These fresh-baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are made with a warm apple pie filling and topped with cream cheese frosting for the most delicious breakfast. The filling is a mix of brown sugar, real apples, and cinnamon, and the rolls are baked until delightfully hot and gooey. The whole family is going to love these!

apple cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing on a plate.

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What’s in Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling?

Fall is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to celebrate than making homemade cinnamon rolls with a warm filling that tastes just like apple pie!

  • Warm Water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough.
  • Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and sweetens the dough!
  • Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Gives the dough structure.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough and helps to offset the sweet filling and icing.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the dough and forms the base of the filling and frosting.
  • Eggs: Give the dough structure and add richness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the dough.
  • Warm Milk: Hydrates the dough and makes it tender.
  • Brown Sugar: Sweetens the filling, giving it a caramelly taste.
  • Cinnamon + Nutmeg: Add a warm, spicy flavor to the filling that perfectly complements the apples.
  • Apples: The star of the apple pie inspired filling. I like using Granny Smith for a crisp texture and strong apple flavor.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds tanginess to the frosting and makes it super creamy.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting without making it gritty.

Pro Tip: Make the sure water and milk are warmed to 105-110 degrees F to activate the yeast.

Variations on Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

You can change up the filling for these cinnamon rolls to include dried fruits, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips! You can also add a bit of caramel sauce or some cinnamon and nutmeg to the frosting to make it even more flavorful!

apple pie cinnamon rolls in a white dish with cinnamon sticks.
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What is the difference between a sweet roll and a cinnamon roll?

A sweet roll may contain just about any filling; whereas cinnamon rolls always contain cinnamon!

Why isn’t my yeast frothy?

If your yeast does not froth after standing for 5 minutes, it may be dead or the milk may have been too hot and killed the yeast. To test the temperature of the milk without a thermometer, stick a clean pinky finger halfway into the milk. If you are not able to leave your finger in the milk for at least 5-8 seconds, it is too hot and will kill the yeast.

Why do you put brown sugar in cinnamon rolls?

Brown sugar has a great caramelly flavor that pairs perfectly with warming cinnamon! You can use regular granulated sugar, but I think brown sugar gives it that extra something!

Should you roll cinnamon rolls tight?

No! You don’t want to roll the dough too tight; otherwise, you risk the filling bursting out of the rolls as they bake. This could also lead to dense cinnamon rolls since the dough itself won’t have enough room to expand!

homemade apple cinnamon rolls with icing.

How to Store

Store leftover apple cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Enjoy at room temperature or gently reheated in the microwave.

How to Freeze

These apple pie cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully! For best results, individually wrap unfrosted rolls in plastic wrap and place into an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and heat before icing and serving.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are one of my favorite fall apple recipes, perfect brunch or breakfast. For a little something extra, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over these cinnamon rolls just before serving alongside a piping hot cup of salted caramel eggnog or caramel apple cider. Or go for a frosty caramel macchiato or apple crisp macchiato.

close up on a cinnamon roll with apple pie filling.
Recipe Card

Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

5 from 2 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Rest Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Author: Becky Hardin
apple cinnamon rolls with icing on a plate.
These cinnamon rolls are made from scratch with a sweet and spiced apple pie filling that's sure to warm everyone who tries them!
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Ingredients 

For the Dough

  • ½ cup water 114 grams, warm (105-110°F)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar 4 grams
  • teaspoons active dry yeast 7 grams (1 packet)
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour 600 grams
  • cup granulated sugar 67 grams
  • teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter 170 grams, room temperature (1½ sticks)
  • 2 large eggs 100 grams, room temperature and lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 4 grams
  • ¾ cup milk 170 grams, warm (105-110°F)

For the Filling

  • cup brown sugar 71 grams
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 9 grams
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 42 grams, room temperature (⅜ stick)
  • 2 apples 400 grams; any variety, diced

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 57 grams, room temperature (½ stick)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese 113 grams, room temperature (½ brick)
  • cups powdered sugar 170 grams

Instructions 

For the Dough

  • Add the warm water, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and yeast to a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes or until the top forms a layer of foam.
    ½ cup water, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
    a white bowl with apples and cinnamon next to it.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, and salt together.
    5 cups all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
    a bowl of flour, eggs and apples on a wooden table.
  • Add the softened butter, lightly beaten eggs, vanilla, warm milk, and the yeast mixture.
    ¾ cup unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ¾ cup milk
    a bowl of oatmeal with apples, cinnamon and butter.
  • Mix together with a spoon until a dough forms.
    a bowl of dough with apples and cinnamon next to it.
  • Cover and leave in a warm place to rise for 45 minutes.
    a baking dish with apples and cinnamon next to it.
  • Punch down the dough, and transfer to a floured surface. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle about 15×20 inches.
    a rolling pin and apples on a wooden table.

For the Filling

  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg
    ⅓ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Spread the soft butter over the dough, and evenly cover with the cinnamon sugar.
    3 tablespoons unsalted butter
    a pizza with cinnamon and apples on a wooden table.
  • Evenly distribute the chopped apples over top.
    2 apples
    a pizza with apples and cinnamon on top.
  • Roll into a log, starting from the shorter side.
    an apple pie with cinnamon and apples on a wooden table.
  • Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  • Cut the dough into 12 equal rolls and place into the baking pan.
    apple cinnamon rolls in a white dish on a wooden table.
  • Cover and leave in a warm place for 30 minutes or until the rolls double in size.
  • While the rolls rise, preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool while making the frosting.
    apple cinnamon rolls in a white dish on a wooden table.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • In a medium mixing bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
    4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 ounces cream cheese
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar until completely combined.
    1½ cups powdered sugar
  • Frost the rolls while still warm. Enjoy!
    apple cinnamon rolls in a white dish with cinnamon sticks.

Becky’s Tips

  • Use room temperature ingredients as they will be easier to mix and allow for optimal yeast activity.
  • If your dough is not rising quickly enough, preheat the oven to 170°F. Once the oven reaches the right temperature, turn it off and place the dough into a heatproof bowl and into the oven with the door propped an inch to allow it to proof. Be sure to watch that the dough does not over-rise and spill over the sides of the bowl.
  • Bake the cinnamon rolls immediately after slicing. If the rolls rise for an additional amount of time, they will overflow and stick together when they bake.
Storage: Store apple cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Serving: 1rollCalories: 529kcalCarbohydrates: 73gProtein: 8gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 78mgPotassium: 158mgFiber: 3gSugar: 31gVitamin A: 774IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

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Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)
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4 Comments
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Gary
Gary
August 19, 2023 1:44 pm

Becky, I clicked on your chicken thighs recipe and got Apple Cinnamon Roles. Never found the chicken thighs recipes. Was I in the wrong “pew”?

Samantha Marceau
August 21, 2023 9:10 am
Reply to  Gary

Hi Gary, we’re sorry to hear that! Which recipe are you looking for? I can provide you with a direct link!

Linda
Linda
August 16, 2023 12:51 pm

I’m a big fan of cinnamon rolls and apple pie..so, I will make this recipe. I have one question. Do the apples get cooked enough in the rolls? Thanks. Love your recipes.

Samantha Marceau
August 16, 2023 3:20 pm
Reply to  Linda

Yes! Because they’re such small pieces, they cook through quickly!