I’ll never forget the first time I attempted cinnamon rolls. It was Christmas morning, I was about 10 years old, and I was determined to impress my family. Let’s just say the result was… dense. But that experience sparked a lifelong love of baking, and a quest to find the easiest, most foolproof recipes possible. And trust me, after many years of experimentation, I’ve finally cracked the code for incredibly delicious, unbelievably Easy Apple Cinnamon Rolls that anyone can make. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Easy Apple Cinnamon Rolls you’ll ever make!
The Secret to Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Okay, friend, let’s dive in! We’re about to embark on a baking adventure that will fill your kitchen with the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and apples. I’m going to guide you through every step, so don’t worry if you’re a beginner baker. We’re in this together!
What Makes These Apple Cinnamon Rolls So Easy?
You might be thinking, “Cinnamon rolls? Easy? Surely there’s a catch!” And I get it. Some recipes can be intimidating. But this one? It’s designed for simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Here’s why:
- Simplified Dough: We’re using a straightforward dough recipe that doesn’t require fancy techniques. Just a few basic ingredients, a little mixing, and you’re good to go.
- Quick Rise Time: Forget hours of waiting! This recipe has a relatively short rise time, meaning you can enjoy your apple cinnamon rolls sooner.
- Easy Apple Filling: We’re not messing around with complicated apple preparations. A simple mix of diced apples, cinnamon, and sugar is all you need.
- Foolproof Frosting: A creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting that’s so easy to whip up, you’ll want to put it on everything!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ingredients. This is where good preparation sets us up for success. Double-check you have everything on the list before we begin. And remember, don’t be afraid to substitute or adjust to your liking – baking is all about experimentation!
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of our rolls. Make sure it’s fresh!
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast: Our leavening agent! Make sure it’s not expired.
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F): Activates the yeast. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced: I recommend Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their tartness and firm texture.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds a warm, molasses-like sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling and prevent it from being too runny.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and flavor to the filling.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star of the show!
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: The key to a tangy and creamy frosting. Make sure it’s truly softened!
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a smooth texture.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors and adds a touch of sweetness.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the consistency of the frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Bake!
Alright, my friend, let’s get baking! Don’t be intimidated by the number of steps. I’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow instructions. Remember, you can always pause and rewind if you need to. I’m here for you!
Making the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This means the yeast is alive and kicking!
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Don’t worry if the dough is a little sticky – that’s normal! You can add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, if needed.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This is crucial for light and fluffy rolls!
Preparing the Apple Filling:
- Combine Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well until the apples are evenly coated. This smells amazing already, doesn’t it?
Assembling the Apple Cinnamon Rolls:
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
- Spread the Filling: Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges.
- Roll Up the Dough: Starting at the opposite long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
- Slice the Rolls: Using a sharp knife or dental floss (yes, really!), slice the log into 12 equal pieces. I find that using dental floss gives a cleaner cut.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until slightly puffy.
Baking the Apple Cinnamon Rolls:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the Rolls: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them – ovens can vary! If they start to brown too quickly, you can tent them with foil.
- Cool Slightly: Let the rolls cool in the baking dish for 10-15 minutes before frosting.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream Together Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. This is where the softened ingredients really shine!
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Adjust Consistency: Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. I like mine to be thick enough to hold its shape, but still easy to spread.
Frosting and Serving:
- Frost the Rolls: Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm apple cinnamon rolls.
- Serve and Enjoy! Serve immediately and watch everyone’s faces light up. These are best enjoyed warm, but they’re also delicious at room temperature.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Here are a few extra tips and tricks to help you achieve cinnamon roll perfection:
- Use Fresh Yeast: Expired yeast will not rise properly. Check the expiration date before you start baking.
- Don’t Overheat the Milk: Milk that is too hot will kill the yeast. Aim for a temperature between 105-115°F (40-46°C).
- Don’t Overknead the Dough: Overkneading can result in tough rolls. Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Use a Serrated Knife or Dental Floss to Slice the Rolls: This will prevent them from being squished.
- Don’t Overbake the Rolls: Overbaking will result in dry rolls. Bake until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Soften the Cream Cheese and Butter: This will ensure a smooth and creamy frosting.
- Add a Pinch of Salt to the Frosting: This will enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors.
- Get creative with your toppings! Try adding chopped nuts, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even some sprinkles.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few ideas:
- Different Apples: Use your favorite type of apple! Braeburn, Fuji, or Gala would all work well.
- Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Raisins: Soak raisins in warm water or apple juice for 30 minutes, then drain and add them to the filling.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the rolls before baking for a decadent treat.
- Maple Syrup: Substitute maple syrup for the granulated sugar in the dough for a warm, autumnal flavor.
- Vegan Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Use plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese substitutes to make these rolls vegan-friendly.
If you have an abundance of apples, consider making these APPLE BROWNIES. They’re a simple treat using up your harvest, or you can try these, APPLE DUMPLINGS.
Why I Love These Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Honestly? Because they’re pure comfort food. They’re the perfect treat for a cozy weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or any time you need a little pick-me-up. The combination of warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and tangy cream cheese frosting is simply irresistible. And the fact that they’re so easy to make? That’s just the icing on the (cinnamon) roll!
These Easy Apple Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. The aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake, the anticipation as you wait for them to cool, and the joy of sharing them with loved ones – it’s all part of the magic. And speaking of magic, after you enjoy these rolls, you might want to try making a WICKED APPLE CIDER SPELL.
And when the weather cools down, you might consider my recipe for COZY APPLE CRISP; it is a simple recipe, but if you are looking for something with a bit more texture, I recommend CRUNCHY APPLE CRISP. If you want an appetizer, check out TWIX CARAMEL APPLE SALAD, it’s always a hit! For another yummy treat, make CINNAMON SUGAR PRETZEL PERFECTION.
Get Ready to Bake!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s get baking! I promise, you won’t regret it. These Easy Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and they’re sure to become a new family favorite. Happy baking, my friend!
What makes these apple cinnamon rolls easier to make than other recipes?
This recipe uses a simplified dough that doesn’t require fancy techniques, has a shorter rise time, uses a simple apple filling, and has a foolproof cream cheese frosting.
What kind of apples are recommended for the filling?
The recipe recommends using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for their tartness and firm texture.
What is the ideal temperature for the milk used to activate the yeast?
The milk should be warm, between 105-115°F (40-46°C). Too hot will kill the yeast, and too cold will not activate it.
Can I substitute ingredients to make these apple cinnamon rolls vegan?
Yes, you can! The recipe suggests using plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese substitutes to make these rolls vegan-friendly.

Easiest Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- **Activate the Yeast:** In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
- **Combine Wet Ingredients:** Add the melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
- **Add Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, if needed.
- **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- **Combine Filling Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well until the apples are evenly coated.
- **Roll Out the Dough:** Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
- **Spread the Filling:** Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges.
- **Roll Up the Dough:** Starting at the opposite long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
- **Slice the Rolls:** Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
- **Second Rise:** Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until slightly puffy.
- **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- **Bake the Rolls:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. If they start to brown too quickly, you can tent them with foil.
- **Cool Slightly:** Let the rolls cool in the baking dish for 10-15 minutes before frosting.
- **Cream Together Butter and Cream Cheese:** In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- **Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla:** Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- **Adjust Consistency:** Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- **Frost the Rolls:** Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm apple cinnamon rolls.
- **Serve and Enjoy!** Serve immediately.