Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls swirled with spiced apple pie filling and crowned with a creamy cream cheese frosting—this dessert is the ultimate mashup of two American classics. With a tender yeast dough, warm cinnamon-sugar layers, and juicy apple filling (homemade or canned), these sticky buns bake up golden and fragrant, then finish with a drizzle that makes them impossible to resist. Perfect for holidays, brunch, or whenever you want to turn breakfast into an event.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another cinnamon roll—it’s autumn on a plate. Inspired by flaky bakery pastries and grandma’s apple pie, this version combines the best of both worlds: fluffy homemade dough rolled around tender, cinnamon-kissed apples, then baked until gooey and topped with a tangy-sweet cream cheese glaze. Whether you use store-bought pie filling or make your own, it’s comfort food elevated.

Perfect for:

• Holiday mornings and weekend brunches
• Potlucks, bake sales, or gift-giving
• Fans of apple crisp, sticky buns, or pull-apart breads
• Making memories in the kitchen

Ingredients

For the Sweet Yeast Dough

• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F (45°C)
• 2½ tsp (7g) instant yeast (not active dry)
• ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 large egg, lightly whisked
• 3½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ¼ tsp salt
• Cooking oil spray (for greasing bowl and rise)

For the Apple Pie Filling

Choose one option below:

Option 1: Quick & Easy – Canned Filling

• 1 (21 oz / 600g) can apple pie filling

Option 2: Homemade – Fresh & Flavorful

• 5 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn), peeled, cored, diced
• ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional but recommended)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 2 oz (60g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp (15ml) milk
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted (add more/less to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl:

• Combine warm milk, yeast, 2 tbsp sugar, and 2 tbsp melted butter.
• Stir gently and let sit 10 minutes until foamy and fragrant—this means the yeast is alive!

2. Make the Dough

To the yeast mixture:

• Add whisked egg, remaining sugar, melted butter, flour, and salt.
• Mix with a wooden spoon or stand mixer until a shaggy dough forms.

Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 1–2 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

3. First Rise

• Lightly coat a large bowl with cooking oil spray.
• Place dough inside, turning to coat.
• Cover with a damp towel.

Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C), then turn it off.
Place covered bowl inside and let rise 30 minutes.

Punch down dough, cover again, and return to warm oven for another 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.

4. Prepare the Apple Filling

If using homemade filling:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine diced apples, sugar, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla.
• Simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft but not mushy.
• Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Set aside to thicken while rolling dough.

5. Roll Out & Fill

On a floured surface:

• Roll risen dough into a 21×14-inch rectangle (~¼ inch thick).
• Brush evenly with 2 tbsp melted butter.
• Sprinkle with ¾ cup brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon.
• Spread cooled apple pie filling evenly over the top, leaving a ½-inch border.

6. Roll & Cut

Starting at the long edge:

• Roll dough tightly into a log, pinching seam closed.
• Use dental floss or unflavored floss to slice into 12 equal pieces (cleaner than knife).

7. Second Rise

• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
• Arrange rolls cut-side up, snug together.
• Cover with damp towel and let rise in warm place 30 minutes, until puffy.

8. Bake to Golden Perfection

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Uncover rolls and bake 35–40 minutes, until:
  • Tops are light golden brown
  • Centers are cooked through
  • Internal temp reaches ~190°F

Let cool 10–15 minutes before frosting.

9. Make & Drizzle Frosting

In a bowl:

• Beat softened cream cheese, butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
• Gradually beat in powdered sugar until creamy and spreadable.

Drizzle or spread over warm rolls.

Serve slightly warm.

You Must Know

• Use instant yeast —no proofing needed; works faster than active dry.
• Warm milk is key —too cold = no rise, too hot = dead yeast.
• Roll tightly —prevents gaps in swirls.
• Tastes better the next day! Reheats well in toaster oven.
• Freezer-friendly —cool completely and freeze before or after baking.

Storage Tips

• Store frosted rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in oven at 325°F for 10–12 minutes (best texture). Microwave works but may soften crust.
• Freeze unfrosted rolls up to 3 months —thaw and reheat when ready.

Ingredient Substitutions

Serving Suggestions

• Serve family-style on a cake stand with candles.
• Great for potlucks—bring the whole pan!
• Double the batch and freeze half for future celebrations.
• Pair with coffee, tea, or apple cider.

Cultural Context

Rooted in American holiday traditions and European pastry techniques, this recipe celebrates how creativity turns classics into something new. Found at Thanksgiving tables, church suppers, and inventive kitchens alike, it honors the joy of sharing food made with love.

Pro Tips

• Double the recipe? Yes—perfect for feeding a crowd. Use two pans.
• Want more spice? Add nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to the filling.
• Make ahead: Assemble unbaked rolls and refrigerate overnight. Let rise and bake in the morning.
• Label your dish: People will ask for the recipe.
• Say “ready?” before serving —it’s part of the ritual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead?
A: Yes—but dissolve in warm milk and let bloom 5–10 mins before adding other ingredients.

Q: Why did my rolls turn out dense?
A: Likely under-risen or too much flour. Measure accurately and ensure full rise time.

Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Only if using certified GF flour blend.

Q: Can I make them ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate unbaked rolls overnight. Let rise and bake in the morning.

Q: Can I air fry individual portions?
A: Yes! Air fry at 350°F for 6–8 mins, covering with foil if browning too fast.

Allergy Information

Contains: dairy (milk, butter, cream cheese), eggs, wheat.
Gluten-free option: Use certified GF flour.
Nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut-free.
Always check labels—especially on processed ingredients and extracts.

Nutrition Facts (Per Roll – Approximate)

Based on 12 servings (with frosting)

• Calories: 340
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 28g
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 280mg

These rolls don’t whisper. They emerge golden from the oven, fragrant and inviting, saying everything a great treat should: “Pull me apart. Share me. This is good.” That’s how the best ones begin—not with silence, but with apple, artistry, and someone who says, “Let’s make it together.”