These apple cinnamon rolls are warm, gooey, and smell amazing! Packed with sweet cinnamon, tender apples, and topped with creamy icing, they’re perfect for breakfast or a treat!
Honestly, nothing beats the smell of these baking in the oven! I love pulling them apart and sharing (or not!). They’re a cozy hug for your taste buds. 🥰
Making these rolls is a joy! Just mix the dough, fill them with apples, and watch them rise. They’re so much fun to make and even sweeter to eat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of the dough. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. It may need more moisture, so keep that in mind.
Active Dry Yeast: Yeast is what makes your rolls fluffy. If you don’t have it, you can swap in instant yeast and use the same amount. No need to dissolve it first!
Apples: I love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness that complements the sweetness of the sugar. If they aren’t available, Fuji or Honeycrisp work well too.
Brown Sugar: I prefer dark brown sugar for its rich flavor. Light brown sugar is just fine if that’s what you have.
Cream Cheese: For the icing, you can use mascarpone instead of cream cheese for a different flavor—it’s delicious!
How Do I Ensure My Dough Rises Perfectly?
The first trick for great rolls is getting your dough to rise well. Make sure the milk is warm (but not hot, about 110°F/43°C). Too hot will kill the yeast—too cold won’t activate it.
- After mixing, knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This usually takes about 8 minutes.
- Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot. You can turn your oven on for a minute, then turn it off and place the covered bowl inside.
Once the dough has doubled, you’re ready to roll! Taking these simple steps will help you achieve fluffy, delicious cinnamon rolls.
Delicious Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for brushing
- 1 large egg
For The Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored and finely diced
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
For The Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Apple Cinnamon Rolls recipe takes about 20 minutes of active prep time, plus 1.5 to 2 hours of rising time. The baking will take an additional 25 to 30 minutes. So, you’re looking at about 2 to 2.5 hours total before you can sink your teeth into these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warmed milk. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large mixing bowl, mix together 3 cups of flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is combined, then gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour until the dough starts pulling away from the sides of the bowl and feels soft but not sticky.
2. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Once it’s ready, place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp towel or some plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
3. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, mix together the diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mixture will give your rolls that yummy flavor!
4. Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to remove air bubbles and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the apple-cinnamon mixture across it.
5. Roll and Cut:
Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 9 to 12 equal slices. Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spacing them slightly apart.
6. Second Rise:
Cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 30 to 45 minutes or until they’re puffy.
7. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells delightful!
8. Make the Icing:
While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. You can add more milk if you want a thinner consistency.
9. Drizzle the Icing:
Once the rolls are out of the oven, brush them lightly with melted butter, and then drizzle or spread the cream cheese icing over them while they’re still warm.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm, gooey apple cinnamon rolls right away. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet apples, cinnamon, and cream cheese icing! They make for a perfect cozy treat any time of the day!
This recipe combines fluffy yeast dough, a warm filling of cinnamon-spiced apples, and a sweet cream cheese glaze. Happy baking!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can! However, whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture, so you may need to increase the liquid slightly. Start with 1-2 tablespoons more milk if needed.
How Can I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat them in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make These Rolls Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the whole milk with a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat), and use a dairy-free butter for the dough and filling. Just make sure to choose a cream cheese alternative for the icing as well.
What Type of Apples Are Best for Cinnamon Rolls?
Granny Smith apples work wonderfully for their tartness that balances the sweetness. However, you can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter roll. Just choose your favorite!
