Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Warm, Spiced Comfort in Every Swirl

There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling apart a warm cinnamon roll—but take that beloved breakfast classic and swirl in tender, spiced apples, and you’ve got something even more magical. Apple Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect way to start a chilly morning or to wind down with dessert after a comforting dinner. They’re soft, gooey, and bursting with the cozy flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, and sweet apple filling.

Whether you use a quick shortcut like crescent roll dough or go all out with homemade yeast dough, this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a bakery-worthy treat. Best of all, they can be served with or without icing, depending on your craving—though a drizzle of cream cheese icing takes them over the top.

Perfect for brunch, holidays, or lazy weekends, these rolls are guaranteed to draw everyone into the kitchen.

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Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Crescent roll dough or homemade dough	1 package or 1 sheet
Apples (finely diced)	2 medium
Brown sugar	1/4 cup
Ground cinnamon	1 teaspoon
Butter (melted)	2 tablespoons
Cream cheese icing (optional)	As desired for topping

Ingredient Notes:

• Apples: Choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala for the best balance of sweetness and structure.
• Dough: Refrigerated crescent roll dough offers a quick shortcut; homemade yeast dough adds a fluffier texture.
• Cinnamon: Don’t be shy—this spice ties the apples and sugar into a cozy, aromatic filling.
• Butter: Helps keep the inside soft and encourages the filling to melt into a gooey swirl.

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Equipment Needed

• Rolling Pin: To smooth out dough for even filling distribution.
• Pastry Brush: For applying melted butter.
• Sharp Knife or Dough Cutter: To slice rolls cleanly.
• Baking Dish (8×8 or 9-inch round): Ensures the rolls bake up soft and pillowy.
• Mixing Bowl: For tossing apple filling ingredients.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Roll and Butter the Dough
Unroll your crescent roll dough onto a floured surface and gently press the seams together if using pre-cut dough. Brush the surface evenly with the melted butter, making sure to reach the edges.

3. Add the Filling
In a bowl, toss the finely diced apples with the brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread the apple mixture evenly across the buttered dough, pressing it gently into the surface.

4. Roll It Up
Starting from the longer edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or string to slice the log into 1–1.5-inch thick rolls.

5. Arrange and Bake
Place the rolls into your greased baking dish with the swirl sides up, leaving a bit of space between them to expand. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the apples are bubbling around the edges.

6. Ice and Serve
Let the rolls cool slightly, then drizzle with cream cheese icing or your favorite glaze. Serve warm, ideally with a hot cup of coffee or cider.

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Tips and Variations

• Make It Homemade: If time allows, use homemade cinnamon roll dough for extra softness and flavor.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for a crunchy texture.
• Caramel Apple Rolls: Drizzle with caramel sauce instead of icing for a deeper sweetness.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a more complex flavor.
• Overnight Option: Assemble the rolls the night before, cover, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.

Pro Tip: Use unflavored dental floss to slice clean, even rolls without squashing the dough.

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Serving Suggestions

Classic Brunch Style:
Serve the rolls warm, in the baking dish, with a pot of coffee and fresh fruit on the side. Offer cream cheese icing in a small bowl for guests to drizzle to taste.

Plated Elegance:
Serve on a dessert plate with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a more decadent dessert presentation.

Holiday Twist:
Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with a cinnamon stick or thin apple slice for a festive look.

Serve on a rustic wooden tray, paired with linen napkins and a seasonal centerpiece to create a cozy table setting.

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Pairings

Hot Beverages:

• Coffee or Espresso: Cuts through the sweetness and highlights the cinnamon.
• Spiced Chai Latte: Echoes the warm flavors in the filling.
• Apple Cider (Hot or Iced): Reinforces the apple theme and adds a festive touch.

Cold Beverages:

• Cold Brew Coffee with Oat Milk: Smooth and balanced for warm rolls.
• Milk or Almond Milk: A classic complement to sweet rolls.

Alcoholic Pairings:

• Brunch Cocktail: Try a Caramel Apple Mimosa or Irish coffee for an indulgent brunch vibe.

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Storage and Reheating

Storage:
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 4 days.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Warm individual rolls for 15–20 seconds.
• Oven: Reheat at 325°F for 10–12 minutes to maintain texture.

Freezing:
Freeze unbaked rolls in a tightly sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual. Baked rolls can also be frozen and reheated individually.

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Nutritional Information (Per Roll, without icing)

• Calories: ~220 kcal
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: ~200mg
• Allergens: Contains gluten and dairy

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

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Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon Rolls bring all the warmth and joy of a traditional cinnamon roll, with the added bonus of soft, spiced apples tucked into every bite. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a hit—this recipe is sure to become a new favorite for breakfast, dessert, or anytime indulgence.

If you make these rolls, tag your swirls online or leave a comment with your favorite filling twist—we’d love to see your creations!

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