Name: Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls - Fluffy Rolls with Apple Filling
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet); ½ tsp salt; ½ cup whole milk, warmed; ¼ cup unsalted vegan butter or regular butter, melted; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 medium apples, peeled and diced; ¼ cup brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2-3 tsp milk or plant-based milk to thin

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Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Apple pie cinnamon rolls are the ultimate cozy fall treat, combining the warm, comforting flavors of classic apple pie with the soft, pillowy texture of homemade cinnamon rolls. Imagine biting into a golden, baked roll filled with sweet, spiced apple filling that melts in your mouth, with a subtle cinnamon aroma lingering in the air. These rolls are indulgent yet approachable, making them a favorite for weekend breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or a comforting dessert after dinner.

More Hearty Desserts

What makes apple pie cinnamon rolls truly special is their layered texture and flavor. The tender dough rises into fluffy perfection while the apple filling remains soft but slightly caramelized, creating a balance of sweetness and spice. The light drizzle of lemon vanilla glaze on top adds a gentle brightness that complements the warm cinnamon and apple notes. Every bite is a combination of soft, gooey, and slightly crisp textures that delight the senses and make this baked treat irresistible to both adults and children.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple pie cinnamon rolls recipe is designed for both flavor and ease. Using tried-and-true techniques for soft, airy dough ensures consistent results every time, while the simple homemade apple filling brings a fresh, fruity sweetness that feels indulgent without being overpowering. The combination of cinnamon spice, tender apples, and a hint of lemon vanilla glaze creates a complex, layered flavor that is surprisingly simple to achieve at home.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. These cinnamon rolls are perfect for cozy fall mornings, but they also work beautifully as a dessert for dinner parties or holiday gatherings. The recipe is approachable for home bakers of all skill levels, and the results rival bakery-quality rolls. You can prepare them ahead of time, freeze them for later, or serve fresh out of the oven for a warm, comforting experience. Each element, from the apple filling to the fluffy dough and finishing glaze, is balanced to ensure maximum flavor, aroma, and visual appeal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Dough Rising Time: 1 hour
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 12 rolls

Ingredients

For the Dough

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
½ tsp salt
½ cup whole milk, warmed
¼ cup unsalted vegan butter or regular butter, melted
2 large eggs, room temperature

For the Apple Filling

2 medium apples, peeled and diced
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp lemon juice
2-3 tsp milk or plant-based milk to thin

Substitution Notes:

Milk can be substituted with almond, oat, or soy milk
Butter can be replaced with vegan butter or coconut oil
Brown sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. In a separate bowl, mix flour and salt. Add eggs and melted butter to the yeast mixture, then gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter. Toss until the apples are evenly coated and aromatic. Set aside.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a rectangle approximately 16×12 inches. Ensure even thickness to guarantee uniform baking and rolling.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Evenly spread the apple filling over the dough. Carefully roll the dough from the longer side into a tight log. Slice into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss. Place rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving small gaps for rising.

Step 5: Second Rise and Bake

Cover rolls with a clean towel and let rise for 20-25 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls immediately after baking.

How to Serve

Serve apple pie cinnamon rolls warm for the best texture and flavor. You can garnish lightly with powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon. Pair with:

Hot coffee, tea, or a spiced latte for a cozy breakfast
Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for dessert
A fresh fruit salad to balance sweetness
Arrange rolls on a white ceramic platter or rustic baking sheet for visual appeal. For extra flair, drizzle glaze in a decorative zigzag pattern over each roll.

