Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls – Cozy Fall Dessert

When Apple Pie Meets Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something magical about cozy fall mornings when the house fills with the warm aroma of cinnamon, apples, and freshly baked bread. Now imagine two of the most beloved comfort foods—classic apple pie and gooey cinnamon rolls—coming together in one indulgent treat. That’s exactly what these Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls deliver.

Soft, pillowy dough is swirled with buttery cinnamon sugar and generously filled with caramelized apples that taste just like the inside of a homemade pie. Once baked to golden perfection and topped with a sweet cream cheese glaze, every bite feels like a hug in dessert form.

This recipe is perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch centerpiece, or even a dessert that will wow your guests at a potluck. Best of all, it’s versatile—whether you make everything from scratch or take shortcuts with store-bought dough and canned apple filling, the results are always delicious.

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comfort food mash-up, these rolls bring nostalgia, indulgence, and a little bakery magic right into your kitchen.

What Are Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls?

Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect fusion of two timeless desserts. Imagine the spiced, gooey filling of a classic apple pie tucked inside the soft, fluffy spirals of a cinnamon roll. The combination delivers layers of flavor and texture—tender bread, caramelized fruit, and sweet glaze all in one bite.

This recipe was inspired by the desire to bring together the cozy flavors of fall and the bakery-style indulgence of cinnamon rolls. Instead of choosing between pie or rolls, you get both in one pan.

The best part? These rolls feel impressive yet approachable. With simple ingredients and step-by-step guidance, you can recreate a bakery-worthy treat right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These stuffed cinnamon rolls aren’t just another dessert—they’re an experience.

• Two desserts in one: Apple pie filling baked right into tender cinnamon rolls.

• Beginner-friendly: Easier than making a pie crust from scratch, with options for shortcuts.

• Customizable: Use homemade dough and filling for a from-scratch bake, or speed things up with pre-made dough and canned apples.

• Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s a holiday breakfast, weekend brunch, or festive dessert, these rolls are guaranteed to impress.

Plus, the combination of tart apples, warm spices, and sweet glaze makes these rolls irresistible year-round—not just during the fall.

Ingredient Breakdown

To make the perfect Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls, here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dough:

• Flour – The foundation for soft, fluffy rolls.

• Yeast – Helps the dough rise and creates that pillowy texture.

• Sugar & Milk – Add sweetness and moisture.

• Eggs & Butter – Richness for tender dough.

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• Apples – Tart Granny Smiths or sweet Honeycrisps work best. They hold shape and balance sweetness.

• Sugar – Both white and brown sugar caramelize the apples.

• Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Classic apple pie spices for warmth.

• Butter – Adds richness and helps the apples cook down.

For the Cinnamon Roll Filling:

• Butter – Spread over the rolled dough for richness.

• Brown Sugar – Melts into a gooey caramel inside the rolls.

• Cinnamon – Essential for that cozy cinnamon roll flavor.

For the Glaze:

• Cream Cheese – Tangy base that pairs beautifully with sweet rolls.

• Powdered Sugar – For sweetness and smooth texture.

• Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor.

Expert Tip: Balance the tartness of apples with a generous drizzle of glaze.
Storage Tip: Apple filling can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge.

Equipment You’ll Need

Having the right tools will make the process much smoother:

• Stand Mixer or Mixing Bowl – For kneading dough.

• Rolling Pin – To roll dough evenly.

• 9×13 Baking Dish or Cast-Iron Skillet – Perfect for baking rolls close together for soft edges.

• Sharp Knife or Dental Floss – For cleanly slicing rolls without squishing the dough.

• Measuring Cups & Spoons – To keep ingredients precise.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Make the Apple Filling
Peel, core, and dice apples. In a skillet, cook them with butter, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until softened and caramelized. Let cool before stuffing.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Activate yeast in warm milk with sugar. Mix in flour, eggs, and melted butter, kneading until smooth and elastic. Let dough rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.

Step 3: Roll & Fill
On a floured surface, roll dough into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, then spoon cooled apple filling evenly over the top.

Step 4: Roll & Slice
Tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut into even pieces.

Step 5: Second Rise
Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise again until puffy.

Step 6: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown and fluffy, about 25–30 minutes.

Step 7: Glaze
Whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla into a smooth glaze. Spread over slightly cooled rolls so it melts beautifully into the swirls.

Expert Tips:

• Don’t overstuff with filling—too much can cause rolls to burst.

• Be patient with rising times for soft, bakery-style rolls.

• Check rolls early; overbaking makes them dry.

