If you’re looking for the coziest way to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas, Apple Cinnamon Rolls are about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine pillowy-soft rolls swirled with sweet-tart apples and warm cinnamon, all topped with a silky glaze that melts into every crevice. Whether you bake them up for a special breakfast, a comforting dessert, or a fall brunch, these Apple Cinnamon Rolls deliver pure comfort and joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients each play a starring role in making your Apple Cinnamon Rolls shine. Every element—from the apples to the cinnamon—contributes to the taste, texture, and beautiful golden color that make these rolls irresistible.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for soft, pillowy dough that bakes up perfectly tender.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the dough.
- Instant yeast: The secret to a light, fluffy rise that gives the rolls their signature softness.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Warm milk (110°F): Activates the yeast and brings richness to the dough.
- Unsalted butter (melted + softened): Adds richness to the dough and helps create a gooey, buttery swirl.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and gives it a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a lovely warmth and depth to both the dough and glaze.
- Finely chopped peeled apples (such as Granny Smith): The star of the show—choose tart, firm apples for the best flavor and texture.
- Brown sugar: Gives the filling a caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with apples and cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for that classic cinnamon roll aroma and spicy warmth.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the apple filling so it’s never runny, just perfectly gooey.
- Powdered sugar: The base for a dreamy, pourable glaze.
- Milk: Helps create a silky-smooth glaze to drizzle over the warm rolls.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Start by combining the flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk everything together so the yeast is evenly distributed. Then pour in your warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until a shaggy dough forms—it’s going to look a bit messy, but that’s perfect at this stage!
Step 2: Knead Until Smooth
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth, stretchy, and elastic. This step is crucial for developing the structure that gives Apple Cinnamon Rolls their signature soft texture. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle on a bit more flour as you go.
Step 3: Let It Rise
Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and set it in a warm spot. Let it rise for about an hour, or until doubled in size. This is when the magic happens and your rolls develop their light, airy crumb.
Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling
While the dough rises, stir together the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch in a small bowl. The cornstarch will help the filling thicken up as it bakes, so you get gooey apples instead of a runny mess. The aroma at this stage is already amazing!
Step 5: Shape and Fill the Dough
Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down and roll it out into a 12×9-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the apple cinnamon mixture all over, making sure you get filling into every corner. This layering is what gives every bite loads of flavor.
Step 6: Roll and Slice
Starting from the long edge, roll up the dough tightly into a log. This helps keep all that delicious filling tucked inside. Slice the log into nine even pieces—use a sharp knife or even unflavored dental floss for the cleanest cuts—and arrange them in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
Step 7: The Second Rise
Cover the rolls loosely and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise ensures your Apple Cinnamon Rolls will bake up fluffy and light, with beautiful swirls of apple and cinnamon in every roll.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once your rolls are puffed and ready, bake them for 25 to 30 minutes until they’re golden brown on top and your kitchen smells like pure autumn bliss. Let them cool just slightly before adding the glaze.
Step 9: Glaze and Serve
While the rolls are still warm, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle it generously over the top, letting it seep into all the nooks and crannies. The glaze melts into the warm rolls, making every bite extra special.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle your Apple Cinnamon Rolls with a little extra cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, try a few toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for ultimate indulgence.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a mug of hot apple cider, rich coffee, or a creamy chai latte for the perfect breakfast or brunch spread. If you’re serving them for dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side takes things to a whole new level of comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls straight from the baking dish for that cozy, homemade vibe, or arrange them on a pretty platter for a brunch buffet. For special occasions, stack them into a “roll tower” or place each roll in a cupcake liner for easy grab-and-go treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Apple Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, pop them in the fridge—they’ll keep well for up to five days. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully! Once completely cool, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or let them sit on the counter for a few hours.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked magic, reheat Apple Cinnamon Rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for about 8 minutes. Add a little extra glaze after reheating for an irresistible, bakery-fresh finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast, Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are classic for their tartness and firm texture, you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn for a sweeter or milder flavor. Just be sure to choose apples that hold their shape during baking.
Can I make Apple Cinnamon Rolls the night before?
Yes! Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can substitute active dry yeast—just dissolve it in the warm milk for about five minutes before adding it to the dry ingredients. Your rise times may be a bit longer, so keep an eye on the dough.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Certainly! Swap the milk for your favorite plant-based alternative and use dairy-free butter. The rolls will still bake up soft and delicious, and the apple cinnamon flavors will shine through.
How can I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Be sure to roll the dough tightly and pinch the seam closed before slicing. The cornstarch in the filling also helps to thicken any juices, keeping more of that gooey apple goodness inside each roll.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warm, sweet aroma of homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls filling your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy morning, these rolls are guaranteed to bring smiles and comfort. Give them a try—you’ll fall in love with every gooey, cinnamon-swirled bite!
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Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft, homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls featuring a tender dough filled with a spiced apple mixture, baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a comforting dessert, these rolls combine the tartness of Granny Smith apples with the warm aroma of cinnamon for a classic fall treat.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped peeled apples (such as Granny Smith)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (softened)
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract, then mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, in a small bowl, combine the finely chopped peeled apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×9-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the apple cinnamon mixture evenly on top.
- Form the Rolls: Starting from one of the long edges, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Slice the roll into 9 even pieces and arrange them in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the baking dish and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top and are cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls right after taking them out of the oven. Serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tart flavor and firm texture, which hold up well during baking.
- The rolls can be prepared ahead of time, then refrigerated overnight before baking for convenience.
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, when mixing to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- For softer rolls, cover them with a damp cloth during rising to prevent drying out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
