Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls combine the best of both worlds: the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls with the sweet, comforting flavor of apple pie. This delightful treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. The cinnamon rolls act as a cozy blanket, cradling tender apple chunks tossed in cinnamon and brown sugar, all topped with a buttery streusel. With each bite, you’ll experience a delicious blend of spices and sweetness that evokes the essence of fall.

Making Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls is simple and a fun way to impress family and friends. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced cook, this recipe offers straightforward steps that anyone can follow. Plus, the smell of these rolls baking will fill your home with an irresistible aroma. With easy-to-find ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delightful dessert ready in no time. Serve these rolls warm, drizzled with sweet icing, and watch as they quickly become a favorite treat in your household.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of both beloved desserts in one delightful bite. This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also brings a warm and comforting vibe to any gathering. Your family and friends will appreciate and savor this creative twist on traditional cinnamon rolls. Plus, the combination of cinnamon and apple is a classic flavor pairing that everyone loves!

How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

• 2 packs Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls (5 count, ideally not the small 8 count)
• Butter for greasing muffin tin
• 4 large apples (2 Honeycrisp and 2 Granny Smith)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (dissolved in 3 tbsp water)
• 5 tbsp butter (partially melted)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/2-1 tsp cinnamon (based on your preference)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Use softened butter to grease each muffin cup.
2. Press cinnamon rolls into each muffin cup, spreading them up the sides to create a cavity for the apple filling. Try to avoid excess dough at the bottom.
3. Peel the apples, slice them thin, and dice into 1″ pieces. Mix together the apples with the remaining filling ingredients in a medium bowl.
4. Heat the mixture in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until the brown sugar syrup thickens and the apples soften, about 2 minutes. Alternatively, you can do this in a saucepan on the stove.
5. Use a slotted spoon to scoop the mixture, straining excess syrup before placing it into the cinnamon roll cavity. Fill them to the top of the tin.
6. Mix together the streusel topping ingredients in a bowl until they come together in big crumbs. Place handfuls mounded on top of the apple filling.
7. Bake for 15 minutes, loosely covering with foil for the first 5 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through.
8. As the rolls bake, whisk the icing ingredients until smooth. Let the rolls cool for 5-10 minutes then drizzle the icing over the tops and enjoy!

How to Serve Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are best served warm. You can pair them with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. They also make a great addition to breakfast or brunch spreads. Feel free to serve them as is, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

How to Store Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

To store leftover Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them or freeze them for up to a month. If freezing, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.

Tips to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a well-rounded flavor.
• Adjust the amount of cinnamon in the icing to match your preference.
• Don’t pack too much filling into the rolls; this can cause them to overflow while baking.
• For extra flavor, try adding nuts or raisins to the apple filling.
• Allow the rolls to cool slightly before drizzling with icing for the best presentation.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding different fruits or spices. Consider using pears or berries for a different flavor. You can also experiment with different nuts in the streusel topping or add caramel sauce for an extra sweet touch!

FAQs

Can I use different types of dough instead of cinnamon rolls?

Yes! You can use homemade dough or other store-bought rolls if you prefer.

How can I reheat leftovers?

To reheat, simply place the rolls in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the apple filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before assembling.

What kind of apples work best for this recipe?

A mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples works well, but you can use any apples that you enjoy.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute gluten-free cinnamon rolls and all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives.

About the Author — Linda Dawson
Linda shares simple, family-friendly desserts with a playful twist — mostly cakes and cookies you can bake on busy days.
👉 Meet Linda and see her favorite recipes