Homemade Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate fall baking project — soft, pillowy cinnamon roll dough filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and brown sugar, baked until golden, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This recipe is a celebration of everything we love about autumn, where the warm, cozy flavors of apple pie meet the gooey, indulgent goodness of a cinnamon roll. The magic begins with a rich, tender yeast dough made with milk, apple cider, butter, and egg, which rises to fluffy perfection. While the dough proofs, a filling of finely chopped Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon is mixed together, creating a sweet, spiced mixture that’s spread over the rolled-out dough along with softened butter. The dough is rolled up tightly, sliced into individual rolls, and baked until golden brown.
The brilliance of these cinnamon rolls lies in the layers of flavor and texture — the soft, buttery dough, the sweet, tart apples, the warm cinnamon sugar, and the tangy cream cheese frosting all come together in perfect harmony. They’re perfect for a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or a cozy fall morning treat. Serve them warm, fresh from the oven, and watch them disappear.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- All the flavors of apple pie in a cinnamon roll — the perfect fall mashup.
- Soft, pillowy yeast dough — tender, buttery, and delicious.
- Sweet, spiced apple filling — tender apples in every bite.
- Creamy cream cheese frosting — the perfect finishing touch.
- Perfect for fall gatherings — a showstopping breakfast or brunch treat.
INGREDIENTS
For the Dough:
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup apple cider or juice (if cider is not available)
- 1 package instant rise yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar, divided
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 egg
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 3 cups Granny Smith apples, finely chopped
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
For the Frosting:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small saucepan, heat the milk and apple cider to 110°F (43°C) over medium-low heat, then pour them into the bowl of a stand mixer with the hook attachment. Add 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar and the yeast package. Let the mixture sit until it starts to foam, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add the remaining sugar, softened butter, and egg and mix at low speed for about 1 minute. Add the flour and salt and mix until the dough comes together, about 2-3 minutes. Continue to mix/knead for another 5 minutes. The dough should be soft and a bit tacky but not stick to the sides of the bowl. If the dough is too sticky, add one teaspoon of flour.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Remove the dough from the bowl and shape it into a ball. Place in a large, lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about 1½ to 2 hours.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
Grease the bottom of a large cast iron pan or 9×13-inch baking dish. Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out until it is about ½-inch thick and about a 12×18-inch rectangle. Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped apple in a small bowl and set aside.
Step 5: Assemble the Rolls
Spread the softened butter over the dough, then top it with the apple sugar mixture, leaving a small amount of space along the long edge of the dough. Roll up the dough tightly and cut into 12 pieces. Arrange the rolls in the greased pan, loosely top with plastic, and let rise for about 30 minutes.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising. Bake for 28-30 minutes, until lightly browned on top.
Step 7: Make the Frosting
While baking, mix the butter and cream cheese in a bowl with an electric mixer until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add in the milk and vanilla, then slowly add the powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Let the cinnamon rolls cool for 10 minutes, then spread the icing over the rolls and serve warm.
TIPS
- Use fresh yeast — check the expiration date to ensure a good rise.
- Don’t overheat the milk — 110°F is the sweet spot. Too hot and it will kill the yeast.
- Chop the apples finely — small pieces distribute more evenly and roll more easily.
- Let the dough rise fully — this is key to soft, fluffy rolls.
- Frost while warm — the frosting melts slightly into the rolls, making them even more irresistible.
STORAGE OPTIONS
Room Temperature: Store frosted rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm individual rolls in the microwave before serving.
Freezer: Freeze unfrosted baked rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before frosting and serving.
Homemade Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a warm, gooey, and utterly delicious fall treat that brings all the flavors of apple pie to a soft, pillowy cinnamon roll. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy morning at home, they’re a recipe that everyone will love. Enjoy!