Additional Tips

Ensure milk is warm, not hot, when activating yeast
Slice rolls using unflavored dental floss for clean edges
Sprinkle chopped nuts over filling for extra crunch
Cover rolls loosely during second rise to prevent drying out

Recipe Variations

Apple pie cinnamon rolls are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the flavor, texture, and presentation to suit different occasions or taste preferences. Here are several creative variations to elevate this classic recipe:

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls: After baking, drizzle a warm homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the rolls instead of or in addition to the lemon vanilla glaze. For extra richness, sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt. This variation adds a decadent, dessert-like element while enhancing the natural sweetness of the apples.
Apple Cinnamon Roll Cups: Instead of baking the rolls in a traditional pan, slice and place each roll in a greased muffin tin. Bake individually for perfectly portioned cinnamon roll cups. This method is ideal for brunch buffets or packed lunches and creates charming individual servings that are easy to garnish with glaze, chopped nuts, or a dollop of cream cheese frosting.
Spiced Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls: Enhance the apple filling by adding warm spices such as ground ginger, allspice, or a pinch of cloves. This variation adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile, making the rolls feel especially festive and aromatic, perfect for fall or holiday occasions.
Nutty Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Incorporate chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the apple filling for added texture and a subtle nutty flavor. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them intensifies their aroma and adds a professional touch.
Apple-Cheddar Cinnamon Rolls: For a savory-sweet twist, sprinkle a small amount of finely shredded sharp cheddar over the apple filling before rolling the dough. The cheese melts slightly during baking, balancing the sweetness of the apples and adding a surprising gourmet touch.
Mini Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls: Roll the dough thinner and slice into smaller pieces to make bite-sized rolls. These are perfect for parties, tea-time treats, or as a fun dessert for kids. Glaze them lightly and arrange on a platter for an attractive presentation.
Vegan or Dairy-Free Variations: Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives in both the dough and glaze, ensuring that the recipe remains fully vegan without sacrificing texture or flavor. The apple filling can also be lightly sautéed in coconut oil instead of butter for a subtle coconut aroma.

Each of these variations maintains the essence of apple pie cinnamon rolls while introducing exciting new flavor elements, textures, or presentation styles. These options allow you to personalize the recipe, impress guests, or simply enjoy a slightly different version each time you bake. You can also try apple pie cinnamon cupcakes as well!

Freezing and Storage

Store baked rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature
For longer storage, freeze unbaked rolls in a sealed container for up to 2 months
To reheat, bake frozen rolls at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or warm thawed rolls in a microwave for 20-30 seconds

Nutritional Information (Approximate per roll)

Calories: 250
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 4g

Final Words

Baking apple pie cinnamon rolls at home is more than creating a dessert or breakfast treat it’s crafting an experience. From the moment the sweet aroma of cinnamon and caramelizing apples fills your kitchen to the first warm bite of fluffy, spiced dough, this recipe brings comfort, joy, and a sense of accomplishment. It’s a dish that turns ordinary mornings into cozy celebrations and ordinary weekends into memorable family moments.

Making these rolls yourself allows you to connect with the ingredients and techniques in a way store-bought versions can’t match. You have the freedom to adjust the sweetness, experiment with spices, or even add your favorite nuts or caramel drizzle. The process of rolling the dough, layering the apple filling, and watching the rolls rise and bake teaches valuable baking skills while producing an irresistible outcome that impresses every time.

The beauty of apple pie cinnamon rolls lies in their versatility. Serve them for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a special holiday treat. They are a perfect gift for neighbors, a show-stopping addition to a brunch table, or simply a personal indulgence. By mastering this recipe, you not only learn a reliable, professional-level technique but also gain the confidence to adapt it creatively to your tastes and occasions.

These apple pie cinnamon rolls are a celebration of fall, comfort, and the joy of baking from scratch. Enjoy every moment of the preparation and savor the delicious results you’ve earned it. Sharing them with loved ones amplifies the pleasure and makes your kitchen a warm, inviting space filled with laughter, aromas, and memories.

FAQ’s

Yes, prepare and shape the rolls, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.

Yes, diced apples can be pre-cooked with sugar and spices, then frozen for up to 1 month.

Firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith hold shape and provide balanced sweetness.

Yes, substitute butter with vegan butter and milk with plant-based milk.