Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe (Easy Homemade Fall Breakfast)
If you love warm cinnamon rolls and homemade apple pie, these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls combine the best of both desserts into one unforgettable breakfast. Soft homemade cinnamon rolls are filled with buttery cinnamon sugar, tender apple pie filling, and topped with a silky cream cheese frosting.
They're perfect for cozy fall mornings, Thanksgiving brunch, Christmas breakfast, or anytime you're craving bakery-style cinnamon rolls loaded with apple pie flavor.
Why You'll Love These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Soft, fluffy homemade dough
Homemade apple pie filling
Rich cinnamon sugar swirl
Cream cheese frosting melts over warm rolls
Perfect fall breakfast recipe
Great for Thanksgiving and Christmas morning
Freezer-friendly
Ingredients
For the Dough
1 cup warm whole milk (110°F)
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
4½ cups all-purpose flour
Apple Pie Filling
2 large Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons butter
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Cinnamon Sugar Filling
½ cup softened butter
¾ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons heavy cream
How To Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar.
Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add eggs, melted butter, salt, and flour.
Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Transfer to a greased bowl.
Cover and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled.
Step 2: Make the Apple Pie Filling
While the dough rises, melt butter in a skillet.
Add diced apples.
Cook 4 minutes.
Stir in:
Brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and lemon juice.
Mix cornstarch with water.
Pour into skillet.
Cook another 2–3 minutes until thickened.
Remove from heat.
Allow filling to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
Mix together:
Softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Roll dough into a large rectangle about:
18 x 12 inches
Spread cinnamon butter mixture evenly over the dough.
Top with cooled apple pie filling.
Leave about a ½-inch border around the edges.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Starting from the long edge, roll dough tightly into a log.
Slice into 12 equal rolls.
Arrange in a greased 9x13 baking dish.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover rolls.
Allow to rise another 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Meanwhile preheat oven to:
350°F
Step 7: Bake
Bake for:
25–30 minutes
until lightly golden brown.
The centers should be fully baked.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
Beat together:
Cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream.
Beat until fluffy.
Spread over warm cinnamon rolls.
Optional Toppings
Caramel drizzle
Chopped pecans
Apple pie spice
Vanilla bean glaze
Extra baked apples
Crushed Biscoff cookies
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
Cool the apple filling completely before spreading it on the dough.
Don't overfill or the rolls may leak while baking.
Use room-temperature ingredients for a softer dough.
Dental floss creates perfectly clean cinnamon roll slices.
Frost while the rolls are still warm so the icing melts into every layer.
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds before serving.
Can You Freeze Them?
Yes. Freeze unfrosted baked rolls for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight and warm before adding fresh frosting.
Variations
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Top with warm caramel sauce before serving.
Apple Pecan Cinnamon Rolls
Add chopped toasted pecans inside the filling.
Apple Pie Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls
Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese over the dough before adding the apples.
Maple Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Replace vanilla in the frosting with maple extract.
Frequently Asked Questions
What apples work best?
Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Fuji, and Braeburn all hold their shape well during baking.
Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Yes. Chop the apples into smaller pieces before spreading over the dough so the rolls stay tightly rolled.
Can I make these overnight?
Absolutely. Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before baking.
Why did my cinnamon rolls leak?
Too much filling or filling that was still hot can cause the rolls to leak while baking.
Can I use store-bought cinnamon roll dough?
Yes. It's a great shortcut for busy mornings and still delivers delicious apple pie flavor.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Roll)
Calories: 485
Carbohydrates: 67g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 72mg
Sodium: 265mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 34g