Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Last Updated on October 10, 2025 by Toya

Looking for ways to add something different to your cinnamon rolls this season? These apple cinnamon rolls are exactly what you need! They’re soft, fluffy, and filled with gooey cinnamon-spiced apples that just taste so good!

Cinnamon rolls are a go to for almost everyone around this time of year, but you don’t always have to stick to the same old thing. Sometimes, a little twist like this recipe is the perfect change of pace, and I promoise, they’re so good, you’ll want to make them again and again.

Plus, these are made with simple pantry staples so tyou don’t need to go out for extra ingredinets if you just want to make them now!

So, if you’ve been on the lookout for some easy cozy breakfasts or fall desserts then you need to try these apple cinnamon rolls!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Small batch: This recipe makes just 6 rolls which is perfect for weekends or smaller families.
• Simple ingredients: All the ingredinets are pantry staples and or easy to find.
• Soft and fluffy texture: The dough bakes up pillowy sofft and light every time.
• Full of apple-cinnamon flavor: These rolls are have the best sweet, buttery filling that tastes like apple pie.
• Topped with cream cheese frosting: They’re topped with cream cheese frosting for just the right amount of tangy sweetness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Yeast Starter

• ¼ cup warm water (100–110°F)
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar

For the Dough

• 1 cup + 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons milk (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons melted butter

For the Apple Filling

• 1 small apple, peeled and finely diced (about ½ cup)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Tiny pinch of fine sea salt

Ingredient Substitutions

• Milk: Whole, 2%, or plant-based milk all work here.
• Apples: Any baking apple (like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji) will hold up well.
• Yeast: You can use instant yeast instead of active dry. Skip proofing and mix it straight into the flour.
• Butter: Unsalted butter works fine — just add a pinch more salt to the dough.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until its foamy on top. If nothing happens, the yeast is inactive and you need to start over with fresh yeast.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a medium bowl, combine the yeast mixture, melted butter, milk, sugar, and salt.

Then add the flour gradually and mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon flour at a time until smooth and slightly tacky.

Step 3: Knead and First Rise

Next, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until its smooth and elastic.

Then place it in a greased bowl. Cover it, and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling

Make sure the butter is softened.

Dice the apples. Then mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Set these aside.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick on a lightly floured surface.

Spread a thin layer of softened butter, then evenly spread the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture on top. Finally, top evenly with diced apples.

Step 6: Roll and Slice

Starting from the short side, roll the dough into a snug log.

Cut into 6 equal pieces and place in a greased small baking dish.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover and let rise again for 45–60 minutes, or until puffy and nearly doubled in size.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

For extra soft, gooey rolls, drizzle 2–3 tablespoons of heavy cream over the rolls just before baking.

Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Step 9: Make the Frosting

Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.

Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix until creamy and fluffy.

If needed, add 1 teaspoon of milk for a softer texture.

Step 10: Frost and Serve

Let the rolls cool for 10 minutes, then spread the frosting over warm rolls so it melts slightly into the swirls.

Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Rolls

• Use warm (not hot) water. If the water is too hot it can kill the yeast.
• Let your dough rise in a warm spot (around 75–85°F).
• You can drizzle some heavy cream onto the cinnamon rolls before baking for the softest, gooeyest rolls.
• You can frost the rolls while they’re still warm for that melt-in effect.

Storage & Reheating

• At room temperature: You can store these frosted rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• In the fridge: You can also keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• To reheat: Microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds until warm.

You can also freeze unfrosted rolls (baked or unbaked) for up to 2 months.

Serving Ideas

Serve these apple cinnamon rolls warm for breakfast with a cup of coffee, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. They’re also perfect for Thanksgiving morning or a cozy weekend brunch

These homemade apple cinnamon rolls are soft, sweet, and full of that classic fall flavor. Whether you make them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing and your morning even better.

If you loved these, check out my Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch and these Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes next!