Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on two classic favorites rolled into one. Imagine soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls packed with sweet, tender apple pieces and the warm spice of cinnamon, all topped with a smooth glaze. It’s like having the best parts of apple pie and cinnamon rolls in every bite.
I love making these when I want something cozy to share with family or friends. The smell of cinnamon and baked apples filling the kitchen is unbeatable—it instantly makes the house feel warm and inviting. Plus, the gooey filling and soft dough make them totally irresistible. Sometimes, I even sneak little apple bits straight from the bowl while they’re being prepared!
These rolls are perfect fresh out of the oven, especially with a cup of coffee or tea. I find that letting them cool just a bit before glazing helps the icing melt just right over the apples and cinnamon layers. It’s a great treat for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want a comforting sweet snack. Honestly, once you try these, you might find them stealing the spotlight at every holiday or weekend gathering.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour works great for soft, tender rolls. For a lighter texture, try bread flour. If gluten-free is needed, a mix designed for yeast baking can work, but expect a different crumb.
Yeast: Active dry yeast is common and reliable here. Instant yeast can be substituted using slightly less water and no proofing, which saves time.
Apples: Granny Smith gives a nice tart contrast, while Honeycrisp is sweeter and juicier. Use any good baking apple you have on hand—just chop finely so they cook through well.
Butter: Unsalted is best so you can control salt. You can swap with a plant-based butter for dairy-free, it’ll still add richness.
Brown Sugar & Spices: Brown sugar adds moisture and depth. If you only have white sugar, add a teaspoon of molasses to mimic that flavor. Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic apple pie spices, but feel free to add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for a different twist.
Glaze: Simple powdered sugar glaze is easy and sweet. You can make a cream cheese glaze for tang and richness or use maple syrup drizzle for extra flavor.
How Do I Make Soft, Fluffy Rolls with a gooey apple filling?
Success starts with good dough and careful filling prep. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Proof Your Yeast: Warm milk around 110°F and a few minutes lets yeast wake up and ensures good rise.
- Knead Well: Kneading 8-10 minutes develops gluten, which gives the dough structure but keeps it soft. Use a stand mixer for ease.
- First Rise in a Warm Spot: Cover and let the dough double in size. This is key for airy rolls.
- Cook Apple Filling Gently: Softening the apples with butter and spices brings out natural sweetness and prevents soggy rolls.
- Roll & Slice Carefully: Roll dough evenly then cut with a sharp knife or floss for clean edges so rolls bake uniformly.
- Second Rise: After shaping, let rolls puff up again—this gives that light texture after baking.
- Bake and Glaze: Don’t rush rolling out or shaping; a little patience leads to better texture. After baking, a short cool lets glaze sit nicely without melting away.
Following these tips will help you create apple pie cinnamon rolls that are soft, flavorful, and perfectly gooey inside. Enjoy making and sharing these warm treats!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for combining and rising the dough comfortably.
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional) – saves time kneading and ensures a smooth dough.
- Rolling pin – helps you roll the dough evenly into a rectangle for easy filling and rolling.
- Skillet or saucepan – to cook the apple filling and soften the apples with spices.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – holds the cinnamon rolls snugly so they bake evenly and rise nicely.
- Sharp knife or unwaxed dental floss – for clean cuts without squishing the rolls when slicing.
- Whisk – for mixing the glaze smoothly without lumps.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts in the apple filling or on top for crunch and nuttiness.
- Stir raisins or dried cranberries into the apple mixture for a chewy, tart contrast.
- Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or add a pinch of ground ginger for a cozy autumn twist.
- Use cream cheese glaze instead of simple sugar glaze for a tangy, richer topping.
How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (to prevent browning)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 2.5 to 3 hours total. The dough needs 1 to 1.5 hours for the first rise, then 30-45 minutes for the second rise after shaping. You’ll spend roughly 30 minutes preparing the dough, apple filling, assembling, and baking. Allow extra time for cooling and glazing.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
Start by dissolving the yeast in the warm milk in a small bowl. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes, until you see bubbles forming on the surface—that means the yeast is active.
In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough comes together, then knead it on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can use it to make kneading easier.
Put the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and leave it in a warm place to rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
While the dough is rising, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and become tender—about 8 to 10 minutes. Set the filling aside to cool.
3. Assemble and Bake:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 16 by 12 inches.
Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 9 to 12 equal pieces, about 1.5 inches wide.
Place the rolls cut side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover the dish loosely and let the rolls rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffed up.
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Glaze and Serve:
While the rolls bake, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
Take the rolls out of the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls, and if you like, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top.
Enjoy the warm, comforting taste of apple pie cinnamon rolls with your family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Filling?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to prevent excess moisture from making the rolls soggy. Cook them gently to remove extra liquid before spreading on the dough.
Can I Prepare the Dough or Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge for a slower, cold fermentation that improves flavor. Alternatively, assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate them overnight before baking the next day.
How Should I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To refresh, warm rolls slightly in the microwave or oven before serving.
Can I Substitute the Milk in the Dough?
Yes, you can use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk warmed to the right temperature. Just ensure it’s not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
