These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of gooey sweetness and comforting flavors. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or any gathering, they offer a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls. The fluffy dough paired with a rich brown sugar apple filling creates a treat that is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. You’ll love how they fill your home with an irresistible aroma!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these rolls are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of apples and cinnamon creates a warm, cozy flavor that everyone will adore.
- Versatile Treat: Whether for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these cinnamon rolls fit any occasion beautifully.
- Make Ahead Option: Prepare the dough in advance and bake when ready for fresh rolls anytime!
- Perfectly Gooey: Enjoy the delightful stickiness of the rolls that adds to their charm.

Tools and Preparation
To make these scrumptious Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll need a few essential tools and some preparation before you dive into baking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients thoroughly without spills.
- Rolling pin: This tool helps roll out the dough evenly, ensuring uniform cinnamon rolls.
- Baking dish: A good baking dish ensures proper heat distribution for perfectly baked rolls.
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 Apple 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 flour, salt, and instant dry yeast.
- In another bowl, whisk together sugar, lukewarm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel.
- Allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Peel and chop the apples into small pieces.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add chopped apples.
- Stir in brown sugar, ground cinnamon, cornstarch, salt, and water; cook until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
- Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread apple filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll up tightly from one end to form a log; slice into 10 equal pieces.
Step 5: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes or until golden brown.
Enjoy your warm Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls fresh out of the oven!
How to Serve Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Apple pie cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or brunch. They bring together the flavors of a classic apple pie and the comforting texture of cinnamon rolls, making them a crowd favorite.
For Breakfast
- Serve warm with a drizzle of icing on top for a sweet start to the day.
- Pair with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas to balance the sweetness.
For Brunch
- Offer alongside a fruity yogurt parfait for added texture and taste.
- Include a savory dish, such as scrambled eggs or quiche, to create a well-rounded meal.
With Tea or Coffee
- Enjoy these rolls as an afternoon snack with your favorite hot beverage.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
For Special Occasions
- Present on a decorative platter at gatherings or holidays to impress your guests.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert option.
How to Perfect Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Making perfect apple pie cinnamon rolls is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your baking experience:
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your milk, butter, and egg are at room temperature for better dough consistency.
- Knead the dough well: Kneading develops gluten, giving your rolls that fluffy texture we all love.
- Don’t rush the rising time: Allowing the dough ample time to rise results in lighter, fluffier rolls.
- Choose ripe apples: Use sweet and tart apples like Fuji or Pink Lady for the best flavor in your filling.
- Adjust spices to taste: Feel free to add more cinnamon if you love its flavor; it enhances the overall taste of the rolls.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Apple pie cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweet and spiced flavor. Here are some great options:
- Crispy Bacon: The saltiness of bacon creates a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the rolls.
- Egg Casserole: A cheesy egg casserole adds protein and balances out the meal nicely while being easy to prepare ahead of time.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can lighten up your plate and add color. Choose seasonal fruits for maximum flavor.
- Hash Browns: These crispy potatoes provide a satisfying crunch that pairs well with soft cinnamon rolls.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruits creates a healthy side that complements the richness of the rolls beautifully.
- Coffee Cake: For those who love desserts, coffee cake can be served alongside for an extra treat; its crumbly texture complements cinnamon rolls perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your rolls are perfect every time.
- Incorrect dough consistency: If your dough is too sticky or too dry, it can ruin the rolls. Always measure your flour accurately and add liquid gradually.
- Skipping the proofing step: Neglecting to let your dough rise properly can lead to dense rolls. Ensure you allow enough time for the yeast to activate.
- Overfilling with apple filling: Using too much filling can make the rolls overflow and difficult to handle. Stick to the recommended amount for best results.
- Not using fresh apples: Old or mealy apples won’t provide the right texture or flavor. Always opt for fresh apples like Pink Lady or Fuji.
- Underbaking the rolls: Pulling them out of the oven too early may result in raw dough inside. Use a toothpick to test for doneness.
- Ignoring storage instructions: Improper storage can lead to stale rolls. Follow storage tips carefully to keep them fresh.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure they are completely cool before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezing Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one roll at a time for about 20-30 seconds. Cover with a damp paper towel for moisture.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet with a lid and heat on low, adding a splash of water to create steam, for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, along with their answers.
Can I use other fruits in Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes! You can experiment with pears or berries instead of apples for different flavors.
How do I make the apple filling for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls?
Combine diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Cook briefly if desired.
What type of apples work best?
Fruits like Pink Lady, Fuji, or Royal Gala are ideal due to their sweetness and firmness.
How long do Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls last?
When stored correctly, they last about 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months when frozen.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it overnight before rolling it out.
Final Thoughts
These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize them by adding nuts or icing on top. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a warm, cozy treat that will delight everyone at your table!

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 rolls 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with our Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls! These rolls capture the essence of a classic apple pie, wrapped in the fluffy goodness of homemade cinnamon rolls. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any occasion, they feature a gooey apple filling infused with warm cinnamon and brown sugar. With their irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen, these treats are not only delicious but surprisingly easy to make. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or saved for later, each bite promises a cozy experience that everyone will adore.
Ingredients
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 120 g sugar
- 240 ml lukewarm milk
- 60 g unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 egg
- 900 g apples (such as Fuji or Pink Lady)
- 170 g brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- 1½ tsp salt
- 2¼ tsp instant dry yeast
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast. In another bowl, mix sugar, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients and knead until smooth.
- Let dough rise in a greased bowl covered with a towel until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Prepare the apple filling by cooking chopped apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, salt, and water until thickened.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread apple filling evenly, then roll tightly and slice into pieces.
- Let rolls rise again for about 30 minutes before baking at 180°C (350°F) for 30–40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in nuts or raisins into the apple filling. To make ahead, prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight before rolling it out.