Ultimate Gooey Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls – Ready in Just 30 Minutes!

Imagine combining the warm, gooey comfort of a cinnamon roll with the sweet, spiced filling of classic apple pie. That’s exactly what these apple pie cinnamon rolls deliver — pillowy dough, buttery cinnamon sugar, and tender spiced apples rolled into every glorious bite. I made these last fall for brunch, and let’s just say… not a crumb was left. 🍎✨

💌 Craving more sweet rolls and cozy bakes?

Why You’ll Love These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are soft, buttery, and bursting with real apple pie filling. The apples are simmered with brown sugar and spice, layered into a fluffy dough, and baked to golden perfection. Drizzle with cream cheese glaze or vanilla icing, and you’ve got a bakery-worthy treat right from your oven.

Taste & Texture: Buttery dough with gooey cinnamon-sugar and tender apple chunks
Aroma: Spiced apples, vanilla, and fresh-baked cinnamon heaven
Perfect For: Brunch, holidays, dessert, or make-ahead weekend breakfasts

Ingredients List

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For the Dough:

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 2 large apples, peeled and diced
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

Optional Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla

Substitutions:

• Use maple syrup instead of sugar in the apple filling
• Swap cinnamon with pumpkin spice for a fall twist
• Omit glaze for a less sweet version — still delish!

Necessary Tools for Preparation

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Saucepan
• 9×13 baking dish
• Pastry brush
• Measuring cups/spoons
• Sharp knife or floss (for slicing rolls)

Step-by-Step Instructions

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Make the Dough:

1. Bloom yeast: Combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix wet ingredients: Add sugar, butter, vanilla, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
3. Add flour and salt: Mix gradually until a dough forms. Knead 5–6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First rise: Place dough in greased bowl. Cover and let rise 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled.

Prepare the Apple Pie Filling:

5. Cook apples: In a saucepan, melt butter. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Cook 5–7 minutes until apples are tender and mixture thickens. Cool slightly.

Roll & Fill:

6. Roll dough into a rectangle (~12×18 inches).
7. Spread butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar filling.
8. Spoon apple mixture evenly over cinnamon sugar.
9. Roll tightly from the long side. Slice into 12 equal rolls.
10. Place in greased pan and let rise 30–40 minutes.

Bake:

11. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
12. Bake rolls 25–30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly.

Optional Glaze:

13. Beat glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.

Tips for Perfecting the Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

• Use bread flour for extra chewy rolls
• Don’t overstuff with apples — a thin layer works best
• Slice with dental floss for clean cuts
• Let rolls cool just slightly before glazing for best texture

What to Serve With It

Pair these rolls with:

• Maple latte or hot chai
• Vanilla Greek yogurt
• Crisp apple cider

Love cozy bakes? Try:

• Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
• Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
• Brown Sugar Apple Skillet Cake

Storage Instructions

• Room Temp: Keep in airtight container for 1–2 days
• Fridge: Store up to 5 days — reheat in microwave
• Freezer: Freeze baked (unglazed) rolls up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving

General Information

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These rolls are vegetarian, crowd-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Make them ahead, freeze them, or refrigerate overnight and bake fresh in the morning. Fall baking perfection!

FAQ

Can I prep these overnight?
Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate before final rise. Bake the next morning.

Can I use apple pie filling instead?
Yes, about 1 cup of canned filling works — reduce added sugar.

Do they need a glaze?
Nope! They’re sweet and gooey enough — but glaze is a tasty bonus.

Conclusion

These apple pie cinnamon rolls are the best of both worlds — soft, sticky cinnamon rolls and warm, cozy apple pie all in one. Bake a batch and tag your sweet spirals on Pinterest! 🍎✨

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