Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Introduction
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls combine the best of two classic treats into one irresistible pastry. Soft, gooey cinnamon rolls are filled with a spiced apple pie filling, perfect for a cozy breakfast or sweet snack.

Ingredients
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp salt
- 2¼ tsp instant dry yeast
- 120 g sugar
- 240 ml lukewarm milk
- 60 g unsalted melted butter, cooled to room temperature
- 1 egg at room temperature
- ½ tsp vanilla extract or essence
- 900 g apples (such as Pink Lady, Fuji, or Royal Gala)
- 60 g unsalted butter
- 170 g brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix the lukewarm milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until combined.
- Step 2: In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Make a well in the center and pour in the wet ingredients. Mix until a uniform, sticky dough forms.
- Step 3: Cover the dough with cling film and let it proof for 1 hour or until it doubles in size. For best results, keep it in a warm spot like an oven with the light on and no heat.
- Step 4: While the dough proofs, peel and core the apples, then cut them into small cubes.
- Step 5: In a saucepan, combine the apples, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, salt, and water. Cook over medium heat until apples soften and the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Allow the filling to cool completely.
- Step 6: Reserve a quarter of the apple filling for serving after baking.
- Step 7: Flour a clean surface and roll out the dough into a 40×30 cm (12×16 inch) rectangle. Keep the surface floured to prevent sticking.
- Step 8: Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the dough with a spatula.
- Step 9: Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other. Once you have about two rolls, gently push the rest to roll tightly to the end.
- Step 10: Cut the roll into pieces about three fingers thick and place them on a baking sheet lined with baking paper, leaving some space between each roll.
- Step 11: Let the rolls rest for another 30 minutes to rise, ideally in a warm place.
- Step 12: Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a more complex filling flavor.
- For extra gooeyness, drizzle some caramel sauce over the rolls before serving.
- If you prefer a spicier note, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the apple filling.
- Make sure to keep the dough sticky and don’t over-flour, as this helps achieve the soft, tender texture.
Storage
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven before serving to restore softness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh yeast instead of instant dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast, but you will need about twice the amount. Dissolve it in the lukewarm milk before mixing with the other wet ingredients.
Can these rolls be made ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them overnight before the final rise and baking. Just bring them to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
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Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting flavors of classic apple pie with soft, gooey cinnamon rolls. Made from a sticky, tender dough and filled with a sweet apple cinnamon mixture, this recipe is perfect for a cozy breakfast or a delightful dessert. The rolls are baked to a light golden brown and feature a luscious apple filling both inside and as a finishing touch.
Ingredients
Dough
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp salt
- 2¼ tsp instant dry yeast
- 120 g sugar
- 240 ml lukewarm milk
- 60 g unsalted melted butter, cooled to room temperature
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- ½ tsp vanilla extract or essence
Apple Pie Filling
- 900 g apples (Pink Lady, Fuji, or Royal Gala recommended)
- 60 g unsalted butter
- 170 g brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine lukewarm milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter. In another bowl, mix all dry ingredients—flour, salt, yeast, and sugar. Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and add the wet ingredients. Mix until you have a uniform, sticky dough. Don’t worry if the dough is sticky; this yields soft and gooey rolls.
- Proof the Dough: Cover the dough with cling film and let it rest in a warm spot or inside an oven with just the light on, until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
- Make the Apple Pie Filling: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small cubes. In a saucepan, combine apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, salt, and water. Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft and the sauce thickens.
- Cool the Filling: Remove the filling from heat and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Reserve about ¼ of the filling to use after baking.
- Roll out the Dough: Dust a clean surface with flour and roll the dough into a 40×30 cm (12×16 inch) rectangle. Dust flour as needed to prevent sticking on both top and bottom.
- Assemble the Rolls: Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the rolled-out dough using a spatula.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. After the first two turns, you can push the roll to the end to keep it tight.
- Cut and Arrange: Slice the roll into pieces about three fingers thick. Place the rolls on a baking pan lined with baking paper, leaving some space between each to allow for rising during the second proof and baking.
- Second Proof: Let the rolls rest in a warm spot for 30 minutes, allowing them to rise further.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-30 minutes or until they turn light golden brown on top.
- Serve: Optionally, spoon the reserved apple filling over the warm rolls before serving for extra apple flavor.
Notes
- The dough is intentionally sticky to produce soft, gooey rolls—do not add extra flour beyond what’s needed to roll it out.
- If your kitchen is cold, proof the dough and rolls in the oven with only the light on to maintain a warm environment.
- Use baking paper on the pan to prevent the apple filling’s sugar from sticking and burning.
- Apple varieties like Pink Lady, Fuji, or Royal Gala provide the best balance of sweetness and texture in the filling.
- Keep some filling reserved to add a fresh apple topping after baking for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple pie cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, apple cinnamon rolls, baking, dessert, sweet rolls, apple pie filling

