Ohhh these are dangerously good 🍎✨ Soft, gooey, and loaded with warm cinnamon-apple goodness.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Apple Filling
- 2 cups apples, peeled & finely diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch (keeps filling thick)
Cinnamon Sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup softened butter
Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1–2 tbsp milk
Instructions
1. Make the dough
- Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter, egg, salt, and flour.
- Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth.
- Cover and let rise 1–1½ hours until doubled.
2. Prepare apple filling
- Mix diced apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and melted butter.
3. Roll & fill
- Roll dough into a rectangle.
- Spread softened butter over dough.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly.
- Spread apple mixture over top.
4. Shape
- Roll tightly, cut into 12 rolls, and place in greased baking dish.
- Cover and rise 30–45 minutes.
5. Bake
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden.
6. Ice
- Beat icing ingredients until smooth.
- Spread over warm rolls 😍
Tips for Next-Level Rolls
- Sauté apples 5 minutes first for extra softness
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts
- Drizzle caramel over icing for apple-pie vibes 🍯
- Use bread flour for extra fluff
Quick Caption Idea
Soft apple cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven 🍎
Every bite tastes like fall
Want a shortcut version with canned dough, overnight prep, or glazed (no cream cheese) version?
