Homemade Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
These Homemade Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are pillowy soft, fluffy, and irresistibly gooey. Each roll is filled with a classic brown sugar cinnamon swirl that melts into sticky layers as they bake, plus a warming homemade apple pie filling that’s spiced and just tart enough to balance the sweetness. Finished with a smooth cream cheese frosting, these apple pie cinnamon rolls are best served warm with a hot cup of coffee for the coziest fall breakfast or brunch.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Why You’ll Love Homemade Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls:
Pillowy Soft and Fluffy: The dough bakes up light, tender, and perfectly fluffy.
Sticky and Gooey Layers: A classic brown sugar cinnamon filling melts into every swirl for irresistible gooeyness.
Apple Pie Twist: Filled with homemade apple pie filling that’s spiced, cozy, and just tart enough to balance the sweetness.
Cream Cheese Frosting: A smooth, tangy frosting that melts into the warm rolls for the perfect finish.
Cozy Fall Flavors: Every bite tastes like the best parts of apple pie and cinnamon rolls combined.
Perfect for Sharing: A show-stopping breakfast or brunch bake that’s easy to make ahead and serve to family and friends.
Coffee’s Best Friend: Warm, gooey, and perfect with a hot cup of coffee on a crisp morning.
Tips for Making Homemade Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter, eggs, and milk help the dough mix and rise more evenly.
Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour into the measuring cup so the dough doesn’t turn out dense.
Don’t Skip The First Rise: Letting the dough double in size creates that pillowy soft and fluffy texture.
Roll The Dough Evenly: Keeping the dough an even thickness ensures consistent baking and swirls.
Spread The Filling To The Edges: Get that gooey brown sugar cinnamon layer in every single bite.
Cool Apple Pie Filling Slightly Before Spreading: Prevents excess moisture and keeps the rolls from getting soggy.
Roll Tightly But Gently: Too loose and the rolls will unravel, too tight and the filling will squeeze out.
Use Unflavored Dental Floss To Cut: It slices cleanly through the dough without squishing the swirls.
Grease Your Baking Dish Well: Prevents sticking and makes it easy to lift out gooey rolls.
Leave Space Between Rolls: They need room to expand while baking into soft, fluffy spirals.
Cover While Rising The Second Time: Keeps the dough from drying out before baking.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Look for lightly browned tops and bubbling filling around the edges.
Tent With Foil If Needed: If the tops brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil to finish baking without drying out.
Frost While Warm: Spread cream cheese frosting over slightly cooled rolls so it melts into the swirls
Serve Immediately: Warm, gooey rolls taste their absolute best fresh from the oven.
Make Ahead Option: Assemble the rolls, cover tightly, refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes (or until proofed and puffy) before baking as instructed the next morning.
Reheat Gently: Warm leftovers in the oven or microwave with a damp paper towel to bring back the softness.
Top With Chopped Pecans Or Walnuts: Adds crunch and pairs beautifully with the gooey apple-cinnamon layers.
How to Store Homemade Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls:
Room Temperature: Store unfrosted rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft and fluffy
Refrigerator: Keep frosted or unfrosted rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days for maximum freshness
Reheat Before Serving: Warm rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes until soft and gooey again
Freeze Unbaked Rolls: Assemble rolls, place them in a pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge, then let rise before baking
Freeze Baked Rolls: Bake the rolls without frosting, let cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months
Reheat From Frozen: Warm frozen baked rolls in the oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave until heated through
Frosting Storage: Store leftover cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days and let it soften before spreading on warm rolls
Best For Meal Prep: Make a double batch, freeze half, and enjoy fresh apple pie cinnamon rolls whenever the craving hits
Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the rolls, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes (or until proofed and puffy), then bake as directed.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make apple pie cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes (or until proofed and puffy), then bake as directed.
Q: Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of homemade?
A: Yes, canned apple pie filling works in a pinch, but homemade adds fresher flavor and the perfect balance of tart and sweet.
Q: How do I keep cinnamon rolls soft and fluffy?
A: Store them in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
Q: Can I freeze apple pie cinnamon rolls?
A: Yes, freeze unbaked rolls after assembly or freeze baked rolls without frosting. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake or reheat before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
A: You can knead the dough by hand for 7–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. It takes a little effort but works just as well.
Q: Do I have to use cream cheese frosting?
A: No, you can drizzle with vanilla glaze or maple glaze if you prefer a lighter topping. Cream cheese frosting, however, adds the best tangy balance.
Q: How do I know when cinnamon rolls are done baking?
A: The tops should be golden brown, and the center of the rolls should spring back lightly when touched.
Q: Can I add nuts to these cinnamon rolls?
A: Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts pair beautifully with the gooey apple-cinnamon filling for extra crunch and flavor.
Q: Are these best served warm or cold?
A: Warm is best, with the frosting melting slightly into the gooey swirls, but they’re still delicious at room temperature.
Q: Can I make apple pie cinnamon rolls with sourdough starter instead of yeast?
A: Yes, you can substitute 100g of active sourdough starter for the yeast. The dough will need a longer bulk fermentation — about 6–8 hours at room temperature — followed by an overnight ferment in the refrigerator to develop flavor. The next day, shape and proof the rolls for 2–3 hours, then bake as instructed.
Check out my other fall breakfast recipes:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make these homemade apple pie cinnamon rolls. Happy baking!
