Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Look, we’ve all been there. You’re lounging in your pajamas, pretending it’s still Sunday, when BAM—your taste buds scream “Cinnamon roll, now.” But not just any cinnamon roll. You want something warm, gooey, spiced, and maybe… a little extra. (Because you’re fancy like that.)

Enter: Apple Cinnamon Rolls.
It’s like your favorite cinnamon roll and apple pie had a baby—and yes, it’s every bit as dreamy as it sounds. These rolls are soft, buttery, and stuffed with juicy spiced apples that make your kitchen smell like an autumn candle exploded (in the best way possible).

And guess what? You don’t have to be a baking wizard to make them happen. I gotchu.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

It’s basically two desserts in one. Cinnamon rolls + apple pie = dangerously good combo.
The dough is super forgiving. Aka, you can mess up a little and still end up with something delish.
You don’t need any weird ingredients. No obscure flours or unicorn tears here.
It makes your house smell like a Hallmark movie. You might cry happy tears.
These reheat like a dream. Breakfast, snack, second dessert—whatever, they still slap.

Basically, this is the kind of recipe that makes people think you’ve got your life together. Even if your fridge only has oat milk, questionable leftovers, and three jars of pickles.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready to raid your pantry (and maybe your neighbor’s apple tree).

For the dough:

¾ cup warm milk (not boiling, not cold—think baby bath water)
2¼ tsp instant yeast (aka one packet)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 egg + 1 egg yolk (rich dough = soft rolls)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt

For the apple filling:

2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are 💯)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
¼ cup brown sugar
1½ tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp flour (to thicken all that apple-y goodness)

For the cinnamon sugar filling:

⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
1½ tbsp cinnamon

For the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk (or more, depending on how pourable you want it)
½ tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Buckle up, buttercup. You’re about to become someone who makes homemade cinnamon rolls. (Flex.)

1. Make the dough

In a large bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it’s foamy and smells like you’re about to bake greatness.

Add the egg, yolk, melted butter, and salt, then slowly stir in the flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand (or with a stand mixer and dough hook) for 8–10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky.

Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. Go fold some laundry or scroll aimlessly on your phone.

2. Make the apple filling

In a small skillet, melt the butter, then toss in the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Cook for 5–6 minutes until tender and caramelized. Let cool. (And try not to eat it all with a spoon.)

3. Roll it out

Punch down the dough (gently… or not), then roll it into a 14×9-inch rectangle on a floured surface.

Spread softened butter all over, then sprinkle the brown sugar + cinnamon mix on top. Finally, dot the cooled apple filling evenly over the surface.

4. Roll it up & slice

Starting from the long side, roll that baby up tightly into a log. Slice into 9–12 rolls, depending on how thicc you want them.

Place in a greased baking dish (leave some space between them), cover, and let them rise for another 30–40 minutes.

5. Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 23–28 minutes, or until golden and the centers aren’t doughy. Your kitchen will smell illegal.

6. Glaze and serve

Whisk together your powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Pour it all over those warm, fluffy rolls. Watch it melt and drip like a bakery ad. Then dig in. (Fork optional.)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Hey, even pros mess up sometimes. Avoid these little oopsies:

Using boiling milk with yeast. You’re not trying to kill the yeast. Warm, not lava.
Overstuffing with apples. I know, I KNOW—but too much filling = rolls that explode like drama queens in the oven.
Under-kneading. Tough dough = sad rolls. Get in there and knead for real.
Skipping the second rise. Don’t get lazy now. That second rise = pillowy softness.
Overbaking. They should be golden, not crispy. You want fluffy, not biscotti.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Because sometimes your pantry doesn’t care about your plans.

No fresh apples? Use canned apple pie filling—but maybe cut the sweetness elsewhere.
No brown sugar? White sugar + a dash of molasses = DIY brown sugar.
Make it vegan? Use non-dairy milk, plant-based butter, and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
Switch up the glaze. Try cream cheese frosting or a maple glaze if you’re feeling spicy.
Add chopped nuts. Pecans or walnuts = extra texture and “look at me, I’m a pro” energy.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temp for 30 mins before baking. Boom—fresh rolls for breakfast.

Do I have to use yeast?

If you want that soft, fluffy, bakery-level texture? Yup. Otherwise, you’re in quick bread territory.

Can I freeze them?

Heck yes. Bake them, cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze. Reheat in the microwave or oven when that craving hits.

What apples are best?

Granny Smith gives tartness, Honeycrisp brings the sweet crunch. Fuji and Braeburn also work great.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but prepare to make more friends. These things go fast.

Why did mine turn out dry?

Overbaking or not enough filling. Or your oven’s a liar (check with an oven thermometer!).

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Final Thoughts

If you’ve made it this far, congrats—you’re officially qualified to make Apple Cinnamon Rolls that’ll knock everyone’s cozy little socks off.

They’re warm. They’re gooey. They’re fall on a plate. Whether you’re baking for family, brunching with friends, or just treating yourself (as you should), this recipe is pure comfort and delicious chaos rolled into one.

Now go forth and cinnamon roll like a legend. You’ve earned it. 🍎✨