Easy Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls (video)

Watch My Apple Pie Rolls Video Tutorial

Watch my YouTube apple pie cinnamon rolls video tutorial for step-by-step instructions and see how easy these are to make! Want to stay up to date on the newest recipes? Subscribe to my website email list and my YouTube channel.

Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Here are the main ingredients you’ll need for these delicious apple pie cinnamon rolls! Find the full list of ingredients in the printable recipe card below.

• Whole Milk: using a richer milk will yield a richer tasting bread.
• Dry Active Yeast: both active yeast and instant/rapid yeast will work great for this recipe. If you’re using instant yeast, the dough will just proof faster.
• All-Purpose Flour: for making the yeast dough.
• Apples: crispy and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith or Honey Crisp, will work best for this recipe.
• Brown Sugar: for making the apple pie filling for the rolls.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: I like to use lots of spices to give the filling extra flavor.
• Cream Cheese: for making the cream cheese frosting to add on top!
• Heavy Cream: my secret ingredient for making the softest rolls!

Supplies & Tools for the Recipe!

Need some supplies to make this apple dessert recipe? Shop my Amazon Affiliate links for the items I love. Using these links won’t cost you extra and I’ll earn a small commission.

• Wood Rolling Pin
• Digital Thermometer
• 9×13-inch Casserole Pan
• Off-Set Spatula/Lifter
• Glass Mixing Bowls
• Copper Sauté Pan

How to Make Dough for Cinnamon Rolls

1. Prepare the dough first. Heat the milk in the microwave or on the stove top to between 120F and 130F. Pour the milk into a large mixing bowl, add a few teaspoons of sugar, and sprinkle the yeast over it.
2. Allow the yeast to proof in the warm milk for 5 minutes, then add in the salt, sugar, eggs and butter. Whisk all the ingredients together until smooth, then gradually begin adding the flour, about 1/2 cup at a time.
3. Once a dough ball forms, turn the dough out of the bowl onto a floured work surface. Continue adding the flour and kneading the dough; it needs to be very soft, but not sticky.
4. Knead for 4 to 5 minutes, then place the dough back into your mixing bowl, cover the bowl with a towel and set the dough into a warm corner of your kitchen to proof. Allow the dough to double up in size; about 45 minutes to an hour.

Making the Apple Pie Filling

I like to use Granny Smith, Honey Crispy, or Golden Delicious apples for this recipe. This firm yet sweet apple is perfect for apple pie and for this recipe. You can peel the apples or leave the peel on.

1. Place the diced apples, spices, salt, and sugar into a large pot and stir until the apples are well coated.
2. Cover the pot with a lid and cook the apples over medium heat, stirring every few minutes, until the apples are soft, about 15 to 18 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add the mixture to the apple pie filling and cook for an additional minute, until the filling is thickened. Remove the filling from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.

How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

1. Once the dough has proofed, turn it out onto a floured work surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, measuring about 20×20-inches. Spread the 1/2 cup softened butter all over the dough.
2. Next, spread the cooled apple filling to the edges. Gently roll the dough with the filling into a log. Gently press the edges of the log inwards to shape a neat log.
3. Use a sharp, serrated knife to section the log into 12 equal pieces. Gently transfer the rolls into a 9×13-inch baking dish and place them into the pan facing up.
4. Cover the pan with a clean towel and allow the rolls to proof for 30 to 45 minutes, until they are doubled in size. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350F.

Baking Instructions for Apple Cinnamon Rolls

1. Once the rolls have proofed, bake them for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and pour the 3/4 cup heavy cream over the top, pouring a little over each roll.
2. Place the rolls back into the oven and continue baking for an additional 25 to 28 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
3. Remove the rolls from the oven and spread with the cream cheese frosting while the rolls are still warm. Serve warm.

Easy Cream Cheese Icing for the Rolls

For the icing, place the softened cream cheese into a mixing bowl. Beat it with a mixer for a minute until smooth.

Add the vanilla, salt, sugar, and a few tablespoons of cream. Beat everything together until a thick icing forms. Add more heavy cream to thin out the icing.

Make Ahead Instructions for Cinnamon Rolls

Want to make these apple cinnamon rolls ahead of time? Follow these instructions!

1. Follow the instructions as written, making the yeast dough, filling, and shaping the rolls. Cut the rolls to size and place into a large casserole pan.
2. Allow the rolls to proof at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes, then cover the pan with plastic wrap and place the rolls into the refrigerator. They can be made even a few days ahead of time.
3. When ready to bake, remove the rolls from the fridge and let them stand at room temperature for 30 minutes while the oven preheats.
4. Bake at 330F, adding the heavy cream at the 10 minute baking mark. Continue with the original recipe.

More Recipes to Try!

Enjoyed this easy apple dessert recipe? Check out some of my other recipes you’re sure to enjoy!

• The Original BEST Cinnamon Rolls – You can learn more about making my famous cinnamon rolls with my step-by-step video tutorial. I promise, this recipe will not disappoint!
• Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls – perfect for fall! Made with pumpkin and cinnamon sugar filling!
• Baked Apple Roses – these are so pretty and super easy to make! Sliced apples wrapped in puff pastry with apple butter!
• Easy Maple Apple Streusel Cake – delicate and delicious apple cake sweetened with pure maple syrup!