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Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a gooey apple pie filling that makes them the ultimate twist on a classic favorite. Every bite tastes like cozy fall mornings and fresh-baked comfort straight from your oven.

No waiting overnight for dough to rise. This easy apple cinnamon rolls recipe comes together faster than you’d think! It’s based on the same soft cinnamon roll dough everyone fell in love with last year, but now with an irresistible cinnamon roll apple pie filling that takes things to a whole new level. Trust me, once you serve these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, everyone will be asking for a tray to take home.

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are soft and fluffy, filled with apple pie filling to make the ultimate twist for your dinner table!

What Makes This Recipe So Good

These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls combine two of the best comfort desserts into one irresistible treat. The dough is soft and pillowy, perfectly wrapping around a sweet cinnamon roll apple pie filling that melts into every swirl as it bakes. It’s like biting into a slice of apple pie and a fresh cinnamon roll all at once. If you’re looking for another fruity spin on this favorite, you’ll love these fresh strawberry rolls.

You’ll love how easy these are to make from scratch. This cinnamon roll apple pie filling recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and no overnight rising time, so you can enjoy bakery-style rolls any day of the week. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack, these easy apple cinnamon rolls will fill your kitchen with the smell of pure happiness.

What Goes Into Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

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Flat lay photo of ingredient shot of cream cheese, apples, salt, powdered sugar, egg, melted butter, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, flour, brown sugar, cooking oil, milk quick rise yeast, white sugar,

These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls come together with a few simple pantry staples and one delicious twist: a rich, buttery apple pie filling that makes every swirl irresistible.

  • Quick-Rise Yeast: The secret to fluffy rolls that rise fast and bake up soft without needing to rest overnight.
  • Butter: Melted butter adds richness to the dough and the filling, keeping every bite moist and flavorful.
  • Apple Pie Filling: Whether you use canned or homemade, this sweet and spiced filling is what turns ordinary rolls into cozy apple pie perfection.
  • Cream Cheese: Whipped into the frosting, it gives a tangy balance that melts beautifully over warm rolls right out of the oven.

Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.

How To Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Heat your oven to 200°F (100°C) and let it warm while you get started.
  1. Prepare the Oven: Heat your oven to 200°F (100°C) and let it warm while you get started. This creates the perfect cozy spot for your dough to rise later.
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and melted butter.
  1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and melted butter. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy and fragrant.
Add the whisked egg, the remaining sugar, salt, and exactly 3 ½ cups of flour to the yeast mixture.
  1. Make the Dough: Add the whisked egg, the remaining sugar, salt, and exactly 3 ½ cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft, sticky dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 2 minutes until smooth and elastic.
 Lightly grease a bowl with cooking spray and place dough inside, turning once to coat.
  1. Let Dough Rise: Lightly grease a bowl with cooking spray and place dough inside, turning once to coat. Cover with a damp towel, turn off the oven, and let the dough rise inside for 30 minutes. Punch down the dough and let it rest another 30 minutes until doubled in size.
Dice the apples from the canned filling into small cubes, or make your own apple pie filling using fresh apples, sugar, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla
  1. Prepare the Apple Filling: While the dough rests, dice the apples from the canned filling into small cubes, or make your own apple pie filling using fresh apples, sugar, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla. Simmer gently until soft and glossy, then cool slightly.
oll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 21×14-inch rectangle. Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon, and gently rub the mixture in.
  1. Roll and Fill the Dough: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 21×14-inch rectangle. Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon, and gently rub the mixture in. Evenly spread the apple filling over the top.
Starting from a long edge, roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll and pinch the seam to seal. Trim the ends, slice into twelve 2-inch pieces, and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  1. Shape the Rolls: Starting from a long edge, roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll and pinch the seam to seal. Trim the ends, slice into twelve 2-inch pieces, and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Bake the rolls uncovered for 35–40 minutes until golden. While baking, beat together the frosting ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls and enjoy every soft, apple-filled swirl.
  1. Bake and Frost: Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Bake the rolls uncovered for 35–40 minutes until golden. While baking, beat together the frosting ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls and enjoy every soft, apple-filled swirl.

For a cozy breakfast or brunch, serve your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with a plate of Cream Cheese Scrambled Eggs for a soft and savory contrast. The creamy eggs balance out the sweetness of the rolls perfectly, giving your meal that comforting sweet and salty touch everyone loves.

For something lighter, pair them with a Honey Lime Fruit Salad to bring a burst of freshness to your table. And if you’re in the mood for something extra indulgent, pour yourself a mug of Nutella Hot Chocolate for the ultimate cozy combo to enjoy alongside warm, gooey cinnamon rolls.

Tips For Making Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

  • Use warm milk, not hot. I always make sure the milk is just warm to the touch—too hot and it’ll kill the yeast before it even has a chance to work its magic.
  • Knead just enough. About two minutes of kneading is all you need. If the dough feels soft and stretchy, you’re golden. Overdoing it will only make the rolls a little too firm.
  • Cool the apple filling slightly. Trust me on this one. Adding it while it’s too hot will make your dough slippery and hard to roll, so let it cool for a few minutes first.
  • Slice evenly. I like using unflavored dental floss for this—just slide it under the log and pull. It gives you perfect, round rolls every time.

Recipe FAQ’s

What If My Dough Isn’t Rising?

Make sure your yeast is active and your milk is warm, not hot. A cozy spot in your kitchen, like near a window or oven, usually helps.

How Do I Keep The Rolls Soft After Baking?

Once cooled, store them in an airtight container or cover with foil. Reheat gently before serving to bring back that just-baked softness.

What’s The Best Way To Reheat Leftover Rolls?

I like to pop one in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm them in a low oven until soft and gooey again.

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are soft and fluffy, filled with apple pie filling to make the ultimate twist for your dinner table!

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4.85 from 13 votes

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting are soft and fluffy, filled with apple pie filling to make the ultimate twist for your dinner table!
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Ingredients 
 

  • 1 cup milk warmed to the touch, not hot – temp at 110°F or 45°C
  • 2-1/2 teaspoons quick-rise yeast or look for instant or rapid-rise yeast
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 large egg lightly whisked
  • 3 1/2 cups all purpose or plain flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 spray cooking oil

FILLING:

  • 3/4 cup brown sugar loosely packed
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 can apple pie filling

TO MAKE YOUR OWN APPLE PIE FILLING:

  • 5 apples peeled, cored and diced
  • 1/3 cup white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract optional

FROSTING:

  • 2 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar add more if needed

Instructions 

  • Heat oven to 200°F | 100°C.

FOR THE YEAST:

  • Combine the warm milk together with the yeast, 2 tablespoons of the sugar and melted butter in a large bowl. Allow to stand for 10 minutes until frothy.

FOR THE ROLLS:

  • Add the whisked egg to the milk mixture. Add in EXACTLY 3 1/2 cups flour, the remaining sugar and salt, and mix until a soft dough forms (the dough will be really sticky). Turn out onto a lightly floured surface (I use 1/4 cup of flour to lightly dust my bench top). Knead until smooth and elastic (about 2 minutes kneading), occasionally rolling into the flour on your bench top to prevent the dough sticking to your fingers.
  • Lightly coat a large bowl with cooking oil spray and transfer the ball of dough to the bowl, turning once to coat in the oil. Cover with a damp towel. TURN OVEN OFF and transfer bowl of dough to the warm oven. Allow to rise for 30 minutes. (To check if dough is ready, gently press two fingers into dough. If an indentation remains, dough has not risen enough.) Punch dough down; cover and let rest for an additional 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
  • While dough is resting, dice the apples FROM THE CANNED apple pie filling into 1/2-inch cubes. Alternatively, make your own!
    Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the apples, sugar, butter, cinnamon and vanilla; stir until butter is melted and apples are fully covered in all of the ingredients. Cover; reduce heat and allow to simmer gently, until apples are softened.
    Allow to cool slightly before using.
  • Roll out dough onto a lightly floured surface, into a 21-inch x 14–inch rectangle. Brush the melted butter over the dough and sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon. Gently rub the cinnamon mixture into the butter. Sprinkle the apple pie mixture evenly over the cinnamon (it won’t be completely covered, but that’s ok). Beginning at one long side, roll up dough tightly like a jelly-roll; then gently pinch the seam down to seal. Trim the ends for even slices, and cut dough into 12x 2-inch slices.
  • Arrange the rolls in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with the damp towel and allow to rise for a further 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
  • While dough is rising, preheat oven to 175°C | 350°F.
  • Uncover rolls; bake for 35-40 minutes, or until lightly golden. Cool slightly before frosting.

FOR THE FROSTING:

  • Prepare icing while rolls are baking. Beat together the cream cheese, butter, milk and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Beat in the powdered sugar until lump free. Drizzle over rolls. Serve warm.

Notes

*For the milk, use full fat, 2% or skim. Warm in the microwave for 1 minute, stir, then warm again for an additional 10-20 seconds. It should be warm to the touch. NOT TOO HOT or you will kill the yeast. If too hot, allow to cool slightly before proceeding with the yeast.

Nutrition

Calories: 481kcal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 211mg | Potassium: 228mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 50g | Vitamin A: 447IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this? Leave a comment below!
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4.85 from 13 votes (1 rating without comment)

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26 Comments

  1. Gail says:

    It’s 2021 and this recipe looks delicious.! I made hot cross buns a few days ago as it’s Easter.
    But I want to make something different, something exactly like this recipe! Must go out and buy some apples I can cook up and some cream cheese.
    Can’t wait!

  2. Robin says:

    They are sooo good! Will definitely make again.

  3. Kara says:

    5 stars
    These turned out amazing!! I used oat milk instead and they are so light and fluffy!! But of a process, but definitely worth it 🙂

  4. Amber says:

    How do you store them after they’re made? I just finished a batch and I’m not sure if I can leave them on the counter or if I should put them in the fridge.

  5. D says:

    5 stars
    I have about 10 pounds of fresh picked apples and have been baking like mad. I was looking for something away from the typical pies, turnovers and cakes I had already made this week when I stumbled on your recipe. First off, I just made these and they’re heaven! I’d also like to complement you on your structured recipe, clear instructions and the tips peppered throughout. I have poor luck with yeast and generally dislike making breads. My father was a wonderful cook and baker and when I would attempt some yeast oriented recipe I would always have to call him for help. He would troubleshoot the situation and usually could get me back on track to salvage whatever I was working on. Since he passed away I find myself avoiding yeast recipes all together. It’s just another reminder of all those little things we take for granted but are then exacerbated in grief. I felt your recipe covered all the bases and I could attempt it without assistance. Everything turned out beautifully, no flat dough and no weird yeasty taste or smell! It sounds silly but I think I may be able to try some other bread recipes now that I have a bit of confidence. Thank you so much for a wonderful recipe, you have a new fan!

  6. Anna says:

    5 stars
    These look incredible! I know it’s an old post but I just discovered your blog. Yum!
    I wonder if they would freeze at all? (Hoping that I don’t eat the whole batch in one go!).

    1. Tymeron Smith says:

      AWE! Thanks so much! I haven’t tried freezing them but I think they would still taste just as delicious!

  7. Diego Lopes says:

    5 stars
    I can’t believe this recipe, it’s so amazing!! Tho I’m already a fan of cinnamon rolls and apple pie, so loving the combo of the two shouldn’t be much of a surprise, but still: LOVE IT!

  8. Linda Bass says:

    5 stars
    Oh my they look so good. I think I can smell them through the computer screen. 🙂 I’m going to have to share these. Hugs, Linda on Poinsettia Drive poinsettiadr.com

  9. Makos(@thehungrybites) says:

    Hey, Karina!
    You had me at apple pie! And cinnamon. And frosting…. 🙂

  10. Tee says:

    5 stars
    I have my apple pie cinnamon rolls in the oven as I type. It’s a rainy day here in Colorado, but my house smells wonderful with apple and yeast in the air! Perfect for the start of fall. I also grated my apples ( on the large side) just so they would roll up smoother in the log with less fall out! Great recipe! ?