Delicious Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Name: Delicious Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Milk (warmed to 110°F); 2 1/4 tsp Active dry yeast (or 1 packet); 2 Large eggs (room temperature); 4 1/2 cups All-purpose flour; 1 tsp Salt; 1/4 cup White granulated sugar; 10 TBSP Unsalted butter (room temperature and cubed); 2 1/2 Gala apples (diced into small cubes); 1/4 cup White granulated sugar; 2 TBSP Water; 1 tsp Lemon juice; 1 tsp Ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp Ground ginger; 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg; 2 tsp Cornstarch; 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature); 1/2 cup Brown sugar (packed light or dark); 1 TBSP Ground cinnamon; 4 oz Cream cheese (room temperature); 4 TBSP Unsalted butter (browned); 1 cup Powdered sugar; 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract

by Jannet Lisa

16 de October de 2025

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Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that combines the sweet and spicy flavors of cinnamon with the fresh taste of apples. These rolls are super gooey, soft, and incredibly satisfying. Topped with a rich brown butter cream cheese icing, they are the perfect indulgence for breakfast or dessert. The combination of warm dough, sweet apple filling, and creamy icing will make your taste buds dance with joy. Let’s explore how to make these delicious rolls!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Rolls

There are countless reasons to adore these Apple Cinnamon Rolls. First, they are incredibly soft and gooey, making them a comforting treat. Second, the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to come and enjoy. Third, they are versatile—perfect for breakfast or as a dessert. Fourth, the homemade apple cinnamon rolls can be customized with various toppings and fillings. Fifth, they are a crowd-pleaser, making them ideal for gatherings. Lastly, the best apple cinnamon roll recipe ensures that you achieve perfect results every time.

Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Gather these items:

1 cup Milk (warmed to 110°F)
2 1/4 tsp Active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
2 Large eggs (room temperature)
4 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
1 tsp Salt
1/4 cup White granulated sugar
10 TBSP Unsalted butter (room temperature and cubed)
2 1/2 Gala apples (diced into small cubes)
1/4 cup White granulated sugar
2 TBSP Water
1 tsp Lemon juice
1 tsp Ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp Ground ginger
1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg
2 tsp Cornstarch
1/2 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature)
1/2 cup Brown sugar (packed light or dark)
1 TBSP Ground cinnamon
4 oz Cream cheese (room temperature)
4 TBSP Unsalted butter (browned)
1 cup Powdered sugar
1 tsp Pure vanilla extract

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the milk to 110°F. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 10 minutes. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs together. Set aside.
Step 2: While the yeast is resting, mix the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the cubed butter, lightly beaten eggs, and milk/yeast mixture.
Step 3: Use a stand mixer with a dough hook. Start on low speed until a dough starts to form. Turn to medium speed and knead for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Place the dough in a large bowl sprayed with nonstick spray. Cover with a kitchen towel. Preheat the oven to 200°F, place the bowl in the oven, and let it rise for 1 hour.
Step 5: In a medium saucepan, add small cubed apples, sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Heat on medium until the juice releases and thickens, about 5 minutes. Cool completely.
Step 6: Beat the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon on high speed for 2 minutes.
Step 7: Punch the dough down and roll it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 8: Spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, then add 1 cup of the apple filling.
Step 9: Cut off the uneven ends and slice into 12 rolls. Place the rolls in a greased 9X13 pan.
Step 10: Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let rise for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Step 11: Bake for 28-30 minutes until golden brown.
Step 12: Melt butter for icing until it turns amber. Let it cool to room temperature.
Step 13: Beat cream cheese and brown butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until pourable.
Step 14: Pour icing over rolls and top with extra apple filling.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Keep these in mind:

Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
Allow the rolls to rise in a warm place to ensure they are fluffy.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Experiment with different types of apples for varied flavors.

Best Ways to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Enjoy your Apple Cinnamon Rolls warm from the oven with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a perfect addition to brunch alongside fresh fruit or yogurt. Consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

How to Store and Reheat Apple Cinnamon Rolls

To store leftover Apple Cinnamon Rolls, place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cinnamon Rolls

What’s the secret to perfect Apple Cinnamon Rolls?

The secret lies in using fresh ingredients and allowing the dough to rise properly. This ensures your rolls are soft and fluffy, which is essential for the best apple cinnamon bun experience.

Can I make Apple Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and then bake them fresh in the morning, making them a convenient option for breakfast or brunch.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Apple Cinnamon Rolls?

Ensure your yeast is active before mixing it with the dough. Also, avoid over-kneading the dough to maintain a soft texture. This is crucial for achieving the perfect cinnamon apple roll.

Variations of Apple Cinnamon Rolls You Can Try

There are plenty of ways to customize your Apple Cinnamon Rolls. Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. You can also swap out some of the apples for pears for a unique twist. For a spicier flavor, add more ginger or even a hint of cardamom to the filling.

Delicious Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing - Apple Cinnamon Rolls - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes, or try making Apple Cider Donut Cake for a seasonal treat. If you’re looking for a savory option, our Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza is a must-try!

Delicious Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Author: Jannet Lisa
Total Time: 170 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These apple cinnamon rolls are super gooey and soft rolls. They are full of cinnamon filling, apple pie filling, and topped with brown butter cream cheese icing. It also has apple pie filling on top!

Instructions

In a microwave safe bowl, warm the milk to 110°F. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 10 minutes. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs together. Set aside.
While the yeast is resting, mix the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the cubed butter, lightly beaten eggs, and milk/yeast mixture.
Use a stand mixer with a dough hook. Start on low speed until a dough starts to form and some of the flour is incorporated. Then, turn to medium speed and knead for 5 minutes.
Place the dough in a large bowl that is sprayed with nonstick spray. Cover with a kitchen towel. Preheat the oven to 200°F. Place the bowl in the oven, turn off the oven, and crack open the door. Let it rise for 1 hour.
In a medium saucepan, add the small cubed apples, sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Heat on medium heat until the juice releases. Stir occasionally until it thickens. This takes about 5 minutes. Cool completely.
In a small bowl using a hand mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon on high speed for 2 minutes.
Punch the dough down and roll using a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface. Roll into a large rectangle until it is 1/4 inch thick.
Spread the cinnamon filling over the dough using an offset icing spatula. Then, spread 1 cup of the apple filling over the dough.
Use a serrated knife to cut off the uneven ends. Cut in 12 rolls using a light sawing motion. Spray a 9X13 pan with baking nonstick spray. Place the rolls in the pan.
Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let rise for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Bake for 28-30 minutes until the tops of the rolls are light golden brown.
Start the icing while the rolls are baking. In a frying pan, melt the butter. Stir until the milk deposits separate and it turns amber in color. Let it cool until room temperature.
Using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and brown butter until smooth. Add in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk and mix until it is pourable consistency.
Pour the icing on top of the rolls once it stops bubbling, use a spoon to spread it. Top each roll with extra apple pie filling.