Breakfast Deserts

Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Name: Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 3 ½ 3 – 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast; 1 cup warm milk; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 tsp salt; 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced small; ½ cup light brown sugar, packed; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp milk or cream; ½ tsp vanilla extract; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; ½ tsp vanilla extract

Servings: 12 Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are soft, pillowy rolls filled with a luscious apple-cinnamon mixture, baked until golden, and often drizzled with a sweet glaze or cream cheese frosting. They combine the coziness of cinnamon rolls with the warmth and natural sweetness of apples, making them a truly irresistible treat.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls will make your kitchen smell like a bakery and your taste buds dance with joy. They’re ideal for autumn mornings, holiday gatherings, or simply when you want a sweet, homemade indulgence.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the ultimate comfort bake. The soft dough, gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, and tender apple bites all come together in one perfect swirl. Every bite feels like a cross between apple pie and cinnamon rolls.

There’s also something special about the process: kneading the dough, rolling it out, spreading the filling, and watching it rise — it’s baking therapy at its finest. The smell that fills the house while they bake is heavenly, and the rolls taste just as amazing fresh from the oven.

These rolls are also versatile. You can keep them simple with a drizzle of glaze or go decadent with a cream cheese frosting. Either way, they’re a recipe worth making again and again.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Combines two classics: apple pie + cinnamon rolls.
Soft, fluffy, and gooey with a delicious caramelized filling.
Perfect for sharing at family breakfasts or brunches.
Make-ahead friendly — great for holidays and gatherings.
Comfort food at its best — cozy, warm, and indulgent.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 25 minutes (plus 1 ½ hours rising)
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: ~2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Calories: ~320–350 per roll (without frosting)
Cuisine: American
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Ingredients

For the Dough:

3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
⅓ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tsp salt

For the Apple-Cinnamon Filling:

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced small
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the Glaze (Optional):

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk or cream
½ tsp vanilla extract

For Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional, richer):

4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract

Simple Cooking Directions

Prepare yeast dough and let it rise.
Roll out dough and spread with butter, sugar, cinnamon, and apples.
Roll into a log, slice into rolls, and place in baking pan.
Let rise again, then bake until golden.
Glaze or frost, and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare Dough

In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add melted butter, egg, remaining sugar, and salt. Mix well.
Gradually add flour until dough is soft but not sticky.
Knead dough for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare Filling

Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.
Dice apples and pat dry with a paper towel to reduce moisture.

Step 3: Assemble Rolls

Punch down risen dough and roll out into a rectangle (about 16×12 inches).
Spread softened butter evenly over dough.
Sprinkle sugar-cinnamon mixture over butter, then scatter diced apples evenly.
Roll dough tightly from the long side into a log.
Slice into 12 equal rolls and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.

Step 4: Second Rise

Cover pan with a clean towel and let rolls rise for another 30–40 minutes, until puffy.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake rolls for 22–25 minutes, until golden brown.

Step 6: Glaze or Frost

Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm rolls, OR
Beat cream cheese frosting ingredients until smooth and spread over cooled rolls.

How to Serve

Serve warm, straight from the oven, with glaze or frosting.
Pair with hot coffee, tea, or apple cider.
For dessert, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Additional Recipe Tips

Don’t overfill with apples, or the rolls may fall apart while baking.
Slice the log with a sharp serrated knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
If dough is too sticky, add flour gradually, but avoid making it too dry.
For make-ahead: Assemble rolls, refrigerate overnight, then let rise 1 hour before baking.

Variations

Caramel Apple Rolls: Drizzle caramel sauce over apples before rolling up.
Nutty Rolls: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to filling.
Spiced Rolls: Add cloves or cardamom to the filling for deeper flavor.
Mini Rolls: Make smaller rolls and bake in muffin tins.

Freezing & Storage

Storage: Keep covered at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
Freezing (Baked): Freeze cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before frosting.
Freezing (Unbaked): Freeze shaped rolls on a tray, then transfer to freezer bag. Thaw overnight in fridge, let rise, and bake.

Special Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl
Rolling pin
9×13-inch baking pan
Pastry brush (optional, for butter spreading)
Stand mixer with dough hook (optional, but helpful)

Conclusion

Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect marriage of apple pie and classic cinnamon rolls — soft, gooey, and full of cozy flavor. Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they bring warmth and comfort to the table. Simple enough for everyday baking yet impressive enough for special occasions, this recipe is one you’ll treasure and bake again and again.

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