Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are the perfect way to indulge in the comforting flavors of fall. These rolls are tender and fluffy, filled with the sweetness of cinnamon apples and topped with a rich, creamy icing. Whether you’re making them for breakfast or a special treat, they’ll fill your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about these apple cinnamon rolls. Here’s why:

• Seasonal Flavors: Fresh apples tossed in cinnamon sugar create the perfect fall flavor. Imagine apple pie filling wrapped in a soft, pillowy roll!

• Soft and Fluffy: These rolls are incredibly tender, making them irresistible to pull apart and savor. The gooey brown sugar filling adds the perfect sweetness.

• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the rolls the night before and bake them fresh in the morning. This means you’ll have warm cinnamon rolls to enjoy without all the hassle in the morning.

• Tested and Delicious: This recipe is a variation of homemade cinnamon rolls, which has been perfected for both taste and texture.

Ingredients

• Rolls

  • ½ cup warm water (about 100°F)

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (one envelope)

  • ¼ cup brown sugar

  • 1 large egg, room temperature

  • 2 egg yolks, room temperature

  • ½ cup warm whole milk (about 100°F)

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and warm

  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt

  • 4 to 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• Cinnamon Apple Filling

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1 ½ cups diced Granny Smith apples

• Cream Cheese Icing

  • 1 cup cream cheese, room temperature

  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

  • 2 tablespoons milk

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine water, yeast, brown sugar, egg, and egg yolks. Mix on low until incorporated. Add milk, melted butter, 2 cups of flour, and salt. Increase speed to medium and mix for 1 minute.

2. Knead the Dough: Switch to the dough hook and add 2 more cups of flour. Knead the dough on medium speed for 10 minutes. If the dough is sticky, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

3. Let It Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1 ½ to 2 hours or until doubled in size.

4. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it. Arrange diced apples evenly on top.

5. Roll and Slice: Roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the edges to seal. Use unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 rolls, placing them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours.

6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

7. Make the Icing: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

8. Finish: Spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls and serve!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 rolls

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Resting Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (including rise time)

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Icing Alternatives: Try a maple icing by replacing the milk with pure maple syrup. You can also experiment with caramel icing by adding 3 tablespoons of caramel sauce and thinning with milk.

• Mini Rolls: Divide the dough into two parts and roll each part into smaller logs, yielding mini cinnamon rolls. Bake for 18 to 24 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

• Store: Cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For optimal freshness, they are best eaten the same day they are baked.

• Freeze: Freeze the rolls (unfrosted) for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat from frozen at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes.

• Reheat: For stored or frozen rolls, reheat in the oven or microwave. For a soft, warm result, cover with foil while reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, active dry yeast works, but you will need to proof it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before using it in the recipe.

2. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough the night before. Let it rise overnight in the fridge, then take it out in the morning to finish rising and bake.

3. How can I prevent my dough from being too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time during the kneading process. The dough should be soft, slightly sticky but not overly so.

4. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls. Let them rise and then freeze them before baking. When ready, thaw them and bake as directed.

5. How do I make sure the rolls don’t dry out when reheating?

When reheating, cover the rolls with foil to help retain moisture and prevent them from drying out.

6. How do I cut the dough log without squishing it?

Use unflavored dental floss to cut the dough into rolls. This method helps preserve the round shape and ensures a clean cut.

7. Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use other apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just make sure to choose firm, tart apples for the best result.

8. How thick should the dough be when rolling it out?

Roll the dough to about 16 inches by 12 inches, ensuring it is not too thick. This allows the rolls to bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture.

9. Can I skip the cream cheese icing?

Yes, you can skip the cream cheese icing and use other options like a glaze or maple syrup drizzle if preferred.

10. How can I ensure the rolls stay soft?

Make sure to cover the rolls while they rise and bake them until golden brown. Using whole milk in the dough helps create a soft texture as well.

Conclusion

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are the perfect fall treat, combining the sweetness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon. The soft, fluffy rolls topped with a rich cream cheese icing will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you bake them in the morning or prepare them the night before, they’re a delicious way to start your day!