There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of warm, freshly baked treats. These easy homemade apple pie cinnamon rolls bring together the comforting flavors of classic apple pie and the soft, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls into one irresistible sweet treat. If you love cinnamon rolls and apple pie, you’re going to adore this recipe.
With tender dough, a spiced apple filling, and a luscious cinnamon glaze, these apple pie cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert. Plus, they’re easier to make than you might think, so you can enjoy a homemade bakery-quality treat right in your own kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Combines the best flavors of apple pie and cinnamon rolls in one delicious treat.
- Soft, fluffy dough with a perfectly spiced apple filling.
- Quick and simple enough for beginner bakers.
- Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert any time of year.
- Can be made ahead and reheated without losing freshness.
Ingredients
Gather fresh ingredients to create the perfect balance of soft dough and sweet apple filling.
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Apple Pie Filling
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Cinnamon Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including rising time)
- Servings: 9 rolls
- Calories: Approximately 320 per roll
How to Make Easy Homemade Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls – The Best Sweet Treat Ever!
- In a small bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and stir gently. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, prepare the apple filling. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for 5 minutes until the apples are tender. Stir in cornstarch and cook 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 15x10 inch rectangle. Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Starting from the longer edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut into 9 equal slices and place them cut-side up in a greased 9-inch round or square baking pan.
- Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- For the cinnamon glaze, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to reach a drizzleable consistency. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
- If your dough is sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time while kneading to avoid tough rolls.
- Cover the rolls with plastic wrap during rising to keep the dough moist and prevent drying out.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on the apple filling before rolling.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover apple pie cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. To keep longer, wrap the rolls tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat refrigerated or frozen rolls in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warm. You can also microwave individual rolls for 20-30 seconds, but the oven method keeps them soft and fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-made cinnamon roll dough for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute store-bought cinnamon roll dough to save time. Just add the apple filling before rolling and baking as directed for a quick twist on traditional cinnamon rolls.
What type of apples work best for these cinnamon rolls?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold up well during cooking and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness that complements the cinnamon sugar perfectly.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring them to room temperature before baking for fresh, fluffy rolls in the morning.
How can I make the glaze dairy-free?
To make the cinnamon glaze dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese and butter with coconut cream and vegan butter or margarine. Adjust the consistency with plant-based milk as needed.