Apple Pie Filling Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Last Updated on September 19, 2025 by Allison Lancaster

These Apple Pie Filling Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect combination of cinnamon rolls and apple pie in one easy recipe. Packed with warm apple filling, brown sugar, and topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting, this sweet treat is perfect for breakfast, holiday brunch, or dessert.

If you love cinnamon rolls and warm apple pie, these Apple Pie Filling Cinnamon Rolls are going to be a hit at your house. I’ve made these countless times for my family, and they never last long. This easy dessert combines gooey apple pie filling, buttery cinnamon roll dough, and a sweet cream cheese frosting. It’s perfect for Christmas morning, holiday brunches, or any time you want a warm and cozy sweet treat straight from your oven.

I test every recipe in my own kitchen with my two little helpers. These rolls have become a weekend favorite for us and are especially great for busy mornings when you still want something homemade and special.

Why We Love Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

• Family-friendly and kid-approved
• Uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand
• Feels like a fancy bakery treat without the extra work
• Makes the house smell like fall with cinnamon and brown sugar in the oven
• Can be prepped ahead and baked the next morning

Whether you’re baking these for a holiday breakfast or a lazy Sunday morning, this recipe brings all the warm and cozy vibes with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

For the Dough

• Warm milk
• Instant yeast
• Eggs (at room temperature)
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• All-purpose flour

For the Apple Pie Filling

• Melted butter
• Packed light brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Freeze-dried apple slices, crushed
• Heavy cream (for baking)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract

For the Topping

• Vanilla extract
• Granny Smith apple, chopped
• Light brown sugar
• Butter

How to Make Easy Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Make the Dough

In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes. Add eggs, melted butter, sugar, salt, and flour. Mix on low speed with the paddle attachment until just combined. Switch to the dough hook and knead on medium speed for 5 to 7 minutes. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour.

Transfer the dough to a large bowl greased with nonstick spray. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 35 to 40 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Apple Pie Filling

While the dough rises, mix melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and crushed freeze-dried apples in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 3: Roll and Fill

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Spread the apple pie filling over the dough in an even layer. Roll it up tightly from the long side, then slice into 12 rolls using a sharp knife or piece of unflavored dental floss.

Place the rolls into a greased casserole dish. Cover and let them rise for another 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Pour warm heavy cream over the rolls just before baking.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through in the center.

Make the Frosting and Topping

Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla. Beat until fluffy and set aside.

Apple Topping

In a small saucepan over medium heat, add butter, chopped apples, brown sugar, and vanilla. Cook until the apples are soft and the sugar is melted. Let it cool slightly before using.

Assembly and Serving

Remove the rolls from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting over warm rolls. Top with the cooked apple mixture and serve.

Optional: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert.

Storage Tips

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your home is warm or humid, refrigerate instead. Reheat gently in the microwave before serving.

You can also freeze the unbaked rolls in a greased baking dish covered tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and allow to rise before baking.

Tips for Success

• Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
• Let the dough rise fully to get a soft, rich dough texture.
• Use a sharp knife or floss to cut even rolls.
• Dust your surface with flour to prevent sticking while rolling out the dough.
• Pouring warm cream over the rolls before baking gives them an extra gooey center.

FAQs

Can I use canned cinnamon rolls instead of making the dough?
Yes, you can use your favorite brand of cinnamon rolls and add the apple pie filling to make this even faster.

What kind of apples work best?
Granny Smith apples give a nice tart balance to the sweet cinnamon roll base.

How can I prep these in advance?
Assemble the rolls and place them in your casserole dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking in the morning.

Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes, place a few rolls in your air fryer basket and cook at 325°F for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.

These apple cinnamon rolls with rich apple filling and sweet frosting are a family favorite around here. They’re an easy dessert, a decadent breakfast, and a great recipe to make with your kids. If you’re short on time, feel free to use premade dough and a can of apple pie filling, but this homemade version truly delivers the best results.

Whether you’re planning your holiday brunch or just want something cozy to share, these rolls are the perfect combo of gooey apple pie and classic cinnamon rolls.

Continue to Content

Apple Pie Filling Cinnamon Rolls

Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

These Apple Pie Filling Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect combination of cinnamon rolls and apple pie in one easy recipe. Packed with warm apple filling, brown sugar, and topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting, this sweet treat is perfect for breakfast, holiday brunch, or dessert.

Print

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk (should be warm to the touch not hot)
• 1 packet instant yeast
• 2 large eggs, brought to room temperature *see notes on egg safety 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (reserved)
• Filling:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 (1.25 oz) packet freeze-dried cinnamon apple slices crushed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed (reserved for after 2nd rising)
• Frosting:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Topping:
• 1 green granny smith apple, cored and chopped
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/3 packed light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Add yeast and warm milk to the bowl of a stand mixer.
2. Add the eggs, melted butter (make sure its not HOT) and sugar to the bowl.
3. Whisk together or use the paddle attachment to combine.
4. Add in the salt and four cups of flour.
5. Using the paddle attachment, mix until just incorporated.
6. Let sit for five mins so the flour can absorb the liquid.
7. Change the handle from the paddle to the dough hook and knead on medium speed for 5-7 mins.
8. The dough will still stick to the sides of the bowl, but should still hold shape. If it does not add in the reserved 1/2 cup of flour.
9. Spray a large bowl with nonstick spray, add the dough to it and cover with a cloth.
10. Allow to rise in a warm place for 35-40 mins (or until doubled in size)
    While the dough is rising, make the filling.
11. Add all the ingredients to a small bowl and mix well together.
    (I crushed the freeze-dried fruit in a food processor)
12. Turn the dough out on a lightly floured surface.
13. Roll the dough to a 24*15" rectangle.
14. Drop dollops of the filling all over the dough, then spread it evenly over the top surface of the dough.
    (if it cools off too much you can make it soft by warming it in the microwave for 15 seconds)
15. Starting on the long end, roll the dough up tightly jelly-roll style.
16. Cut into 12 slices and place into prepared pan
17. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
18. Cover the pan and allow the apple pie cinnamon rolls to rise for 20 minutes or until nearly double.
19. Pour the 1/2 cup heavy cream over the rolls right before baking.
20. Bake for 20-25 mins until the rolls are lightly golden brown and the center is cooked through.
21. While baking prepare frosting and or apple pie topping.

Frosting

1. In a large bowl, blend softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla. Beat until combined.

Topping

1. In a small saucepan add butter, apples, brown sugar, and vanilla. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Once all the sugar is completely melted, pour it into a bowl and let cool.

Remove the rolls from the oven. Top with cream cheese allowing it to melt over the top. Add apple pie filling, serve and enjoy warm!

Notes

If the dough does not double in size by the 40 min mark, place it in a warmer space for 10 additional min. If it is still not rising your yeast is not activated and the dough should be discarded.

I typically turn on the oven and place the bowl on the back burner to allow the dough to rise.

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