Apple Cinnamon Roll – A Cozy Fall Dessert

The Perfect Blend of Apples and Cinnamon

When autumn arrives, the kitchen fills with warm spices, baked goods, and comforting aromas. Few recipes capture the season better than an Apple Cinnamon Roll. Imagine tender dough swirled with cinnamon sugar and chunks of juicy apples, baked until golden, then topped with a sweet glaze. It’s the kind of dessert that feels at home on a fall baking recipes list, but also works for brunch, family dinners, or even as a sweet treat at a dessert restaurant.

This recipe takes the best of two classics—apple pie and cinnamon rolls—and combines them into one irresistible treat. If you’re searching for fall recipes that impress without being overly complicated, this one deserves a place on your table.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Roll

• Warm & comforting flavors – cinnamon spice with fresh apples.
• Versatile dessert – serve at brunch, as dessert, or even at holiday gatherings.
• Simple ingredients – pantry staples you already have.
• Perfect for fall – it’s one of those cozy fall baking ideas that always makes the kitchen smell amazing.

It’s the kind of treat you’ll want to serve alongside coffee in the morning, or after dinner when the weather turns crisp.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup warm milk
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Apple Cinnamon Filling

• 2 cups apples, peeled and diced
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1 – Make the Dough

Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a bowl. Stir in warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms. Knead until smooth and elastic, then let rise 1 hour.

Step 2 – Prepare the Filling

Mix diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and vanilla. Set aside.

Step 3 – Roll and Fill

Roll dough into a rectangle. Spread apple cinnamon filling evenly across the surface. Roll tightly into a log and slice into 10–12 rolls.

Step 4 – Bake

Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and rise another 30 minutes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 5 – Glaze

Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Caramel Apple Twist: Drizzle caramel sauce over the glaze for an indulgent finish.
• Cupcake Style: Bake individual rolls in muffin tins for a fun cupcake-inspired dessert.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
• Make Ahead: Assemble rolls the night before, refrigerate, then bake fresh the next morning.

This recipe is one of those apple recipes that bridges the gap between a cozy recette dessert and something you might order at a café.

Why This Recipe Works

Cinnamon rolls are beloved for their soft, fluffy texture and comforting flavor. Adding apples brings freshness and sweetness, making each bite taste like fall. The result is a dessert that feels like a cross between apple pie and a sticky bun.

It’s one of those cinnamon recipes that never fails to impress, whether you’re baking for family or bringing something to share at work. And because it uses simple ingredients, you can whip it up without a special trip to the store.

Serving & Storage

• Serve Warm: Best enjoyed fresh from the oven with glaze melting over the top.
• Fridge: Store leftovers covered for up to 3 days. Warm in the microwave before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven at 325°F (160°C).

FAQ – Apple Cinnamon Roll

Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! Refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough works in a pinch.

What apples are best?
Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or a mix of both.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes, assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next morning.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Bake in a larger dish or two pans for parties.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Roll is warm, gooey, and bursting with fall flavors. Whether you’re looking for food cakes to enjoy on a crisp autumn day or new fall baking recipes to try, these rolls deliver comfort in every bite.

Serve them at brunch, bring them to a gathering, or simply enjoy them with family for a cozy night in. Once you try them, they’ll become a fall baking tradition in your kitchen.