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–+ servings
apple cinnamon rolls with icing on a plate.
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5 from 2 votes

Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

These cinnamon rolls are made from scratch with a sweet and spiced apple pie filling that's sure to warm everyone who tries them!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Rest Time1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time1 hour 55 minutes
Course: Bread, Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 rolls
Author: Becky Hardin

Equipment

  • Kitchen Scale (optional)
  • Rolling Pin
  • 9x13 Baking Pan
  • Hand Mixer

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