Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
If you’re craving a treat that wraps up the comfort of home-baked bread, the sweetness of apples, and the cozy aroma of cinnamon into one irresistible bite, you’ve landed in the right place. These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are pure magic: tender, fluffy spirals packed with juicy apple bits and cinnamon sugar, all finished with a dreamy vanilla glaze. Whether you’re planning a special brunch or just want an excuse to warm up your kitchen, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite for family and friends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Apple Cinnamon Rolls is how every ingredient plays a role, from creating that pillowy dough to infusing each bite with layers of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you shouldn’t skip a single one:
- Active dry yeast: The secret to that signature rise and airy, bakery-style texture.
- Warm milk (110°F/43°C): Activates the yeast and ensures your dough is soft and supple.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the dough and feeds the yeast for a perfect rise.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Gives the dough richness and tenderness throughout.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens all the flavors.
- Large egg: Binds the dough together and adds structure and softness.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together while staying light.
- Apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped: The juicy star of the show, adding pockets of sweet-tart flavor.
- Brown sugar: Used in the filling for caramel notes that pair perfectly with apples.
- Ground cinnamon: The heart of every cinnamon roll—warm, fragrant, and comforting.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Spreads easily for the filling, bringing everything together in each swirl.
- Powdered sugar: Creates a luscious, smooth glaze to finish things off beautifully.
- Milk (for glaze): Helps adjust the consistency of your glaze to perfection.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of creamy, aromatic depth to the glaze.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by dissolving your active dry yeast in warm milk with just a pinch of sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until it’s foamy and bubbly on top. This step is your guarantee that the yeast is alive and ready to make your Apple Cinnamon Rolls rise sky-high.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour, granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, egg, and the foamy yeast mixture. Mix everything together until it starts to form a shaggy dough, then knead by hand (or with a mixer and dough hook) for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth, elastic dough that feels soft but not sticky. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, until it’s doubled in size and looks puffy.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While your dough is rising, take a moment to prep your filling. Peel, core, and finely chop your apples—they’ll be tucked inside each roll for bursts of flavor. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. If you want to get fancy, sauté the chopped apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar for a few minutes in a skillet to deepen their flavor, but raw apples work beautifully too.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Once your dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll it into a rectangle, about 12×8 inches. Spread the softened butter all over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly on top. Scatter the chopped apples over everything. Starting from one of the long edges, roll the dough up tightly into a log, sealing the seam underneath. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 9 even rolls.
Step 5: Second Rise and Bake
Arrange your cut rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them to allow for expansion. Cover and let them rise again for 20 to 30 minutes, until they’re noticeably puffier. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown and the kitchen smells absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
While the rolls are still warm from the oven, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle it generously over the tops so it melts into all the nooks and crannies. Serve your Apple Cinnamon Rolls warm for the ultimate treat.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, try a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a handful of finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts. A few thin apple slices fanned over the top add a touch of elegance and let everyone know what’s inside.
Side Dishes
Apple Cinnamon Rolls are delightful on their own, but if you’re serving brunch, pair them with fresh fruit salad, creamy Greek yogurt, or scrambled eggs for a heartier spread. A hot cup of coffee, chai, or spiced apple cider rounds out the cozy experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re making these Apple Cinnamon Rolls for a special occasion, stack them on a cake stand and drizzle extra glaze for a show-stopping centerpiece. For a fun twist, bake them in a cast-iron skillet for rustic charm, or portion them into muffin tins for individual rolls with perfectly caramelized edges.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any rolls left (which is rare!), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days. They stay soft and delicious, especially if you let them come to room temperature or give them a quick warm-up before serving.
Freezing
These Apple Cinnamon Rolls freeze beautifully. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze them without the glaze, then add it fresh after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop a roll in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm a whole pan in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Add a fresh drizzle of glaze if desired, and enjoy that just-baked flavor all over again.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! Just skip the proofing step and mix instant yeast directly into your dry ingredients. The rise time may be a bit shorter, so keep an eye on your dough as it doubles in size.
What are the best apples to use for Apple Cinnamon Rolls?
Choose apples that hold their shape and offer a balance of sweet and tart flavor, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Avoid overly soft varieties, which can turn mushy during baking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough up to the first rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let it come to room temperature, shape your rolls, and continue with the recipe as directed.
How can I make these Apple Cinnamon Rolls vegan?
Swap out the dairy milk and butter for plant-based alternatives and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg. The texture and flavor will still be wonderful.
Why did my rolls turn out dense?
This usually happens if the dough wasn’t kneaded long enough, didn’t rise fully, or if too much flour was added. Make sure your yeast is active and your dough is soft and elastic for the fluffiest rolls.
Final Thoughts
With their swirls of cinnamon, tender apple bits, and sweet glaze, these Apple Cinnamon Rolls are the kind of treat that brings people together and makes any morning feel special. I hope you give this recipe a try—your kitchen will smell amazing, and you just might find yourself making these again and again!
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Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 9 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls featuring a soft yeast dough filled with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples, topped with a luscious vanilla glaze. Perfect as a comforting breakfast treat or a cozy dessert, these rolls combine the warm flavors of autumn with a tender, fluffy texture.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk along with a pinch of granulated sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg. Add the activated yeast mixture and knead the ingredients together for about 8–10 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
- First Rise: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: As the dough rises, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Filling & Roll Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12×8 inch rectangle. Spread the softened unsalted butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped apples evenly on top.
- Form Rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 9 equal rolls.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and allow them to rise for another 20–30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
- Make Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and drizzle-able.
- Finish & Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and drizzle the glaze over them while they are still warm. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, sauté the chopped apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a bit of sugar before spreading them on the dough.
- Serve these rolls warm to enjoy their soft texture and sweet aroma.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
