There’s something magical about the aroma of apple cinnamon rolls wafting through your home on a lazy weekend morning. These Easy Apple Cinnamon Rolls combine the comfort of traditional cinnamon rolls with the warmth of apple pie flavors, creating a breakfast treat that’s impossible to resist.
What makes these rolls special is their simplicity—no complicated yeast dough or hours of proofing required. The soft, pillowy dough cradles tender apple pieces and a buttery cinnamon filling that caramelizes slightly during baking, creating those delicious sticky edges we all fight over.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick prep time—ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
- No yeast or proofing required, perfect for beginner bakers
- Uses fresh apples for natural sweetness and texture
- Customizable sweetness level to suit your preference
- Makes your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh apple cider
- 1 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar for blooming yeast
- 4¾ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- ½ cup very soft unsalted butter
- ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup apple cider reduction
- ½ cup very soft unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- Pinch of salt
- ⅓ cup apple butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream, room temperature (for between rolls)
- 6 tablespoons very soft unsalted butter
- 6 ounces cold cream cheese
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider reduction
Instructions
- Simmer apple cider in a saucepan over medium-low heat for 20-30 minutes until reduced to ½ cup, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a measuring cup and cool completely before using.
- Mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar in a small bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy. Meanwhile, in a large stand mixer bowl with whisk attachment, combine flour, spices, salt, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Add eggs, butter, vanilla, then mix in the yeast mixture and ¼ cup cider reduction. Switch to dough hook and knead 7-10 minutes until dough forms a ball and springs back when pressed.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-1½ hours until doubled in size.
- While dough rises, mix soft butter, brown sugar, spices, salt, and apple butter in a small bowl until well combined.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Punch down risen dough and roll out on a lightly floured surface to an 18×12 inch rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Spread filling evenly over dough, then roll tightly into a log starting from the end closest to you. Trim ends and cut into 12 rolls about 1½ inches wide using unflavored floss or a sharp knife.
- Place rolls in prepared baking dish, pour room temperature heavy cream between rolls, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Beat softened butter until fluffy, then add cream cheese and mix until combined. Gradually sift in powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Add ¼ cup apple cider reduction and mix until smooth.
- Let rolls cool for 5 minutes, then spread with cream cheese frosting while still warm. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese to your glaze
- Honey crisp or Granny Smith apples work best for their texture and flavor
- Add 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for a delightful crunch
- Make ahead by preparing the rolls the night before, refrigerating, and baking in the morning
- For a caramel apple version, drizzle with caramel sauce instead of the vanilla glaze
- If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time
Serving Suggestions
These apple cinnamon rolls are perfect on their own with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast. For a more indulgent brunch, serve them alongside a fruit salad and some crispy bacon for the perfect sweet and savory balance.
For dessert, warm a roll slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an incredible treat that combines the best elements of apple pie and cinnamon rolls.
Notes
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
- Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for that fresh-baked taste
- The rolls are done when they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
- For best results, glaze the rolls while they’re still warm so the glaze melts slightly into the crevices
FAQs
Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
Yes, you can substitute 1 cup of canned apple pie filling, but drain excess liquid and chop the apple pieces smaller if needed.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but the texture may be slightly different.
Why didn’t my rolls rise much?
These are baking powder rolls, not yeast rolls, so they won’t rise as dramatically. Make sure your baking powder is fresh for best results.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes! Freeze unfrosted rolls in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm before glazing.
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