There’s something universally comforting about the scent of cinnamon and apples wafting through the kitchen. Growing up in an Italian-American home, our traditional baking leaned toward biscotti and crostata, but every once in a while, my grandmother would surprise us with a batch of gooey, golden cinnamon rolls—stuffed with spiced apples, reminiscent of a slice of warm apple pie. These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a nostalgic blend of two American favorites, perfect for a chilly winter morning or a breezy summer brunch.
In this article, I’ll guide you through every step of crafting these pillowy, sweet rolls from scratch, share storage tips, flavor variations, and a few baking secrets from my family kitchen to yours.
Why You’ll Love These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- 🍎 Combines the flavor of apple pie and cinnamon rolls in one irresistible bite
- 🍂 Perfect for summer and winter—light enough for a summer brunch, cozy enough for a holiday morning
- 🥄 Made from scratch with real ingredients and no shortcuts
- 👩🍳 Easy to customize with gluten-free or vegan options
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup whole milk, warmed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Cinnamon Sugar Spread:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Add eggs, melted butter, and salt. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add flour and knead (by hand or using a dough hook) for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Apple Pie Filling
While the dough is rising:
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring often, until apples are softened and mixture is syrupy.
- Let cool completely.
3. Roll and Fill the Dough
- Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Distribute the apple pie filling evenly over the dough.
4. Roll Up and Slice
- Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long edge.
- Slice into 7 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving space between them.
- Cover and let rise for another 30–40 minutes.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and cool slightly before frosting.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat together cream cheese and butter until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk.
- Spread over warm rolls for a decadent finish.
Tips for the Best Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
- Don’t overfill: Too much filling makes rolling messy and baking uneven.
- Room temperature ingredients ensure better dough consistency.
- Make-ahead tip: Assemble rolls the night before and refrigerate. Let rise in the morning before baking.
Variations to Try
- Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce before serving.
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix (check that it’s designed for yeast baking).
- Vegan Twist: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a cashew cream frosting.
Storage & Reheating
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 5 days.
- Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before icing.
- Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a warm oven until soft.
Perfect Pairings
- Serve with a hot spiced chai latte or a vanilla cold brew for contrast.
- Pairs beautifully with a light fruit salad in summer or maple-glazed bacon in winter.
Reader Favorite: Sunday Brunch Showstopper
These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls have become a Sunday brunch staple in my kitchen. Whether it’s a snowy weekend or a garden brunch, their cozy, comforting aroma always brings people together. I’ve even gifted trays of these to neighbors—always with requests for the recipe afterward!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, but homemade dough is softer and more flavorful.
Can I make them without eggs?
Yes, substitute with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce per egg.
Do I have to use cream cheese frosting?
Not at all! A vanilla glaze or powdered sugar dusting also works.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re embracing a chilly winter morning or hosting a sunny weekend brunch, these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls offer a delicious twist on tradition. They’re warm, sweet, and satisfyingly sticky—in all the right ways. If you try this recipe, don’t forget to share your version with us in the comments below. Did you add pecans? Try it vegan? I’d love to hear how it turned out!