Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Name: Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12 rolls
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet active dry yeast; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 2 large eggs; 3 cups peeled and diced apples; 1 tablespoon cinnamon; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in the warm, comforting flavors of homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls this Thanksgiving! These soft, buttery rolls are filled with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples and drizzled with creamy icing, making them the perfect festive treat for your holiday table. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, these rolls will impress your family and guests alike.

Created by

Anna Johnson

Last updated on 2025-11-05T14:17:06.367Z

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat for any occasion. With the perfect blend of warm spices and sweet apples, they're bound to become a favorite family recipe!

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are not just a Thanksgiving treat; they're perfect for any special occasion. Whether you're hosting a holiday brunch, a cozy family gathering, or simply want to enjoy a delightful dessert, these rolls fit the bill. Their rich flavors and comforting aroma create an inviting atmosphere, making every event feel like a celebration.

Each roll is expertly crafted to provide an indulgent experience, bringing together the classic pairing of apples and cinnamon. The buttery dough complements the sweet filling beautifully, resulting in a delightful pastry that everyone will adore. With these rolls as your centerpiece, your guests will leave with full bellies and happy hearts.

Easy to Make

If you’re intimidated by baking, fear not! This recipe is designed with simplicity in mind. Even novice bakers can follow the straightforward steps to achieve delicious results. The dough is easy to work with, and the filling requires minimal effort. Before you know it, you'll have freshly baked rolls ready to serve.

The detailed instructions guide you through each stage, ensuring your success. From mixing the dough to rolling it out and baking it, every step is manageable. The process can also be a wonderful family activity, allowing everyone to participate in creating this festive dish together.

Customize to Your Taste

One of the wonderful aspects of these Apple Cinnamon Rolls is their versatility. While the classic version is delicious, you can easily customize them to your personal taste. Consider adding nuts for crunch, or substituting different fruits like pears or peaches for a fun twist. You can even experiment with various spices such as nutmeg or allspice to enhance the flavor profile further.

Additionally, the icing can be adjusted to your liking. For a richer touch, you might add cream cheese to the icing for an extra layer of creaminess. The possibilities are endless, making these rolls a canvas for your culinary creativity.

Ingredients

For the Rolls

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet active dry yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 large eggs

For the Filling

3 cups peeled and diced apples
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter

For the Icing

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to have all ingredients at room temperature before starting the recipe.

Steps

Make the Dough

In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, warm milk and melt butter. Combine with the dry ingredients and add eggs.

Knead until the dough is smooth.

Prepare the Filling

In a skillet, melt butter and add diced apples. Stir in cinnamon and brown sugar, cooking until apples are tender.

Assemble Rolls

Roll out dough, spread apple mixture on top, and roll tightly. Cut into individual rolls and place in a greased baking dish.

Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Make the Icing

In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.

Allow rolls to cool slightly before serving warm.

Serving Suggestions

Apple Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven. For an even more indulgent experience, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair these rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or spiced cider for a cozy brunch.

Consider presenting them on a beautiful platter, dusted with a little extra powdered sugar for a stunning visual effect. This touch will make your breakfast or dessert spread more appealing and will surely impress your guests.

Storage and Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers, store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. To keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze them after baking. Just make sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at a low temperature. This will revive their soft, gooey texture, allowing you to enjoy that fresh-baked taste even days later.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the rolls, let them rise, and then refrigerate them overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning.