These apple pie filled cinnamon rolls are decadent, fruity, and made entirely from scratch. Ooey, gooey cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling are worth the time and effort. Start ahead a day or two, breaking up the prep.
Apple pie cinnamon rolls with homemade apple pie filling are a great fall breakfast favorite and the perfect special treat for Christmas morning.
You have got to try my popular Cinnamon Copycat Cinnamon Rolls, this cinnamon roll casserole, and this crockpot cinnamon roll casserole. And if you are feeling like another homemade recipe, try your hand at Peach Cinnamon Rolls! All easy recipes!
These fluffy cinnamon rolls are leaps and bounds better than traditional canned cinnamon rolls.
I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!
Why You Will Love These Apple Pie Filled Cinnamon Rolls
- From Scratch Recipe – While this apple cinnamon roll recipe is a labor of love, it’s not complicated.
- Holiday Favorite – If cinnamon rolls are a holiday breakfast tradition, This twist on apple pie and cinnamon rolls will surely impress!
- Start Ahead – Make the apple pie filling, cinnamon filling, and the cream cheese frosting ahead. Then make the roll dough, assemble, and bake the day of!
Simple Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe
Apple Pie Filling
- Apples – Peeled and diced apples) I used Honeycrisp, but you can use Granny smith apples or your favorite sweet-tart apples; Brown Sugar (use light or dark); Cinnamon, and Vanilla Extract. If cutting the apples ahead of time, toss them with a little lemon juice.
Easy Cinnamon Roll Dough
- Whole Milk, Butter, Cane Sugar, Kosher Salt | I use salted butter in my baking. If using unsalted, add ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Eggs | I use large, room temperature eggs.
- Flour | Using bread flour is the best way to achieve fluffy and light cinnamon rolls, but you can use unbleached all-purpose flour; be sure to remove 2 tablespoons of the flour and replace it with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to mimic bread flour. They won’t be quite as soft and fluffy, but they will still taste great.
- Yeast | Use your favorite active dry yeast; I like Saf brand – one instant yeast packet equivalent.
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- Butter, Cinnamon, Apple Pie Spice or Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cane Sugar, Brown Sugar, and Kosher Salt. Make sure the butter is at room temperature!
Spiced Cream Cheese Icing
- Butter (salted, room temperature; if using unsalted, add ¼ teaspoon salt), Cream Cheese (room temperature), Spice (use pumpkin pie, apple pie spice, or cinnamon), Powdered Sugar, Milk, or Cream | Have all these ingredients out at room temperature.
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
Fresh Tip
- No Bread Flour? Try this tip, use all-purpose flour instead and replace two tablespoons of flour with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and whisk to combine.
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling
Good News! I split the recipe up so you know what you can make ahead of time to make assembly go so much faster when you really wanna take a bite NOW!
Plus, I’ve included some Make-Ahead Tips to make it easier!
Step 1 | How to Make Quick Apple Pie Filling (Make up to 2 days ahead)
In a large skillet, melt butter, and add brown sugar, apples, cinnamon and vanilla. Saute apples, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and soft. Remove from heat and store in an airtight container until ready to use.
Step 2 | Make the Cinnamon Roll Dough
Set a small saucepan over medium-low and add the butter, milk, sugar, and salt. Stir the ingredients until you have warm milk, but be careful not to allow it to reach over 130° F. Note that the butter may not completely melt, but that is alright. Set aside to cool slightly.
Meanwhile, place the bread flour into a stand mixer bowl with the batter attachment. Then, add the yeast and mix on low speed to combine.
Next, gradually pour the warmed milk mixture into the flour and yeast mixture, mixing on low. The dough should be thick and sticky.
While the mixer is still on low speed, add the room-temperature eggs and the rest of the flour, mixing well to incorporate fully.
Remember to remove the butter, eggs, and cream cheese from the fridge to bring them to room temperature for the recipe.
Fresh Tip
- Now, switch the paddle for the J dough hook attachment and knead the cinnamon roll dough for about five to ten minutes on low speed. Move on to the following step once the dough is smooth and elastic.
Fresh Tips
- If the dough is still very sticky and getting stuck to the sides of the bowl, add a small spoonful of flour, mix, and continue adding until the dough is tacky but not sticky.
- No kneading attachment? Just turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for the same time.
Next, use a paper towel to coat a medium bowl with a teaspoon of unflavored oil. Plop the cinnamon roll dough into the bowl and turn it to “grease” the top and bottom of the dough ball. Then, seal the bowl with plastic wrap, set it in a warm place, and allow it to rest for about 15 minutes.
Make-Ahead Tip – You can either make all the other components ahead of time and save the dough process for the day you assemble the rolls or make the dough ahead, too! If you make it the day before, move the covered bowl to the fridge to rest overnight, then proceed the next morning.
How to Create a Warm Proofing Place
Set your oven to the proof setting at about 75° F. If it doesn’t have this setting, preheat it to 100° F, then turn the oven off and place the bowl inside.
Step 3 | Make Cinnamon Filling (Make Ahead)
As the yeasted dough rests, combine the softened butter, packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and kosher salt in a small bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on medium-high speed until the ingredients are smooth and creamy.
Make-Ahead Tip – Because this is a quick and easy part of the recipe, you can make it the day of or get it out of the way the day prior and keep it in the fridge until you assemble the cinnamon rolls.
Step 4 | Roll Out Dough and Assemble Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
After the dough rests, it will be easy to roll, much like playdough. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface (I like using my silpat with a measuring gauge) and roll it using a rolling pin. Continue flattening the dough until it forms an 18×21-inch rectangle – or as close as possible to the measurement.
Next, spread the prepared cinnamon roll filling over the dough with an offset spatula. Leave about half to a full inch around the edges.
Then, scoop about two or three tablespoons of the apple pie filling and set it aside, spreading the remaining over the cinnamon roll filling, making the layer a bit heavier towards the bottom of the dough.
Now, tightly roll the dough from the long side, pinching the edges to seal them using a little water, if necessary. Some of the pie filling may ooze out – No Problem. Remove the excess and save it aside to tuck back in later.
Next, cut any uneven ends off with a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss. Then, slice the rolled dough into about 12 or 15 evenly-sized rolls. Place them in a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch casserole dish. Add the oozed-out apple filling over the tops of the rolls.
Make-Ahead Tip – This step is best completed just before baking. To make it a little easier, have all the components, like the filling and dough, prepped and ready to go!
Step 5 | Second Rise and Bake Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Next, preheat the oven to 400° F (205° C) for a regular baking dish, 375 F (190 C) if using a dark or glass pan. Ensure your oven heats accurately; if in doubt, use an oven thermometer.
Cover the pan in plastic wrap and allow them to rise in a warm location for about 45 minutes. Depending on the warmth in your home and altitude, this could take less or more time. Once the rolls have almost doubled, they are ready to top and bake!
Then, remove the plastic wrap and bake.
Make-Ahead Tips – If you saved the frosting to make the day of assembling, make it while the rolls rise or as they bake.
Step 6 | Make Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting (Make Ahead)
In the bowl of a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat room temperature butter (¼ cup) and cream cheese (4 ounces) on medium-high for 4 minutes until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low, and add powdered sugar (1 cup), vanilla (2 teaspoons), and 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (or other), beat until smooth, light, and fluffy.
Add a little milk or cream if a thinner consistency is desired. Set aside until ready to use. (May be made 2 days ahead), cover and refrigerate.
Make-Ahead Tip – The frosting may be made two days ahead. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Then, remove the frosting when you start assembling the rolls so it comes to room temperature for easier spreading. It may also need a good stir.
Step 7 | Frost Cinnamon Rolls
Once the rolls have baked for 18-25 minutes until the tops are slightly golden brown. Let them cool for 10 minutes and frost.
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Fresh Tip
- Everyone likes their cinnamon rolls baked differently; for softer, gooey rolls, bake less time; bake on the longer side for more firm rolls.
Cool, Frost the Rolls, and Serve!
Remove the perfect baked cinnamon rolls from the oven when baked as your family prefers. Some prefer their rolls to be softer, doughy, and gooey, so bake them slightly shorter than instructed. On the other hand, if you like your rolls firmer and tender, bake them for a little longer.
Finally, let the rolls cool for about 20 minutes and slather with that sweet frosting. Or, you can serve them without frosting and put them on the side for those who don’t want too much sugary goodness in the morning.
Can I make these rolls in a bread machine?
You can, but only partially. While it’s possible to use a bread machine to prepare the dough, the assembly will still need to be done by hand and the baking in the oven. Use your bread machine’s dough setting to mix and prepare the dough.
Variations & Substitutions
Pecans or Walnuts: Add chopped nuts to the filling for extra crunch and flavor.
Raisins or Cranberries: Include dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a burst of sweetness and texture.
Semi-homemade: If desired, replace homemade apple pie filling with canned apple pie filling
More Apple: Spread some apple butter on top of the cinnamon filling for an extra burst of apple flavor.
Nutmeg: Add a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon for a slightly different spice profile.
Cardamom: Cardamom can be a fantastic addition, giving the rolls a hint of citrus and floral notes.
Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls
Use a gluten-free flour alternative, like almond flour or coconut flour, for the dough, and ensure the vanilla extract and spices are certified gluten-free.
High Altitude Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Adjustments
- Decrease yeast by ¼ teaspoon.
- May need to increase the flour up to ¼ cup; the dough should be tacky but not overly sticky.
- If necessary, allow the rolls to rise a little less time. Just keep an eye on them. Experiment and adapt the recipe to your specific altitude if necessary.
For more delicious apple pie flavors, try my Easy Mini Apple Pie Recipe and this Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake.
Recommended Tools
- I love this rolling mat with measurements!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, of course you can. Spread the canned apple pie filling in place of the homemade apple pie filling; you may want to cut back on a bit of sugar in the cinnamon filling, as apple pie filling is pretty sweet.
Yes, you can prepare them in advance. You can either make the dough and refrigerate it overnight or freeze the unbaked rolls for future use. Just be sure to follow the recipe’s instructions for storing and reheating.
While you can use pre-made dough or canned cinnamon rolls as a shortcut, making the dough from scratch often yields better results in terms of texture and flavor.
Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for the best results. Popular choices include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples. These apples hold their shape and provide a nice contrast to the sweet filling.
Serving Suggestions
- Ice Cream: Serve the warm rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the rolls for extra sweetness.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate – Keep leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days, then warm them in the oven or microwave before enjoying them again.
Can you store cinnamon rolls at room temperature?
Yes! Tightly sealed in a container, cinnamon rolls can be kept on the countertop for up to 2 days. If your house is hot and the rolls are frosted, I suggest refrigerating them instead.
Can I freeze apple cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked or baked rolls. To freeze unbaked rolls, assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
When ready to bake, allow them to thaw and rise before baking. For baked rolls, freeze them individually, or make sure they are well covered in a baggie or with aluminum foil parchment paper. Thaw and reheat in the oven.
How to Warm Cinnamon Rolls
Oven method to reheat cinnamon rolls (Best)
Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C). Place cinnamon rolls back in oven in the original pan or in oven safe rimmed baking sheet, cover loosley with foil. Warm at 350° F (175° C) for 15 minutes until warmed through.
How to reheat cinnamon rolls in air fryer (second best)
Preheat air fryer between 320-350° F (175° C) (temp will vary based on your model of air fryer). Wrap cinnamon roll(s) without crowding in parchment paper or foil and heat for 2-6 minutes until warmed through.
How to reheat cinnamon rolls in microwave (meh, works in a pinch)
Not my favorite way, but works in desperate moments. Place a single cinnamon roll on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second bursts until warmed through.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake
I recommend splitting this recipe into a few days unless you want to spend a few hours in the kitchen.
Best Breakfasts to serve with Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling
The next lazy weekend you have, bake these warm and comforting apple pie cinnamon rolls and pair them with a few of our favorite breakfast dishes: Breakfast sliders, Mock Eggs Benedict, Crockpot Cracker Barrel Hashbrowns, and Air Fryer Sausage.
Crockpot Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Crockpot Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is rich, cheesy, and the ultimate comfort food! It's almost effortless, made with frozen hashbrowns, butter, and sour cream all tossed into the slow cooker, for the easiest side dish ever!
Prosciutto & Gruyere Quiche with Hash Brown Crust
Golden and crispy hash brown crust filled with a baked mixture of luscious eggs, cream, gruyere cheese, caramelized leeks, peppers, artichoke hearts, mushrooms and prosciutto.
Mock Eggs Benedict
Need a super easy, go-to, special breakfast? These Mock Eggs Benedict are amazingly simple and surprisingly delicious! Perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day, or any brunch! {{ PIN IT NOW FOR LATER }} I love quick and easy
Easy Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage Links (Fresh or Frozen)
Enjoy perfectly crisp and juicy breakfast link sausage in the Air Fryer. The best part, easier clean-up, no greasy mess! Sausage links or patties are excellent for a quick and easy breakfast. Use pork, turkey or chicken sausages!
Final brief paragraph with a link to all side dishes or a couple other options that would go well. Try and use my most popular recipes first.
Best Drinks to Serve with Apple Cinnamon Buns
Add a hot mug full of this Irish Coffee (adults only, please) or this homemade Chai tea latte to your morning. If you serve these rolls for dessert, I highly recommend Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail!
The Best Christmas Morning Chai Recipe (Dutch Bros)
This holiday season enjoy this copycat Dutch Bros Christmas Morning Chai recipe. A chai latte that is spicy and flavorful chai tea mixed with half and half and swirled with white chocolate syrup. Delicious hot or cold.
Easy Classic Irish Coffee Recipe (4 ingredients)
This easy Irish coffee recipe is a classic Irish coffee cocktail that is ideal for chilly nights. It is a delightful blend of coffee, whiskey, sugar, and cream, perfect for warming you up on a cold night or adding a touch of sophistication to your after-dinner drink.
Homemade Chai Tea Latte
Using everyday ingredients, save money by creating your own all natural Chai Tea Latte, superior to a fancy coffee shop.
Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
This Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail recipe will warm your soul on these chilly autumn evenings. Fresh apple butter, classic apple cider, rich vanilla, and orange flavors beautifully blend with bourbon's sweet and bitter notes.
More Easy Apple Recipes
- Air Fryer Apple Crisp
- Amazing Apple Crumb Cake
- Gluten-Free Apple Pie with Crumb Topping
- Easy Instant Pot Apple Butter Recipe
- Easy Mini Apple Pie Recipe in Muffin Tin
More Cinnamon Roll Recipes
- Peach Cobbler Cinnamon Rolls
- Breakfast Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe (canned rolls)
- Best Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
- Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Rolls
I hope you loved this The Best Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls — if you did, would you share your creation on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!
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Best Apple Pie Filled Cinnamon Rolls Recipe (Homemade)
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Print Pin Save RateIngredients
Apple Pie Filling (Make 1-2 days ahead, if desired)
- 3 cups apples about 2 large apples, peeled and diced small, I used Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady or use your favorite
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar packed
- ½ tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Roll Dough (Make evening before if desired)
- 1 cup milk I use whole milk, may use other % but won't be as rich
- ⅓ cup butter (1 stick), room temperature
- ¼ cup sugar I use all-natural cane sugar, regular granulated sugar will work
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 large eggs room temperature, if you forgot, submerge in bowl of warm (not hot) water for 5-7 minutes
- 4 ¼-¾ cups bread flour may use unbleached all purpose flour, replace 2 tablespoons of flour with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, whisk to combine
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast this is the same amount as is in one packet
Cinnamon Butter Filling (Make 1-2 days ahead)
- ½ cup butter room temperature
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice, or just use more cinnamon with a little nutmeg tossed in
- ¼ cup granulated sugar I used all-natural cane sugar, white sugar may be used
- ¼ cup brown sugar light or dark, packed
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting (Make day before, if desired)
- ¼ cup butter room temperature
- 4 ounce cream cheese room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice, or just use cinnamon, but be sure to add a little nutmeg
- 1-2 teaspoons milk or cream; to thin to desired consistency
Instructions
Apple Pie Filling (Make up to 2 days ahead)
- In a large skillet, melt butter (2 TBL) and add brown sugar (3 TBL), apples (3 cups), cinnamon (½ TBL) and vanilla (½ TBL). Saute apples, stirring occasionally until apples are tender and soft. Remove from heat and store in an airtight container until ready to use.
Make Cinnamon Roll Dough
- In a small saucepan add butter (⅓ cup), milk (1 cup), sugar (¼ cup) and kosher salt (½ teaspoon), stirring until warmed, not higher than about 120° F. Careful it can go from warm to hot fast. If too hot (greater than 130° F), let sit until cools slightly. Butter may not be completely melted, but that’s okay.
- While milk is warming (or cooling) place 2 cups of bread flour into bowl of a stand mixer with batter attachment, add yeast and mix on low to combine.
- Slowly pour in warmed milk mixture into flour and yeast mixture, mixing on low. It will be thick and sticky.
- With mixer on low, add room-temperature eggs and the remaining 2 ¼ cups of flour, mixing well to combine. *Forget to take your eggs out, place in bowl of warm (not hot) water for 5-7 minutes)
- Next, replace paddle attachment with J hook for kneading; knead the dough for 5-10 minutes on a low setting, until dough is smooth and elastic.*If the dough is too sticky (sticking to the sides of the bowl) after a few minutes, then add a tablespoon more of flour at a time, until it's tacky, but not sticky. The dough should be soft, elastic and smooth.
- Don’t have a kneading attachment? Then turn dough onto floured surface and knead for the same amount of time.
- Spread a teaspoon of unflavored oil into a medium bowl and, using a paper towel spread it all over the bowl. Plop your cinnamon roll dough into the bowl and turn to "grease" top and bottom, seal with plastic wrap and set in a warm place for 15 minutes to rest. Note at this point, you may cover the dough well and store in the fridge overnight, proceed with recipe in the morning.See notes for how to create a warm proofing place.
Make Cinnamon Roll Filling (Make 1-2 days ahead)
- Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl or stand mixer, mix together softened butter (½ cup), packed brown sugar (¼ cup), granulated sugar (¼ cup) and cinnamon (1 ½ tablespoons) and kosher salt (¼ teaspoon). Mix on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, set aside.
Roll out Cinnamon roll dough
- Once your dough has rested, it will be easy to roll. Like playdough. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface (I like using my silpat with measuring gauge) and roll using a rolling pin into a 18×21 inch (roughly) rectangle.
- Using an offset spatula, spread the cinnamon roll filling evenly over the top of the dough, leaving ½-1 inches around the edges.
- Remove 2-3 tablespoons of the apple pie filling and set aside if adding to the frosting. Spread the remaining completely cooled apple pie filling over the cinnamon roll filling, keeping it a little heavier towards the bottom of the dough.
- Roll, from the long side tightly and pinch edges to seal, using a little water on seams if needed. Note that some of the filling may ooze out, that’s okay, save it and we’ll tuck it back in.
- Cover cinnamon rolls with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes, until almost double. Make sure your oven is turned off if rising in the oven.
- Preheat oven to 400° (205° C) for regular pans; 375° F (190° C) if using a dark or glass pan.
- Once doubled in size, remove plastic wrap bake rolls for about 18-25 minutes until slightly golden in a preheated oven.
- While baking or during rising time, make the frosting.
Make Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting (Make 1-2 days ahead)
- In the bowl of a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat room temperature butter (¼ cup) and cream cheese (4 ounces) on medium-high for 4 minutes until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low, and add powdered sugar (1 cup), vanilla (2 teaspoons), and 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (or other), beat until smooth, light, and fluffy.
- Add a little milk or cream if a thinner consistency is desired. Set aside until ready to use. (May be made 2 days ahead), cover and refigerate.
- Remove cinnamon rolls from the oven when golden brown and the middle rolls spring back when lightly touched. Everyone likes their cinnamon rolls baked differently, for softer, gooey rolls bake on the lower side, for more firm rolls bake on the longer side.
- Allow the rolls to cool for about 15-20 minutes before spreading the frosting on the tops. Or cool completely and serve with frosting on the side!
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Notes
Make Cinnamon filling; store on the counter up to 1 day until ready to use.
Make frosting ahead of time, store in airtight container in fridge. Remove from fridge when you start the cinnamon rolls, so it comes to room temperature. Give it a good stir before spreading.
Remove butter, eggs and cream cheese from fridge, allow to come to room temp for recipe. How to Create a Warm Proofing Spot for your Rolls to Rise I set my oven on the proof setting at about 75°F. If no proof setting, turn your oven on to 100° F, let it preheat, then TURN OFF, then place the dough inside for first resting. Fresh Tips
- If the dough is still very sticky and getting stuck to the sides of the bowl, add a small spoonful of flour, mix, and continue until the dough is tacky but not sticky.
- No kneading attachment? Just turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for the same time.
Nutrition
Holly
Oh my goodness! These were so decadent and delicious! Definitely a weekend project, but my boys and I got in the kitchen, cranked up some tunes, and got to work. They turned out amazing. Thanks for the great recipe.
Thank YOU!
Sharon
These apple pie-filled cinnamon rolls are the perfect combination of my favorites, cinnamon rolls and apple pie. The perfect breakfast!
Thank you!!
Beth
I absolutely love the idea of essentially combining apple pie and cinnamon rolls. My sweet tooth is FULLY activated right now!
Haha!! Sorry???
Chahinez
This was absolutely wonderful!
Yay!