With a tender and flaky homemade dough, easy Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are your new favorite fall baked good. Top them with a sweet and decadent icing for a delicious treat that’s perfect for the season!
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus get great new recipes from us every week!SAVE
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase through those links, I earn a small commission. Thank you! Read our disclosure policy here.
Combining two classic desserts, these apple cinnamon rolls are all the deliciousness of American apple pie in an indulgent iced pastry.
And if you can’t get enough fantastic fall treats, try my Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole or a batch of classic Apple Cider Donuts.
Why This Recipe Works
If you’re searching for the perfect fall dessert, these incredible apple pie cinnamon rolls are the obvious choice! This recipe includes a super easy homemade pastry dough, nostalgic apple filling, and sweet icing.
The result is a fantastic mashup of two incredible baked treats. Great for fall baking or to serve as a super special sweet brunch, these homemade cinnamon rolls are worth getting your hands a little sticky!
And if you can’t get enough fantastic fall treats, try my Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole or a batch of classic Apple Cider Donu
Ingredients Needed
For the Dough
- Milk: Whole milk works well, but feel free to try a dairy-free substitute as well.
- Apple Cider: I recommend using the real stuff.
- Active Dry Yeast: Using instant yeast makes homemade dough a breeze!
- Egg: Adds the perfect texture and consistency to the dough.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and feeds the yeast.
- Butter: Both salted and unsalted will work.
- All Purpose Flour: You could also substitute pastry flour or whole wheat flour if you want a slightly healthier result.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness.
- Apples: Granny Smith apples tend to be the best for baking, but you can try another variety if you prefer.
- Brown Sugar: I use dark.
- Cinnamon: Adds the perfect punch of flavor!
- Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature.
- Vanilla Extract
- Powdered Sugar: Note, this is different than the white sugar you’ll be using for the dough!
How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- Step 1: Combine the milk and cider in a small saucepan and heat to 110 degrees (use a digital thermometer for accuracy).
- Step 2: Pour the liquid into the bowl of a stand mixer and add yeast and sugar, then let the mixture sit.
- Step 3: Once the dough has started to foam, add remaining sugar, softened butter, and egg. Mix using the dough hook attachment at low speed for a minute or so.
- Step 4: Add dry ingredients (flour and salt) and mix for about 5 minutes, until the dough forms a single mixture.
- Step 5: Transfer the dough to a large bowl that’s been oiled or sprayed with cooking spray. Cover with a kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise until it’s doubled in size.
- Step 6: Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about 12 inches by 18 inches.
- Step 7: In a separate mixing bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Step 8: Spread softened butter over the cinnamon roll dough, then top with the apple mixture.
- Step 9: Roll the dough into a log and use a sharp knife to cut into 12 even pieces.
- Step 10: Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a large skillet (a cast iron skillet works well) and allow the dough to do a second rise for another half hour, then bake.
- Step 11: Meanwhile, combine all of the ingredients for the frosting in another large mixing bowl.
- Step 12: Once the cinnamon rolls come out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly then top with icing and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- For more even cutting, first cut the rolled dough right in the middle. Then make five cuts on either side to create two sets of six. You can trim the ends if you want a cleaner edge.
- Be sure to give your dough plenty of time to rise–don’t skip that step! It can turn out overly dense or gummy in the middle if it doesn’t develop properly.
- Covered in a towel or some plastic wrap, your cinnamon roll dough will rise without any help. Keeping it in a slightly warmer place might help speed up the process a little bit.
- I recommend enjoying these on the day you make them, but they can be stored in an airtight container for 3 days or so in the fridge.