Soft, gooey, and packed with cinnamon-spiced apples—these Apple Cinnamon Rolls taste like fall rolled up in dough and drizzled with caramel. They bake up golden and fluffy, slathered in tangy cream cheese frosting and a buttery salted caramel that melts right into every swirl. Make them for a lazy Sunday, Thanksgiving brunch, or any morning you want the whole house to smell amazing.
If you love my Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls or Cookies and Cream Rolls, you’ll be obsessed with this caramel-apple version. It’s the same pillowy dough, but with that nostalgic apple pie flavor baked right in.
Save This Recipe 💌
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
This recipe was inspired by my popular Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls , Cookies and Cream Rolls and Ube Rolls recipes. I wanted to add a unique twist and make something that is equally indulgent and comforting for fall season, but with a fresh and fruity kick. That's how the apple and caramel combo came to life in this roll recipe!
If you're as obsessed with salted caramel as I am, you have to try my Salted Caramel Basque Burnt Cheesecake. It's rich, creamy, and beautifully caramelized on top—like the ultimate cross between a flan and cheesecake, with that same sweet-salty magic that makes these rolls so addictive.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients
- How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls
- Can you Freeze The Dough?
- Variations
- Other Frosting Options
- Topping Suggestions
- What to Serve with This?
- Storage Instructions
- Rose's Top tip
- Recipe FAQ
- More Cinnamon Rolls Recipe To Try
- Did you try this recipe?
- Easy Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese & Salted Caramel Icing
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is simple to follow with minimal fuss.
- Perfect for Fall: With apples and caramel, it screams autumn, but it’s perfect for any season.
- Family-Friendly: These cinnamon rolls are always a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Bakery-Worthy: The salted caramel drizzle and cream cheese frosting make these rolls look and taste like something you'd buy at a fancy bakery.
- Customizable: You can change the filling or frosting based on your preferences (I’ll give some variations below).
- Irresistibly Delicious: The mix of tangy apples, warm cinnamon, sweet cream cheese, and salted caramel is unbeatable!
Ingredients
Here’s what you will need:
Dough:
- Whole Milk: Provides richness and moisture to the dough. For a non-dairy option, substitute with almond or oat milk.
- Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise. You can also use instant dry yeast for a quicker rise.
- Eggs: Adds structure and richness to the dough.
- Butter: Melted butter gives the dough a rich flavor.
- Sugar: Sweetens the dough.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough, making sure it’s not too sweet.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough. You can substitute with bread flour for a slightly chewier texture.
Filling:
- Butter: Makes the filling rich and spreadable.
- Cinnamon Powder: The signature spice that makes cinnamon rolls so irresistible. Adjust the amount depending on your preference for spice. I used Saigon cinnamon powder.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness to the filling. Light or dark brown sugar works; dark brown sugar gives a deeper flavor.
- White Sugar: Balances the sweetness of the filling and helps form a slight crust on the rolls as they bake.
- Granny Smith Apples: These tart apples balance the sweetness of the filling perfectly and hold their shape when baked. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples can be used for a sweeter flavor.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds creaminess to the filling mixture, making it extra indulgent.
Salted Caramel Drizzle:
- Condensed Milk: This is the base of the caramel sauce and adds sweetness and creaminess.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Deepens the flavor of the caramel. Light brown sugar can also be used, but dark brown sugar provides a more intense caramel taste.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness of the caramel, giving it that addictive salted caramel flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the caramel sauce.
Frosting:
- Confectioner's Sugar: The base of the frosting, adding sweetness and structure.
- Butter: Softened butter makes the frosting creamy and smooth. You can substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option.
- Cream Cheese: Adds a tangy flavor to balance out the sweetness of the frosting.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting with a touch of warmth.
- Salt: A pinch of salt in the frosting enhances the other flavors.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls
- Make the Dough: Warm the milk and add the yeast. Let it sit until foamy. In a large bowl, mix the eggs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Slowly add the flour, kneading until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let rise until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix softened butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and white sugar. Set aside. Peel and chop the apples into small cubes.
- Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the cinnamon butter mixture evenly over the dough and sprinkle the apples on top.
- Form Rolls: Roll the dough into a log, slice into individual rolls, and place them in a parchment paper lined baking dish. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 325°F (175°C). While waiting, pour heavy cream on top of each roll and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Check internal temperature should be 180-190 degrees.
- Make the Salted Caramel Drizzle: In a small saucepan, heat the condensed milk, dark brown sugar, salt, and butter until thick and caramelized. Set aside to cool. Put it in a piping bag to make it easier to drizzle.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat together the butter, cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Assemble: Once the rolls are done baking, spread the cream cheese frosting on top and drizzle them with the salted caramel. Serve warm and enjoy!
Can you Freeze The Dough?
Freeze the dough before starting the second proofing. When you're ready, thaw it and allow it to rise. Pour in room temperature heavy cream and let it sit for 5 minutes before baking.
Variations
- Pecan Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans or to the filling for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Maple Glazed Rolls: Replace the salted caramel drizzle with a simple maple syrup glaze for a sweeter, more breakfast-friendly option. I used this for my Pumpkin Spice Rolls.
- Pumpkin Spice Rolls: Replace the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice to give these rolls a fall twist.
- Raisin Cinnamon Rolls: Add raisins to the filling for a chewy, fruity addition.
Other Frosting Options
- Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: Add a tablespoon of maple syrup for an autumnal vibe.
- Chocolate Ganache: A rich chocolate drizzle instead of caramel for a decadent twist.
- Simple Glaze: Mix together confectioner's sugar, a splash of vanilla extract, and milk to create a quick, light glaze. This is perfect if you prefer a less rich topping than cream cheese frosting.
- Buttercream Frosting: Whip together softened butter, confectioner's sugar, vanilla extract, and a little cream to make a rich, smooth buttercream. This is great if you want a more traditional, sweeter frosting.
Topping Suggestions
- Toasted Nuts: Add a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pecans over the top for extra crunch and flavor.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Top a warm roll with a scoop of my Ninja Creami Vanilla Ice Cream—it melts right into the caramel and makes every bite taste like a fall dessert dream.
- Fresh Apple Slices: Garnish with thinly sliced apples for a fresh, fruity presentation.
- Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Dust the top with a mix of cinnamon and sugar for added sweetness and a slight crunch.
- Caramelized Pecans: Add caramelized pecans for extra texture and sweetness.
What to Serve with This?
- Coffee: A rich cup of coffee pairs perfectly with the sweetness of these cinnamon rolls. The bitter notes of coffee help balance the rich flavors of caramel and cream cheese.
- Hot Chocolate: For a decadent combination, serve with a mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. The chocolate complements the caramel and apple flavors.
- Bacon: The salty crispiness of bacon contrasts with the sweet, soft cinnamon rolls.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving to enjoy them warm.
- Refrigerator: Keep the cinnamon rolls in the fridge for up to 5 days. Store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. Reheat in the oven
Rose's Top tip
For the fluffiest dough, make sure your yeast is fresh and the milk is lukewarm, not hot. Also, don't skip the second rise for perfectly airy rolls!
Recipe FAQ
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls the night before and let them rise in the fridge overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning.
What type of apples should I use?
Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness balances the sweet filling. However, Honeycrisp or Fuji also work well for a sweeter taste.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making my own?
Yes, if you’re short on time, store-bought salted caramel sauce works just fine.
How do I keep my apple cinnamon rolls soft and gooey after baking?
Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes, then spread the cream cheese icing while they’re still slightly warm so it melts into the layers and keeps them extra moist. Cover the pan loosely with foil or plastic wrap to trap steam and prevent the rolls from drying out.
More Cinnamon Rolls Recipe To Try
Did you try this recipe?
Share how it turned out in the comment box below, and if you loved it, share it on Facebook, Pinterest & Instagram.
Thank you!
Easy Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese & Salted Caramel Icing
These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are soft, gooey, and loaded with tart Granny Smith apples, buttery cinnamon filling, and a drizzle of salted caramel over cream cheese frosting. Cozy fall mornings don’t get better than this.
Equipment
- 1 stand mixer
- 1 11x11x2 aluminum baking pan If using 9x13 (divide your rolls to 12)
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup Whole milk wamr 120 degrees Fahrenheit
- 2½ teaspoon active dry yeast
- 2 large Eggs room temperature
- ½ cup Butter
- ½ cup granulated white Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
Filling
- 6 tablespoon Butter
- 2 tablespoon Cinnamon Powder
- ½ cup Brown Sugar
- ½ cup White Sugar
- 2 medium Granny Smith Apples chopped small
- ⅔ cup Heavy Whipping Cream room temperature
Salted Caramel Drizzle
- ½ cup condensed milk
- 2 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon butter
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1½ cup Confectioner's sugar
- ¼ cup butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping
- walnuts or pecan nuts (OPTIONAL) toasted and chopped
Instructions
- Make the Dough: Warm the milk to lukewarm (about 110°F), then stir in the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, mix the eggs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the flour, kneading until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix softened butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and white sugar to make a spreadable filling. Peel, core, and chop the apples into small cubes.
- Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16x12 inches).
- Add the Filling: Spread the cinnamon-sugar butter mixture evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the apple pieces evenly over the butter mixture.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 9 equal-sized rolls.
- Let Them Rise: Arrange the rolls in a buttered baking dish. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until puffed.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through. Internal temperature should be 180-190.
- Make the Salted Caramel Drizzle: In a small saucepan, combine the condensed milk, dark brown sugar, salt, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns a deep caramel color. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter, cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble: Once the rolls are done baking, spread the cream cheese frosting on top and drizzle the caramel sauce over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Save This Recipe 💌
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Notes
- Apples: Granny Smiths are my go-to for that sweet-tart balance, but Honeycrisp or Fuji work great too. Just skip Red Delicious—they turn soft and watery once baked.
- Cut small: Dice the apples into small pieces (about ¼ inch) so they cook evenly and don’t tear the dough when you roll it up.
- Filling: Don’t pile the filling too high—spread it in an even layer and leave a little border so it doesn’t all squish out.
- Rolling tip: Roll it snug, but not too tight. You want those pretty swirls without squeezing the filling out the sides.
- Rising: Let the dough rise until it looks soft and puffy. If you poke it lightly, the dent should stay.
- Baking: Pull the rolls once the tops are golden and the centers still look a little soft. That’s how you get that gooey texture!
- Frosting: Spread the cream cheese icing while the rolls are still slightly warm—it melts into all the nooks and makes every bite extra soft.
- Caramel: Drizzle on the salted caramel while warm so it soaks into the swirls.
- Storage: Cover the pan loosely with foil or plastic wrap to keep the rolls soft. They’ll stay fresh for a couple of days on the counter or up to 5 in the fridge.
- Make ahead: You can prep these the night before! Just assemble, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, let them sit out for about an hour before baking.
Tried this recipe?Leave us a comment below and share how it came out!