Flavor Variations & Customizations

One of the best things about these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls is how easily they can be customized. Once you master the base recipe, you can get creative with delicious twists to suit any occasion.

• Caramel Apple Pie Stuffed Rolls – Take your rolls to the next level by drizzling warm caramel sauce over the baked rolls. The gooey caramel pairs beautifully with the spiced apple filling for a decadent, bakery-style treat.

• Maple Glazed Apple Cinnamon Rolls – Replace the cream cheese glaze with a simple maple glaze. Mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk for a rich, fall-inspired topping.

• Nutty Twist with Pecans or Walnuts – Add crunch by sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts over the apple filling before rolling. The combination of soft bread, tender apples, and crunchy nuts is irresistible.

• Shortcut Version with Crescent Roll Dough – In a rush? Use refrigerated crescent roll dough for a quick version. Spread the filling, roll, slice, and bake — you’ll still get that warm, cozy apple-cinnamon flavor with half the effort.

• Store-Bought vs Homemade Apple Pie Filling – While homemade apple pie filling gives the best flavor and freshness, canned apple pie filling works perfectly if you need a shortcut. If using canned, chop the apples into smaller pieces for easier rolling.

These variations allow you to adapt the recipe for weeknight cravings, holidays, or whenever you want a touch of cozy comfort.

Expert Tips for Success

• Keep rolls soft and fluffy – Don’t over-flour your dough. It should be slightly tacky to the touch, not stiff.

• Prevent soggy bottoms – Grease your baking dish well and avoid overfilling with apple mixture. A light sprinkle of flour or crushed graham crackers at the bottom can also help.

• Adjust sweetness levels – Reduce sugar in the filling if your apples are naturally sweet, or increase slightly for tart varieties like Granny Smith.

• Freezing tips – You can freeze baked rolls (let them cool completely, wrap tightly, and reheat in the oven) or freeze unbaked, sliced rolls on a tray, then bake fresh when ready.

• Pro tip – Bake in a cast-iron skillet for a gorgeous presentation and bakery-style crisp edges with a soft, pillowy center.

Serving Suggestions

These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Here are a few ideas:

• Brunch table centerpiece – Serve warm rolls in a skillet or baking dish as the star of your spread.

• Dessert with ice cream – Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel for an indulgent apple pie–meets–cinnamon roll dessert.

• Holiday breakfast treat – Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas morning — they fill the house with cozy aromas that feel festive and special.

• With coffee or hot cider – Nothing beats a warm roll paired with a hot drink on a crisp morning.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Room temperature storage – Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerated storage – Store in the fridge for up to 5 days; reheat gently before serving.

• Reheating – For best results, warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. The microwave works, but rolls may dry out.

• Freezer storage – Wrap baked rolls individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to restore their fluffy texture.

• Make-ahead – Assemble rolls the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let rise slightly in the morning, then bake fresh.

Nutrition Breakdown

Each Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll (with cream cheese glaze) contains approximately 310–350 calories. Expect about 45g carbs, 10g fat, and 5g protein per roll. The nutritional content will vary depending on portion size, glaze amount, and filling sweetness. While this is certainly an indulgent treat, it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you want to lighten things up, you can reduce sugar in the filling, swap half the flour for whole wheat, or use a simple glaze instead of cream cheese frosting.

FAQs

Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Yes! Canned filling works well and saves time. Just chop the apple slices smaller so they roll more easily.

How do I make these overnight cinnamon rolls?
Prepare the dough, fill, and slice into rolls. Place in your baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them rise at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before baking.

What apples work best for the filling?
Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala also work if you prefer a sweeter flavor.

Can I make them without yeast?
Yes, though texture changes. Use a baking powder biscuit-style dough for quicker, no-yeast rolls, though they won’t be as fluffy.

How do I keep cinnamon rolls soft after baking?
Cover them with foil or plastic wrap while still slightly warm to trap moisture. Avoid leaving them uncovered for long periods.

Can I swap cream cheese glaze for simple icing?
Absolutely. A basic glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla is quicker and lighter than cream cheese frosting.

Final Thoughts & Encouragement

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls combine two classics — the comforting sweetness of apple pie and the soft, fluffy texture of cinnamon rolls. Whether you make them from scratch or use a few shortcuts, they’re guaranteed to impress at any gathering. This recipe is approachable for beginners yet rewarding for experienced bakers looking to try something cozy and new. Add them to your fall and holiday baking list, and you’ll have a recipe the whole family will request again and again. Warm, spiced, and utterly comforting — these rolls are the ultimate bake-and-share treat.