Go Back
Easy apple cinnamon rolls are displayed warm and golden brown, ready to enjoy as a delicious homemade breakfast or dessert.

Easiest Apple Cinnamon Rolls

These apple cinnamon rolls are incredibly easy to make and packed with warm, comforting flavors. A simplified dough, quick rise time, and simple apple filling make this recipe perfect for beginner bakers. Topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting, these rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm milk 105-115°F
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Medium bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Lightly floured surface
  • Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel
  • Lightly greased bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Sharp knife or dental floss
  • Mixer (hand or stand)
  • Oven
  • Spatula or knife for frosting

Method
 

  1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
  2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** Add the melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
  3. **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.
  4. **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.
  5. **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.
  6. **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.
  7. **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 12x18 inches.
  8. **Spread the Filling:** Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges.
  9. **Roll Up the Dough:** Starting at the opposite long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
  10. **Slice the Rolls:** Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
  11. **Second Rise:** Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 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.
  12. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  13. **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.
  14. **Cool Slightly:** Let the rolls cool in the baking dish for 10-15 minutes before frosting.
  15. **Cream Together Butter and Cream Cheese:** In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  16. **Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla:** Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  17. **Adjust Consistency:** Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
  18. **Frost the Rolls:** Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm apple cinnamon rolls.
  19. **Serve and Enjoy!** Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, ensure the yeast is fresh and the milk is at the correct temperature. To prevent the rolls from drying out, avoid overbaking. Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the unbaked rolls after the second rise. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Add a pinch of salt to the frosting to enhance the sweetness. Get creative with toppings by adding chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce.