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–+ servings
apple cinnamon rolls with icing on a plate.

Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Course: Bread, Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Rest Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Calories: 529kcal
Author: Becky Hardin
These cinnamon rolls are made from scratch with a sweet and spiced apple pie filling that's sure to warm everyone who tries them!
Print Recipe

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • ½ cup water 114 grams, warm (105-110°F)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar 4 grams
  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 7 grams (1 packet)
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour 600 grams
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar 67 grams
  • ⅛ 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

  • ⅓ 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)
  • 1½ 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 15x20 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 9x13-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.

Notes

  • 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1roll | Calories: 529kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 78mg | Potassium: 158mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 774IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 3mg