Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls (Soft, Cozy & Bakery-Style)

There’s something magical about the smell of apples, cinnamon, and warm dough baking together. These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls combine everything we love about classic cinnamon rolls with the comforting flavor of homemade apple pie. Soft, fluffy, gooey, and generously spiced—this is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary morning into a slow, cozy moment worth savoring.

Perfect for weekends, holidays, or anytime you want your kitchen to feel like home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, pillowy rolls with a gooey apple-cinnamon filling
  
• Tastes like apple pie wrapped in warm dough
  
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
  
• Makes your home smell incredible while baking
  

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
  
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
  
• 1 teaspoon salt
  
• ¾ cup warm milk
  
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  
• 1 large egg
  

For the Apple Pie Filling

• 2 cups apples, peeled and finely diced
  
• ¼ cup brown sugar
  
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
• 1 tablespoon butter
  

For the Cinnamon Filling

• ½ cup brown sugar
  
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed)
  

How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Knead until soft and smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Make the Apple Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and vanilla. Cook for 5–7 minutes until apples are soft and the mixture thickens. Let cool completely.

3. Roll & Fill

Roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, then spoon the cooled apple filling evenly on top.

4. Shape the Rolls

Roll the dough tightly from the long side and slice into 9–12 rolls. Place in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.

5. Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–25 minutes, until golden and fluffy.

6. Glaze & Serve

Whisk together all glaze ingredients until smooth. Spread generously over warm rolls and enjoy immediately.

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Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls (Soft, Cozy & Bakery-Style)

Recipe by Clara HayesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

25

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

A cozy twist on classic cinnamon rolls—pillowy dough, spiced apple filling, and a creamy glaze in every bite. Warm, comforting, and irresistibly delicious. 🍎✨

Ingredients

• For the Dough

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup warm milk

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

• For the Apple Pie Filling

• 2 cups apples, peeled and finely diced

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon butter

• For the Cinnamon Filling

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• For the Cream Cheese Glaze

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened

• ¾ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Directions

• Prepare the Dough
  In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Knead until soft and smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
• Make the Apple Filling
  In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and vanilla. Cook for 5–7 minutes until apples are soft and the mixture thickens. Let cool completely.
• Roll & Fill
  Roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, then spoon the cooled apple filling evenly on top.
• Shape the Rolls
  Roll the dough tightly from the long side and slice into 9–12 rolls. Place in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
• Bake
  Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–25 minutes, until golden and fluffy.
• Glaze & Serve
  Whisk together all glaze ingredients until smooth. Spread generously over warm rolls and enjoy immediately.

Perfect Pairings

• A warm cup of coffee or chai
  
• Vanilla latte or cinnamon tea
  
• Fresh fruit on the side for brunch
  

Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
  
• Reheat gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds
  
• Add extra glaze after reheating for best texture
  

Helpful Tips for Perfect Rolls

• Dice apples small so they soften evenly
  
• Let the apple filling cool before spreading
  
• Don’t overbake—soft centers are key
  
• Use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth glaze
  

A Cozy Final Thought

These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a recipe—they’re a slow morning, a warm kitchen, and a reminder to enjoy the little moments. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this is the kind of treat that makes home feel extra special.

If you try this recipe, save it, share it, and come back anytime for more cozy inspiration from Living With Clara 🤍