Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it combines the comforting flavors of apple pie with the soft, gooey texture of cinnamon rolls. The enriched dough ensures a pillowy bite, while the apple filling and cider caramel sauce add a delightful sweetness. Topping it off with cinnamon cream cheese frosting and a brown sugar crumble makes these rolls irresistible. They’re perfect for a cozy brunch or a special dessert.

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

(Hint: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Apple Filling & Topping:

7 large apples, peeled and diced
¼ cup salted butter
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2½ teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon allspice
Pinch of salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons water

For the Cinnamon Roll Dough:

½ cup salted butter, melted
1 cup warm milk (115°F)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten and at room temperature
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2½ teaspoons instant yeast
¾ teaspoon salt
4 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the Crisp Topping:

¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
⅛ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup salted butter, cold

For the Caramel Apple Cider Sauce:

½ cup salted butter, very softened
¾ cup dark brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons cinnamon
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons boiled apple cider
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons heavy cream

For the Frosting:

6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

Directions

Prepare the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the melted butter, warm milk, eggs, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing until combined. Using the dough hook attachment, knead on medium speed for 7–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Make the Apple Filling: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized, about 10 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water, then stir into the apple mixture. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool.
Prepare the Crisp Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Make the Caramel Apple Cider Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the boiled apple cider and vanilla extract, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it cool.
Assemble the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 16×12 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Evenly distribute the apple filling over the cinnamon filling. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Second Rise: Cover the dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for 30–40 minutes, or until puffy.
Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the caramel apple cider sauce evenly over the rolls. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a roll should read 190°F (88°C).
Prepare the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and milk or heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
Finish the Rolls: Remove the baked rolls from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Spread the frosting over the warm rolls, then top with the crisp topping. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free: I haven’t tested a gluten-free version of this recipe, but you can try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and adjust the baking time as needed.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with dairy-free alternatives and use plant-based milk and cream cheese for the frosting.
Nut-Free: Omit the oats in the crisp topping and substitute with additional flour if desired.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm the entire batch in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls up to the point before the second rise. Cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them come to room temperature for about 1 hour before baking.

Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls after the second rise. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, place them in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise until puffy before baking as directed.

Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?

While homemade apple filling adds a fresh flavor, you can use store-bought apple pie filling as a time-saving option.

Can I make these rolls without the frosting?

Absolutely! The rolls are delicious on their own, but the frosting adds an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use any good baking apple like Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn. Just avoid soft apples like McIntosh, as they may become mushy during baking.

Conclusion

I find that these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of two beloved desserts. The combination of soft, gooey cinnamon rolls with spiced apple filling and a sweet, creamy frosting makes for an indulgent treat. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or a cozy weekend breakfast, these rolls are sure to impress.