Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 rolls
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp); 1/2 cup milk, warmed; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp cinnamon; 2 cups diced apples (about 2 medium apples); 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp cinnamon; 1/4 cup raisins (optional); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2-3 tbsp milk (to desired consistency)

Highlighted under: Flour & Frosting Recipes

Delight in the warm, comforting flavors of homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-12-04T21:25:51.577Z

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious twist on a classic breakfast treat. Bursting with tender apples and warm spices, they are perfect for a lazy Sunday morning or a special occasion!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Soft, fluffy rolls filled with spiced apples
Decadent cream cheese frosting that adds sweetness
Great for breakfast or dessert, any time of the year

      

The Perfect Comfort Food

Apple Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort food, combining the delightful flavors of spiced apples and cinnamon with the soft, fluffy texture of freshly baked rolls. Each bite transports you to a cozy kitchen filled with the aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the air. Whether served for breakfast or as a sweet treat, these rolls are sure to bring warmth and happiness to any gathering.

What sets these rolls apart is their versatility. You can easily customize the filling by adding nuts or swapping out the apples for pears or other fruits. This makes them an ideal recipe for experimenting with seasonal ingredients, ensuring that you can enjoy this delicious treat year-round.

A Crowd-Pleasing Addition to Any Occasion

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for brunches, holiday gatherings, or even a cozy family dinner. Their inviting appearance and delightful flavors are sure to impress your guests. Plus, the luscious cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch that elevates them from ordinary to extraordinary.

Make them ahead of time by preparing the dough and filling the night before. Simply roll them up and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them rise and bake for a fresh, warm batch that will fill your home with the comforting scent of cinnamon and apples.

Tips for Perfect Rolls

To ensure your rolls turn out perfectly fluffy, make sure your yeast is fresh and active. Always test it by combining it with warm milk and sugar, allowing it to become bubbly before proceeding with the recipe. This step is crucial for achieving that light, airy texture that everyone loves in a cinnamon roll.

Another important tip is to avoid over-kneading the dough. While it's essential to develop the gluten for structure, overworking it can lead to tough rolls. Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic, then let it rise undisturbed for the best results.

Ingredients

For the Rolls

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
1/2 cup milk, warmed
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon

For the Filling

2 cups diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
1/4 cup raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2-3 tbsp milk (to desired consistency)

Make sure to gather all your ingredients before starting!

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly. Stir in melted butter, eggs, salt, and cinnamon.

Gradually add flour and mix until a dough forms.

Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. If using, add raisins and mix well.

Roll and Fill

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, then roll it up tightly to form a log.

Cut and Bake

Slice the log into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.

Prepare the Frosting

While the rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to achieve a smooth consistency. Set aside.

Frost and Serve

Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese frosting on top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious homemade apple cinnamon rolls!

Serving Suggestions

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them with a side of warm apple compote or vanilla ice cream. The combination of flavors and textures will create a truly indulgent treat that everyone will love.

For an extra touch, consider drizzling some caramel sauce over the top of the cream cheese frosting. This will not only add a beautiful glossy finish but also enhance the overall flavor profile, making each bite even more irresistible.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To maintain their freshness, you can also freeze them for longer storage. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing them in the freezer.

When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help restore their original fluffy texture, making them taste freshly baked!

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different fillings for your cinnamon rolls. Try adding chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for a delightful crunch. You can also incorporate other spices, like nutmeg or ginger, to add depth to the flavor profile.

For a fun twist, consider making a caramel apple version by adding a layer of caramel sauce to the filling. This will provide an extra layer of sweetness that perfectly complements the apples and cinnamon, creating an indulgent treat that's sure to impress.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, you can use store-bought dough to save time!

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls before the second rise. Just thaw and let them rise before baking.

→ What type of apples are best for this recipe?

Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji apples work well for a sweet and tart flavor.