Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls bring together the best of two classic treats: soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls swirled with tender apple pieces and a hint of warm cinnamon spice. They’re sweet,…

By Fatima • September 8, 2025 • Reading time: 5 min

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Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls bring together the best of two classic treats: soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls swirled with tender apple pieces and a hint of warm cinnamon spice. They’re sweet, sticky, and have that comforting apple pie flavor baked right inside, making each bite feel like a cozy hug.

I love making these rolls because the smell that fills the kitchen while they bake is just amazing—it’s like apple pie and cinnamon rolls decided to throw a party! I like to toss in some chopped apples that stay nice and tender, giving a little burst of freshness in every bite. Adding a simple glaze on top makes them just the right amount of sweet without being too much.

The best part is serving them fresh from the oven, slightly warm, so the gooey filling is nice and melty. I often enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea on a lazy weekend morning. These rolls are perfect for sharing with family or friends, or just treating yourself to some homemade comfort food that feels special but isn’t complicated at all.

How Do I Handle Sticky Dough and Get Soft Cinnamon Rolls?

Working with yeast dough can feel tricky because it’s a bit sticky and soft. Here’s what helps me get perfect rolls:

• Use a floured surface and hands to knead, but don’t add too much flour—it makes dough tough.
• Knead about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic; this develops gluten for soft, stretchy dough.
• Let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles—this ensures light and airy rolls.
• After rolling with the filling, don’t squish the rolls too tightly in the pan; they need space to rise again.

Following these tips helps achieve rolls that are fluffy inside and perfectly golden outside with a tender bite.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl – perfect for combining and proofing the dough in one place.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – great for mixing the dough and stirring the apple filling without scratching your pan.
• Rolling pin – helps you roll the dough evenly into a rectangle for easy filling and rolling.
• Sharp knife or dental floss – use to slice the rolled dough cleanly into even cinnamon rolls.
• Round baking pan (8-9 inch) – keeps the rolls close so they bake soft and pull-apart.
• Small saucepan – cook the apple filling evenly and thicken it nicely.
• Whisk – for mixing the glaze smooth and lump-free.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap apples for pears or chopped peaches to try a different fruit twist—both soften nicely and add sweetness.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a crunchy texture contrast and a nutty flavor boost.
• Stir in a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the filling for extra warmth and spice.
• Top with cream cheese glaze instead of simple vanilla icing for a richer finish that pairs well with the fruit filling.

Equipment You’ll Need:

• Large mixing bowl – for making and rising the dough
• Small bowl – to proof the yeast
• Wooden spoon or spatula – for mixing the dough and filling
• Rolling pin – to roll out the dough evenly
• Sharp knife or kitchen scissors/dental floss – to cut the roll into pieces
• Round baking pan (8-9 inch) or baking dish – to bake the rolls
• Medium saucepan – to cook the apple filling
• Whisk – to mix the glaze smoothly

Variations & Tips:

• Fruit Swap: Try swapping apples for chopped pears or peaches for a fresh twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra texture.
• Spice it Up: Mix in a pinch of ground ginger, cardamom, or cloves to the filling for a spicier flavor.
• Glaze Choices: Replace the simple vanilla glaze with cream cheese frosting for a richer finish.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter alternatives to make this recipe vegan-friendly.