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Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Soft and gooey apple cinnamon rolls filled with caramelized apples and topped with a foolproof cream cheese glaze. Perfect for a cozy morning treat.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Bakery
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 3 1/4 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F) Do not overheat above 115°F.
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, room temp
  • 1 tsp fine salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional but lovely)
For the Apple-Cinnamon Filling
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 medium apples, peeled and diced small (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening the apple mixture) Essential to avoid a soggy filling.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Layer
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tbsp milk or heavy cream Adjust for desired consistency.
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Method
 

Proofing the Yeast
  1. In a large bowl, stir warm milk and sugar.
  2. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast is not active—start over.
Making the Dough
  1. Whisk in melted butter, egg, yolk, vanilla, and salt. Add 3 1/4 cups flour and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  2. Knead by hand for 5–7 minutes (or mixer with dough hook for 4–5 minutes) until smooth and slightly tacky. Add the remaining flour only if needed.
First Rise
  1. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 60–90 minutes.
Cooking the Apples
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter.
  2. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for 5–7 minutes until tender.
  3. Stir in lemon juice and cornstarch; cook for 1–2 more minutes until glossy and thick. Cool completely.
Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Layer
  1. Combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl to make a spreadable paste.
Assembling the Rolls
  1. Punch down dough and turn onto a floured surface. Roll into a 12×18-inch rectangle (long side facing you).
  2. Spread the cinnamon butter evenly over the dough. Dot or spread the cooled apple mixture in a uniform layer, leaving a 1/2-inch border on the far long edge.
  3. Roll tightly from the long edge closest to you, pinching the seam to seal. Trim ends.
  4. Cut into 12 even rolls using unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife.
Second Rise
  1. Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan, cover lightly, and let rise until puffy, 30–45 minutes.
Baking
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake for 22–26 minutes until lightly golden and centers read about 190°F or feel set when tapped.
Making the Glaze and Finishing
  1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and enough milk to reach a thick-but-pourable consistency.
  2. Spread half the glaze over warm rolls to melt into the spirals. Wait 5 minutes, then add the rest for a glossy finish.

Notes

Store at room temperature up to 2 days. Can refrigerate for 5 days and gently reheat. Freeze baked, unglazed rolls for up to 2 months.