helps the dough rise better.
• Don’t skip the second rise after shaping the rolls it makes a huge difference in fluffiness.
• If your apples are very juicy, pat them dry with a paper towel to avoid soggy dough.
• For even baking, slice the rolls to roughly the same size.
• If you want to prep ahead, assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning.

Leftovers and Storage

These rolls keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to save them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for a month. When reheating, I microwave them for about 20 seconds or warm them in the oven wrapped in foil to keep them soft.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using water that’s too hot can kill the yeast. Aim for warm, not scalding.
• Overfilling with apples can make the dough soggy and hard to roll.
• Skipping the second rise leads to dense rolls that don’t fluff up.
• Not kneading the dough enough means it won’t develop the right texture.
• Baking at too high a temperature can brown the rolls too fast on the outside while leaving the inside doughy.

Nutrition Informations (per serving)

• Calories: 360 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 18 g