Name: Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm milk; 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature; 3 large eggs; 3 1/2 - 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon cinnamon; 6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature; 2 Honeycrisp apples, chopped; 4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature; 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 2-3 cups powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

There’s just something irresistible about fresh-baked cinnamon rolls studded with tender apples and drizzled with a rich, buttery glaze. This Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe combines those cozy flavors in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate — perfect for weekend mornings or holiday breakfasts.

The image shows six cinnamon rolls arranged closely together on a white marbled surface. Each roll has several spiral layers, with golden-brown dough and visible cinnamon filling, some pieces of chopped nuts or apple bits are inside the spirals. A thick layer of creamy white icing covers the top of every roll, dripping slightly down the sides and filling some of the inner swirls. The background includes blurred cinnamon sticks and a bit of a red object in the upper right corner. The rolls look soft, warm, and freshly baked, with a slightly shiny icing texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen. It’s the lovely mix of soft, pillowy dough with a luscious apple cinnamon filling, all topped by that dreamy brown butter maple icing. Every bite is an experience I want to share with you.

Comfort in every bite: The dough is tender, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet—perfect for that breakfast treat or afternoon pick-me-up.
Homemade apple filling: Using fresh, crisp apples gives the rolls a juicy texture and a lovely burst of natural sweetness.
Brown butter maple icing: It’s not just a glaze—it’s the star that takes these rolls from tasty to unforgettable.
Customizable and forgiving: Whether you want to make them dairy-free, double the recipe, or freeze for later, this recipe has you covered.

The image shows a tray of twelve warm cinnamon rolls covered in thick white icing. Each roll has a soft, golden-brown dough with visible swirls of cinnamon and small bits of chopped nuts inside. The rolls are closely placed together on a piece of parchment paper, with some of the icing slightly melting over the edges. A woman's hand is holding one cinnamon roll that has been taken away from the group, showing the soft and fluffy texture inside. Nearby, there is a small jug of extra white icing and a spoon with some icing on it, placed on a wooden surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe plays a key role—from the warm milk activating the yeast to the cinnamon sugar apples that add that signature flavor. Here’s a quick overview of what makes each one special and some shopping tips so you get the best results.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl with warm milk, a small white ceramic bowl with light golden brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light cinnamon powder, two whole large brown eggs with clean shells, a smooth mound of all-purpose flour, a few tablespoons of salted butter in dollops, two bright Honeycrisp apples chopped into small pieces, a block of creamy white cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with amber maple syrup, and a few sprigs of vanilla bean placed symmetrically, all arranged on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Active dry yeast: Make sure it’s fresh; this is what makes the dough rise light and fluffy. Proof it in warm milk to get bubbly and alive before mixing.
Brown sugar: Its molasses content adds depth and warmth both in the dough and filling.
Salted butter: Bringing it to room temp ensures it blends easily into the dough and filling, and I never skip the salted kind here for flavor balance.
Eggs: They enrich the dough, making it tender and helping it brown beautifully.
All-purpose flour: Use a good quality brand; too much or too little flour can mess with the dough’s texture, so measure carefully.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the sweetness.
Honeycrisp apples: They’re my favorite for this recipe—crisp yet sweet, holding their shape just right when baked.
Cinnamon: The warm spice that pairs perfectly with apples and sugar for that classic cinnamon roll taste.
Cream cheese: Creates a rich, creamy base in the maple icing that’s mellow and smooth.
Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle woodsy flavor to the icing, making it truly special.
Powdered sugar: For that perfect icing texture—smooth and spreadable.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash lifts the icing flavor, adding warmth and complexity.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’ve found that this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe really invites you to put your own spin on it. Whether you want to swap the apples for pears in fall or make a vegan version, the dough and filling are versatile enough to handle it.

Variation: One time around the holidays, I added chopped walnuts and a pinch of nutmeg to the filling. The crunch against the soft roll and apple was a total game-changer — highly recommend!
Dairy-free option: Substitute the butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives. The maple syrup icing still shines through beautifully.
Spice it up: Add a little ground ginger or cardamom to warm the flavor profile further, especially nice in cooler months.
Sweeten less: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar in the filling slightly—still delicious but a bit lighter on your palate.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe

Step 1: Activate the yeast and prepare your dough

Start by warming your milk to just about body temperature—it should feel warm but not hot, around 100°F/38°C. Stir in your yeast and a bit of brown sugar, then let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it gets bubbly and foamy on top. This foaming shows your yeast is alive and ready to puff up that dough.

