Introduction To Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
As the crisp autumn air rolls in and leaves start to crunch underfoot, there’s something magical about the smells that come from a warm kitchen. The scent of cinnamon, apples, and brown sugar is enough to make any morning feel like a comforting embrace. Enter: Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls—the ultimate fusion of two timeless favorites. With soft, fluffy dough swirled around a gooey apple pie filling and topped with luscious cream cheese glaze, these rolls deliver everything you love about fall in one irresistible bite.
Imagine waking up to a batch of these warm rolls on a weekend morning, your kitchen filled with the aroma of baked apples and spices. Whether you’re hosting brunch, feeding a crowd during the holidays, or just craving something soul-satisfying, this recipe wraps the joy of fall into every sticky, sweet swirl.
Why This Recipe is a Fall Favorite 🍁
🥰 A Hug in Food Form
Apple pie is comfort. Cinnamon rolls are joy. Together? Pure autumn bliss.
🍏 Made with Real Apples
No canned pie filling here. Fresh apples, caramelized with butter, brown sugar, and spices, create the most delicious center imaginable.
👩🍳 Homemade Dough That’s Actually Easy
Yes, it’s from scratch, but it’s soft, pillowy, and practically foolproof. Bonus: your home will smell like a bakery.
🧁 Topped with Dreamy Cream Cheese Icing
Thick, tangy-sweet, and creamy—the icing melts into every crevice of these warm rolls, elevating them to dessert-level decadence.
🍽️ Perfect for All Occasions
Make them for Thanksgiving breakfast, weekend brunch, cozy mornings, or even as a fall dessert with a scoop of ice cream.
Why You’ll Love These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- 🍎 Cozy, Homemade Flavor – tastes like fall in every bite
- ⏱ Make-Ahead Friendly – dough can rest overnight for fresh morning baking
- 👩👧👦 Family-Approved – kids love the gooey filling and sweet icing
- ❄️ Freezer-Ready – make a double batch and save one for later
- ✨ Beautiful Presentation – ideal for holiday breakfasts and brunch spreads
Ingredients
🍞 For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed (110°F)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, room temperature
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
🍏 For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- Pinch of salt
🧈 For the Cinnamon Sugar Layer:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
🍰 For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin as needed)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Add the melted butter, egg, egg yolk, and whisk to combine.
- Gradually mix in flour, salt, and cinnamon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes (or use a stand mixer with dough hook for 5–7 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
- While the dough rises, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt. Cook until apples are soft (8–10 minutes).
- Stir in cornstarch and cook 2 more minutes to thicken.
- Set aside to cool completely.
Step 3: Cinnamon Sugar Butter
In a small bowl, mix softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon. This buttery layer helps add extra ooey-gooey goodness inside the rolls.
Step 4: Roll & Assemble
- Once dough has risen, punch it down and roll out into a large rectangle (about 10×14 inches).
- Spread the cinnamon sugar butter evenly across the dough.
- Spoon the cooled apple mixture evenly over the buttered surface.
- Roll up tightly, starting from the long edge. Slice into 9–12 equal rolls.
Step 5: Second Rise
Place rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan or round pan. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
Overnight Option: Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let sit at room temp for 30 minutes before baking.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7: Make the Glaze
Whip cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Thin with milk to desired consistency.
Step 8: Frost & Serve
Spread glaze over warm rolls so it melts into the swirls. Serve warm and enjoy!
Variations & Twists
🍁 Maple Glaze Instead of Cream Cheese
Use powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk for a golden fall drizzle.
🥧 Apple-Pecan Rolls
Add chopped toasted pecans with the apple filling for extra crunch.
🍫 Caramel Apple Rolls
Drizzle with caramel sauce instead of icing—or both!
🍯 Healthier Swaps
Use coconut sugar, whole wheat flour, and almond milk to lighten up the recipe.
❄️ Frozen Puff Pastry Shortcut
Don’t want to make dough? Use thawed puff pastry or crescent roll dough for quick apple cinnamon rolls.
Tips for Success
- 🍎 Use firm apples (like Granny Smith) that won’t get mushy when cooked.
- ❄️ Cool the apple filling completely to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
- 🔥 Don’t overbake or they’ll dry out—check at 25 minutes.
- ⏲️ Make ahead by refrigerating before final bake or freezing pre-rolled, unbaked rolls.
- 🧁 For prettier presentation, spoon extra apple pieces on top of each roll before baking.
Serving Suggestions
☕ Breakfast or Brunch:
Serve with coffee, hot apple cider, or a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate cozy moment.
🍦 Dessert:
Warm a roll and top with vanilla bean ice cream and caramel drizzle. Yes, it’s dreamy.
🎁 Gift Idea:
Bake a batch in a disposable pan and wrap with ribbon for a fall neighbor gift!
Storage & Reheating
🧊 Refrigerate:
Store frosted or unfrosted rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🔥 Reheat:
Microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm in oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes.
❄️ Freeze:
Freeze unfrosted rolls tightly wrapped. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before icing and serving.
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- First Rise: 1–1.5 hours
- Cook Apple Filling: 10 minutes
- Assembly & Second Rise: 30–45 minutes
- Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: ~3 hours (or overnight)
Nutritional Information (Per Roll, Approximate)
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 17g
- Carbs: 50g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
Nutrition will vary depending on portion size, ingredients, and glaze.
FAQs
❓ Can I use canned apple pie filling?
You can, but homemade gives you better texture and flavor. If using canned, reduce added sugar.
❓ How do I make them overnight?
Follow recipe through assembly, then cover and refrigerate unbaked rolls overnight. Let sit 30 minutes before baking in the morning.
❓ Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese.
❓ What’s the best pan to use?
A 9×13-inch rectangular dish works great for standard rolls. A round cake pan gives you tighter swirl patterns.
Conclusion
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls aren’t just another breakfast pastry—they’re a love letter to fall. From the gooey apple-spiced center to the pillowy dough and creamy glaze, these rolls offer everything you crave when the leaves turn golden. They bring family together around the breakfast table, they wow guests at brunch, and they fill your kitchen with the scent of nostalgia and joy.
So, grab your favorite cozy sweater, brew a hot cup of cider, and let the magic of these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls make your fall mornings unforgettable.
