There is something truly magical about the union of two beloved classics in one unforgettable treat: apple pie cinnamon rolls. Rich, gooey cinnamon rolls layered with warm, spiced apple pie filling create a harmony of flavors and textures that will make your kitchen smell like heaven. These apple pie cinnamon rolls combine the tender, fluffy dough of cinnamon rolls with the cozy spices and sweetness of apple pie, making them a perfect recipe to share with friends or savor on a quiet morning. If you’ve ever dreamed of the best cinnamon rolls meeting the ultimate apple pie, this recipe is your dream come true.

apple pie cinnamon rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the key to achieving that perfect balance of fluffy dough, spicy apple sweetness, and buttery crispness. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the rich cream cheese frosting to the tender apples and aromatic spices that make these rolls irresistibly delicious.

7 large apples, peeled & diced: Fresh apples bring natural sweetness and a tender bite that’s essential for that pie-like filling.
Salted butter: Used in several stages, it adds richness and helps achieve the tender dough and caramel sauce.
Light and dark brown sugar: Brown sugar adds depth and moisture, enriching both dough and filling.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, allspices: The warm spice blend infuses the apple filling and dough with cozy flavors.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness to keep the apple filling fresh and vibrant.
Cornstarch: Thickens the apple filling for that perfect spreadable texture.
Instant yeast and all-purpose flour: The heart of the cinnamon roll dough, ensuring fluffiness and structure.
Old-fashioned rolled oats: They bring a delightful crunch to the crisp topping.
Cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract: These create the luscious frosting that crowns the rolls beautifully.
Heavy cream and apple cider: Add to the indulgent nature of the sauce and dough moisture.

How to Make apple pie cinnamon rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling & Topping

The magic starts on the stovetop by gently cooking your diced apples with a perfect combination of spices and sugar until tender and bursting with flavor. Stir the mixture lazily over medium-high heat to allow everything to melt together beautifully. If the juices dry too fast, add a splash of apple cider or water to keep it soft and saucy. A little cornstarch slurry finishes it with an ideal thickness that’ll cling perfectly to the rolls. This filling can be made ahead and refrigerated, letting the flavors meld even more deeply.

Step 2: Make the Dough & Let it Rise

Mix melted butter, warm milk, eggs, sugar, yeast, and salt until well combined and then incorporate the flour. Your dough will start shaggy but after some gentle kneading, it comes alive—elastic, smooth, and ready to rise. Give it about an hour in a warm spot until it doubles in size and your fingertip leaves a perfect indent. This rise is where the light and fluffy texture gets locked in, essential for those dreamy apple pie cinnamon rolls.

Step 3: Bake the Crisp Topping

While the dough rests, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and butter into a crumbly topping full of texture contrast. Bake this on a sheet pan until golden and crunchy, giving your cinnamon rolls that extra dimension of flavor and a buttery crunch that balances the soft dough and tender apples.

Step 4: Make the Caramel Apple Cider Sauce

Blend butter, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, a pinch of salt, boiled apple cider, vanilla, and heavy cream until silky smooth. Spread this luscious sauce evenly in the baking pan. This sauce will caramelize around the rolls as they bake, creating the most irresistible base and adding a sticky-sweet surprise with every bite.

Step 5: Create the Cinnamon Filling

Whip softened butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla into a thick, creamy filling that you’ll spread generously over the rolled-out dough. This layer ensures that every roll will deliver that signature cinnamon roll indulgence alongside the spiced apple addition.

Step 6: Assemble the apple pie cinnamon rolls

Roll your risen dough out to a large rectangle, dollop and spread the cinnamon filling evenly, then sprinkle over 1 and 1/2 cups of the apple filling. Slice the filled dough into strips, roll them up tightly, and nestle them into your caramel-coated pan. The smaller, leftover dough pieces come together to form one extra roll, making sure no deliciousness is wasted. Let these rise again under a towel until puffed and ready to bake.

Step 7: Bake and Frost

Pour warm heavy cream over the risen rolls before baking them to golden perfection, ensuring tender, rich centers and caramelized edges. While baking, whip up cream cheese frosting with powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and just enough milk or cream to reach the ideal drizzle consistency. Once the rolls are fresh from the oven, slather them generously with the frosting, and finish by topping with remaining apple filling and crisp crumble for an unforgettable finish.

How to Serve apple pie cinnamon rolls

Garnishes

These rolls are already showstoppers, but a final flourish of extra apple topping and crisp crumble brings a stunning, textured contrast that makes each bite sing. A light dusting of cinnamon powder or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce can elevate the presentation and flavor, tempting everyone to indulge.

Side Dishes

Pair your apple pie cinnamon rolls with a simple cup of coffee or hot tea to balance the sweetness delightfully. For a brunch spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to add brightness and variety to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive occasion, arrange the rolls in a circular pattern on a decorative platter, garnished with cinnamon sticks and apple slices. Alternatively, serve individual rolls in mini cast-iron skillets straight from the oven, creating a cozy, rustic vibe perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover apple pie cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. This prevents them from drying out while preserving their soft, gooey texture. For best enjoyment, reheat gently before serving to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm them up gently in the oven. This helps retain their moisture and flavor almost as if freshly baked.

Reheating

Reheat rolls at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to avoid drying out. Microwave reheating works for convenience, but be careful to avoid overdoing it, as this can toughen the dough. Warm rolls topped with a little extra frosting or a pat of butter are pure comfort indulgence.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for the filling?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work beautifully to balance sweetness, you can use any apple variety you love. Just choose apples that hold their shape well during cooking for the best texture.

Is it necessary to use instant yeast? Can I substitute active dry yeast?

You can substitute active dry yeast, but you’ll need to proof it first by dissolving in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Instant yeast is convenient and reliable for this recipe, but active dry works just fine with a bit of extra prep.

What if my rolls are undercooked in the center after baking?

If you find the center rolls undercooked, simply bake them a few minutes longer until a thermometer reads around 205°F. The edges bake faster, so covering them loosely with foil can prevent over-browning while the centers finish baking.

Can I make these apple pie cinnamon rolls vegan?

With some substitutions—like using plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and a flax egg—you can adapt this recipe for a vegan diet. The flavor will still be incredible but the texture might vary slightly since dairy and eggs add richness.

How far in advance can I prepare the rolls before baking?

You can prepare the apple filling up to 3 days ahead, and you can assemble the rolls the night before. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake the next day, allowing the dough to slowly rise overnight for enhanced flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

There is truly nothing quite like biting into warm, gooey apple pie cinnamon rolls, where fall’s spiced apples meet soft, tender dough and a luscious caramel finish. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a comforting treat, these rolls are sure to fill your kitchen with joy and fill your heart with warmth. I encourage you to dive in, try this recipe, and experience the magic of apple pie cinnamon rolls firsthand—your taste buds will thank you!