There is something utterly irresistible about waking up to the warm, fragrant aroma of freshly baked apple cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen. This Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a wonderful way to combine tender, fluffy dough with a sweet, spiced apple filling, all drizzled with a luscious vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or an indulgent dessert, these rolls bring comfort and joy in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just diving into the world of homemade treats, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple you’ll reach for time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of texture and flavor, from buttery dough to the sparkling apple filling and the sweet finish of the glaze.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure and that perfect chewy softness.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast: Helps the dough rise beautifully, creating airy, tender rolls.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the dough itself.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warm: Activates the yeast and contributes to the dough’s richness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create that tender crumb.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and enriches the dough.
- 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples: The star of the filling, offering a fresh, tangy sweetness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness that perfectly complements the apples.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Essential spice that fills each bite with cozy warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty heat, enhancing the spice blend.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Makes the filling luxuriously smooth and helps it meld into the dough.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Makes the glaze irresistibly sweet and smooth.
- 2–3 tablespoons milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the glaze with a lovely aromatic touch.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast—which is the secret behind that light, fluffy dough. Then, add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Stir everything until a soft dough forms, then knead by hand or with a dough hook for about 6 to 8 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic, which means it’s ready. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and set it somewhere warm to rise until it has doubled in size—usually about an hour. This waiting time is where the dough gets all its charming fluffiness.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
While the dough is rising, prep your flavorful filling. Combine the finely chopped peeled apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mixture will fill your rolls with spicy, sweet bites that burst with apple goodness, making the rolls come alive with every mouthful.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough and Add Filling
Once your dough has doubled in size, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a 10×16-inch rectangle, which is just the right size to hold all the delicious filling without being too thick or too thin. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the apple mixture on top. This layering ensures every slice will have that perfect filling-to-dough ratio.
Step 4: Shape and Proof the Rolls
Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log. Try to roll it snugly, but not too tight—just enough to hold all the filling inside. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal rounds. Place these rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them in neat rows. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again, this time for 30 to 40 minutes, until they’ve puffed up beautifully and are ready for baking.
Step 5: Bake and Glaze
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the apple cinnamon rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown on top. While they’re cooling just a little, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the warm rolls to finish them off with a sweet, glossy touch that melts right in your mouth.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your apple cinnamon rolls with some simple garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft rolls. If you’re in the mood for something extra cozy, a dusting of cinnamon powder or a few tiny apple slices on top of the glaze can create an inviting, rustic look.
Side Dishes
These rolls are perfect on their own but pair wonderfully with warm beverages like freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or even a rich hot chocolate. For a more filling breakfast, consider serving alongside crispy bacon or a fresh fruit salad to balance sweetness with savory or bright flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your apple cinnamon rolls in individual ramekins for personal portions or arrange them on a pretty platter garnished with fresh mint leaves. If you’re hosting brunch, you can drizzle the glaze just before serving so everyone gets that fresh, melt-in-your-mouth experience with perfectly warm rolls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your apple cinnamon rolls will keep well when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain their fresh-from-the-oven texture, warm them slightly before serving, which helps revive their soft, fluffy appeal.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these rolls in advance, you can freeze them at two stages: either after you shape them and before the second rise or after baking and cooling completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. When ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To bring your rolls back to life, microwave individual portions for 20 to 30 seconds until warm, or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. A quick reheat ensures they’re soft and gooey again, almost like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice balance against the sweetness, you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala depending on your taste preference. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples might make the filling more sugary.
Is instant yeast necessary, or can I use active dry yeast?
You can use active dry yeast, but you will need to dissolve it in warm milk and let it activate for 5 to 10 minutes before mixing it with the other ingredients. Instant yeast is convenient as you can mix it directly into the dry ingredients.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and springs back slowly when you gently poke it with your finger. If it deflates quickly, it needs more rising time.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
Yes! Substitute the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, replace the butter with vegan margarine, and use a flax egg instead of the chicken egg. The texture might vary slightly but the warm apple spice flavor will still shine through.
What can I do if I don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish?
You can use any similarly sized oven-safe dish, or even a round cake pan. Just make sure to space the rolls slightly apart if your pan is smaller, as they need room to expand during the second rise and baking.
Final Thoughts
You can never go wrong with a batch of warm, gooey apple cinnamon rolls, and this Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is the perfect one to make at home and share with those you love. The balance of soft dough, fragrant apple spice, and sweet glaze creates a comforting experience that’s both nostalgic and fresh. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy these heavenly rolls that will soon become a cherished favorite for breakfast or any time you crave a sweet treat!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, featuring a delicious apple filling spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Soft, fluffy, and drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze, they make a perfect fall breakfast or dessert treat.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup whole milk (warm)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling: While the dough rises, combine the peeled and finely chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl until evenly mixed.
- Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 10×16-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the apple mixture across the surface. Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a log and slice it into 12 even rolls. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for another 30–40 minutes until they look puffy.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Glaze and Serve: While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls just before serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast.
- These rolls are best enjoyed warm but can be reheated briefly in the microwave.
- To make ahead, complete up to the second rise and refrigerate overnight; bake the next day.
