These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on classic flavors! Fluffy and gooey, they make for a perfect breakfast or brunch treat. With their warm apple filling and cinnamon sugar swirl, these rolls are ideal for cozy gatherings or festive occasions. Their unique combination of textures and tastes will impress anyone who tries them. Plus, they’re simple to make, ensuring you can enjoy this deliciousness without the fuss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar creates an unbeatable taste experience.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect even for novice bakers.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy these rolls for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful afternoon snack.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 10 rolls in total, they’re great for gatherings with family and friends.
- Comforting Aroma: Baking these rolls fills your home with a warm, inviting scent that everyone will love.

Tools and Preparation
To whip up these scrumptious Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Baking dish
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl helps combine your ingredients thoroughly without spills.
- Rolling pin: This tool ensures your dough is rolled out evenly for perfect cinnamon rolls.
- Baking dish: A good baking dish allows for even cooking and makes serving easier.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp salt
- 2¼ tsp instant dry yeast
- 120 g sugar
- 240 ml lukewarm milk
- 60 g unsalted melted butter cooled to room temperature
- 1 egg at room temperature
- ½ tsp vanilla extract or essence
For the Filling
- 900 g apples (I like to use Pink Lady, Fuji or Royal Gala)
- 60 g unsalted butter
- 170 g brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp water
How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant dry yeast.
- In another bowl, whisk together lukewarm milk, sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until it’s smooth (about 5 minutes).
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
- Peel and chop the apples into small pieces.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, salt, and water.
- Cook until apples are tender (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll up tightly from one end to form a log shape.
- Slice into 10 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
Step 4: Bake Them to Perfection
- Cover with a cloth again and let rise for about 30 minutes.
- Bake in preheated oven for 30–40 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Enjoy your homemade Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls! They are sure to become a favorite in your household!
How to Serve Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Serving Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls can elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. These delightful rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy tea time treat. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your delicious creation.
Pair with Coffee
- A warm cup of coffee complements the sweet and spiced flavors of the rolls perfectly.
Top with Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top for extra indulgence and creaminess.
Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream
- Warm cinnamon rolls served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream create a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
Drizzle with Caramel Sauce
- A rich caramel drizzle enhances the sweetness and adds a luxurious touch to each bite.
Enjoy with Fresh Fruit
- Fresh apple slices or berries provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the rolls.
How to Perfect Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
To achieve the perfect Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, follow these simple tips for success. Each step can enhance your baking experience and ensure delicious results.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure milk, butter, and eggs are at room temperature for better dough consistency.
- Knead Well: Kneading the dough thoroughly develops gluten, resulting in fluffy rolls.
- Allow Proper Rising Time: Let the dough rise until it doubles in size; this is key for achieving soft rolls.
- Don’t Overfill: When adding your apple filling, be careful not to overfill the rolls to prevent leaks during baking.
- Use Fresh Apples: Choose crisp apples like Pink Lady or Fuji for the best flavor and texture in your filling.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Complementing your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options that pair beautifully.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out sweetness.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious option alongside your rolls.
- Maple Bacon: The savory flavor of maple bacon provides a delicious contrast to sweet cinnamon rolls.
- Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses can offer an interesting flavor profile when enjoyed with sweet rolls.
- Cinnamon-Spiced Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal spiced with cinnamon mimics the flavors in your rolls while adding heartiness.
- Chai Tea: The spices in chai tea complement the cinnamon flavors in your rolls wonderfully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Not measuring ingredients correctly: Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. This ensures the dough and filling turn out perfect.
- Skipping the proofing step: Proofing allows the dough to rise properly. Don’t rush this step; let it rise until it doubles in size for fluffy rolls.
- Using cold ingredients: Ingredients like milk and eggs should be at room temperature. Cold items can hinder yeast activation, affecting the texture.
- Overfilling the rolls: While a generous filling is tempting, too much can cause spills during baking. Aim for an even distribution without overstuffing.
- Not letting the rolls cool before frosting: Allowing your rolls to cool slightly prevents the frosting from melting away completely. This helps maintain that perfect gooey texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual rolls for 20-30 seconds on medium power until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls.
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, feel free to experiment with various apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for different flavors.
How do I make the apple filling?
You can make the filling by sautéing diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and water until tender.
Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them up to the second rise and store them in the fridge overnight before baking.
How long do these rolls last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, they will last for about 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them as mentioned above.
What can I add to customize my rolls?
Consider adding nuts, raisins, or caramel sauce to enhance flavor and texture!
Final Thoughts
These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. With their gooey apple filling and soft dough, they make an excellent choice for breakfast or dessert. Feel free to customize them with your favorite additions or toppings. Give this recipe a try — you won’t be disappointed!

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Makes 10 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls. Fluffy and gooey, they combine warm apple filling and a swirled cinnamon sugar mixture to create an irresistible breakfast or brunch treat. Perfect for cozy gatherings or festive occasions, these rolls are not only delicious but also easy to make, ensuring you can enjoy homemade goodness without the hassle. With each bite, you’ll experience a comforting aroma and a unique blend of textures that will impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 120 g sugar
- 240 ml lukewarm milk
- 60 g unsalted melted butter
- 1 egg
- 900 g apples (Pink Lady, Fuji, or Royal Gala recommended)
- 170 g brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast. In another bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients until mixed. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Let rise in a greased bowl covered with a cloth for 1 hour.
- Make the Filling: Peel and chop apples. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, then add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, salt, and water. Cook until tender (about 5 minutes) and let cool.
- Assemble the Rolls: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out dough into a rectangle; spread apple filling evenly over it. Roll tightly from one end to form a log shape. Slice into 10 equal pieces and place in a greased baking dish.
- Bake: Cover rolls with cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Bake for 30–40 minutes until golden brown. Allow cooling slightly before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (107g)
- Calories: 307
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 156mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 26mg
Keywords: Customize your rolls by adding nuts or raisins to the filling. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better dough consistency. For extra indulgence, top with whipped cream or drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.