If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy breakfast or an indulgent holiday treat, Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are your answer. These gooey, spiced rolls combine the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of apple pie filling, and the richness of brioche dough, all smothered in velvety cream cheese frosting. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, this recipe adds texture and depth with toasted pecans and layers of flavor from cooked apples, making it a seasonal showstopper that’s perfect for fall, winter, or any time you crave comfort food.
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What Makes These Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls Irresistible
These aren’t just your average cinnamon rolls — they’re loaded with apple pie filling and have that homemade bakery-style softness thanks to a rich brioche base. The dough is forgiving and easy to work with, especially with an overnight cold rise. This flexibility makes these rolls perfect for make-ahead breakfasts or holiday brunches. The blend of cinnamon, brown sugar, and tart-sweet apples makes every bite buttery, soft, and full of flavor — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
What You’ll Need to Make These Rolls
• Brioche Dough: The rich base that gives these rolls their soft, pillowy texture
• Cooked Apples: Adds a fresh, fruity filling with natural sweetness and autumn aroma
• Brown Sugar: Deep molasses flavor that caramelizes slightly while baking
• Ground Cinnamon: Essential spice for warmth and depth
• Butter: Adds richness and helps meld the sugar and cinnamon into a paste
• Toasted Pecans: Optional, but gives crunch and nutty contrast
• Cornstarch: Thickens the apple filling for a jammy consistency
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Brings tangy, creamy balance to the sweet filling
• Heavy Cream: Helps the frosting become smooth and spreadable
• Kosher Salt: Enhances all flavors and balances sweetness
Smart Swaps: Ingredient Substitutions You Can Try
• Vegan Butter or Coconut Oil: For a dairy-free option
• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Blend: Sub in for regular flour for a GF version
• Chopped Walnuts or Almonds: If pecans aren’t your thing
• Maple Syrup or Coconut Sugar: To replace brown sugar in a more natural way
• Greek Yogurt Frosting: A tangy, lower-fat option instead of cream cheese frosting
How to Make the Best Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls
- Make the Brioche Dough: Activate your yeast in warm milk and sugar. Mix with flour, salt, eggs, and more sugar. Add butter slowly and knead until smooth. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- Cook the Apple Filling: Sauté diced apples in butter, cinnamon, sugar, and salt until tender. Add cornstarch to thicken. Cool before using.
- Toast the Pecans: Bake in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Let cool and chop coarsely.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Paste: Mix butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until it forms a spreadable mixture.
- Assemble the Rolls: Roll dough into a 24”x16” rectangle. Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly, layer with apple filling, and sprinkle with pecans.
- Roll and Slice: Roll tightly from the long edge. Chill the roll briefly to firm it up, then slice into 12 even pieces.
- Proof the Rolls: Let them rise for 45-60 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Whip until fluffy.
- Finish: Frost the rolls while still slightly warm so the icing melts into the crevices.
Tips to Make These Apple Cinnamon Rolls Even Better
• Don’t Skip the Cold Rise: It enhances flavor and makes the dough easier to handle
• Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: Rolls are done at 190°F internally
• Cut Cleanly: Chill the rolled dough before slicing for neat spirals
• Spread Evenly: Make sure the cinnamon and apple fillings reach the edges
• Avoid Overfilling: Too much apple can cause soggy bottoms — aim for balance
What to Serve With Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls + Variations to Try
• Coffee or Chai Tea: Complements the warm spices perfectly
• Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For a dessert spin
• Caramel Drizzle: Add on top of the frosting for extra indulgence
• Make It Nut-Free: Simply skip the pecans
• Spice It Up: Add nutmeg or clove to the filling for more warmth
• Mini Rolls: Cut smaller slices for bite-size versions, perfect for brunch spreads
Why These Apple Cinnamon Rolls Are Perfect for the Holidays
The holiday season is all about cozy mornings, festive flavors, and food that brings people together. These Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls check every box. They can be prepped ahead, baked fresh in the morning, and served warm to impress your family or guests. The scent of apples and cinnamon wafting from the oven is reason enough to make them — but the taste? That’s what will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Ready to elevate your breakfast game? These Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls will become your new seasonal favorite — whether for a weekend brunch or a holiday morning tradition.
Conclusion
These Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence. With soft, buttery brioche dough, spiced apple pie filling, crunchy toasted pecans, and a creamy frosting, each bite is a warm hug in pastry form. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy weekend breakfast or need a show-stopping treat for a holiday gathering, this recipe checks all the boxes. The best part? You can make the components ahead of time, so you can assemble and bake these rolls fresh when you’re ready to enjoy them.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, prepare your kitchen, and get ready to delight in these delicious Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls that are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls the Same Day?
Yes, you can definitely make these rolls in the same day! However, for the best texture and flavor, consider letting the brioche dough chill for at least 2 hours in the fridge. This cold rise allows the dough to develop flavor and makes it easier to handle. The apple filling and frosting can also be made ahead to save time in the morning.
Can I Use a Different Type of Dough for This Recipe?
While brioche dough gives these Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls their signature richness and softness, you can substitute it with other doughs like traditional cinnamon roll dough or even a pre-made dough for a quicker option. However, the brioche dough does provide a more decadent, tender roll that elevates the whole recipe.
How Do I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store leftover Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze the rolls (without frosting) for up to a month. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or oven. If they’re frosted, the microwave is the best option to prevent the frosting from melting too much.
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Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes plus rising time
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a decadent combination of soft brioche dough, cinnamon-sugar filling, spiced apple pie filling, toasted pecans, and a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or holiday treat, they can be prepared in advance for an easy morning assembly.
Ingredients
- 250g whole milk, lukewarm
- 50g Granulated Sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp active dried yeast
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 565g All-Purpose Flour
- 100g Unsalted Butter, at room temperature
- 850g – about four medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced small
- 30g Unsalted Butter
- 80g Granulated Sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp Kosher salt
- 1 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 125g Pecan Halves
- 190g Unsalted Butter, at room temperature
- 280g Brown Sugar
- 2 Tbsp plus 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp Kosher salt
- 115g Unsalted Butter, at room temperature
- 225g Cream Cheese, at room temperature
- 250g Powdered Sugar, sifted
- 1–2 Tbsp Heavy Whipping Cream
- ½ tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Activate the yeast in lukewarm milk and 25g of sugar, and let it foam for 10–15 minutes.
- In a stand mixer, combine flour, salt, and remaining sugar. Add the milk mixture and eggs, mixing on low for 2–3 minutes, then increase to medium speed for 5 minutes. Gradually add butter until incorporated, then knead for 7–10 minutes until smooth.
- Shape the dough into a ball, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- For the apple filling, cook diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in butter until tender. Add cornstarch to thicken and cool.
- Toast the pecans in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes, then chop coarsely and set aside.
- Make the cinnamon sugar filling by mixing butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Roll out the dough into a 24”x16” rectangle, spread with the cinnamon mixture, layer with the apple filling, and sprinkle with pecans.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, cut into 12 even pieces, and chill briefly to firm up.
- Arrange the rolls in a greased or parchment-lined baking dish and let rise for 45-60 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes until golden brown.
- While the rolls bake, prepare the cream cheese frosting by whipping butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and salt until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls and serve.
Notes
- The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated overnight.
- If the dough becomes too difficult to roll, chill it for 10 minutes to make slicing easier.
- For a more flavorful roll, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon filling.
- Leftover rolls can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