Step 2: Mix and knead your dough

After proofing the yeast, add in softened butter, eggs, flour, and salt. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook is a huge time saver. Mix everything for about 4-5 minutes until the dough is elastic and smooth. If it sticks to your fingers, sprinkle in a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it—too much flour can make rolls tough.

Step 3: First rise and apple filling prep

Pop a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap over your bowl and let the dough rise in a warm spot. It usually takes about an hour to double in size—this step makes the rolls light and airy. While you wait, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the filling, and chop your apples into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Roll out, fill, and shape your rolls

Once risen, “punch down” the dough gently to release air bubbles, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle about 12x18 inches. Spread softened butter evenly all over the dough. Sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mixture first, then scatter the chopped apples on top. Starting with the long edge closest to you, roll the dough tightly like a log, pinching the seam to seal. Slice into 12 to 15 rolls and place them snugly in your greased baking dish.

Step 5: Second rise and bake

Cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 20-30 minutes until they puff up nicely. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until they’re golden brown and smell heavenly. Keep an eye on the tops—if they brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil.

Step 6: Brown butter maple icing magic

While the rolls bake, melt your butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it brown lightly, swirling often until you catch that nutty, toasted aroma (about 2–3 minutes). Remove from heat and whisk it together with cream cheese, maple syrup, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and glossy. Spread the icing generously over the warm rolls right out of the oven.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that really make this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe shine and stay foolproof for busy mornings or special occasions.

Perfect dough texture: Don’t rush adding flour—start with less and add bit by bit. You want soft, sticky dough that’s still manageable, not stiff.
Brown butter timing: It can burn fast, so watch it carefully and remove immediately when you smell that rich toasted scent.
Use room temp ingredients: Eggs, butter, and cream cheese mix more smoothly, giving your dough and icing perfect texture without lumps.
Rising environment: I place the dough in a turned-off oven with just the oven light on for a cozy, draft-free rising spot.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe

apple cinnamon rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple here—just an extra drizzle of pure maple syrup or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans on top adds a lovely crunch and that rustic look. Sometimes, a little dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar adds that cozy vibe.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an indulgent morning. If you want to make it a heartier brunch, fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs balance the sweetness nicely and keep everyone satisfied.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, sometimes I serve the rolls in a cast iron skillet for that rustic, cozy feel. Adding edible flowers like pansies or a few fresh apple slices to the serving platter elevates the presentation and makes it all feel a bit special and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover rolls tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container on the counter for up to two days. They stay soft and fresh, but you really do want to enjoy them as soon as possible for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

I like to freeze these Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe two ways: either freeze the raw, filled rolls before baking (which you can thaw overnight and bake fresh) or freeze fully baked rolls after cooling. Both methods hold up well for a few months. Just thaw gently before serving.

Reheating

Reheat leftover or thawed rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes (or microwave for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a rush). Then reapply a little maple icing or drizzle of syrup to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven magic.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their balance of sweetness and firmness, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples also work well. Just choose apples that hold their shape and aren’t too soft.

How do I prevent the rolls from drying out?

Make sure to cover the rolls well when storing and avoid overbaking them—remove when golden but still soft. Using the brown butter maple icing generously also helps keep them moist.

Can I make these rolls vegan?

Yes! Substitute dairy butter with plant-based butter and use a flax or chia egg in place of standard eggs. Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the icing, and you’ll have delicious vegan cinnamon rolls.

Why is brown butter used in the icing?

Browning the butter adds a nutty, caramelized flavor that elevates the maple icing from simple sweetness to something rich and layered. It pairs beautifully with the warm spices and apple filling.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe hits all the right notes for me—it’s comforting yet a little fancy, simple but impressive. Whether it's a holiday breakfast or a cozy weekend project, I know you’ll enjoy the process and savor every bite. Try making them your own, and don’t be surprised if they become your new favorite sweet treat too!