Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

If you adore warm, comforting breakfasts that feel like a hug from the inside, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Icing Recipe. Imagine soft, fluffy rolls swirled with a sweet cinnamon-spiced apple filling, baked to golden perfection, then drizzled with a luscious maple cream cheese icing that melts into every nook and cranny. This recipe isn’t just any cinnamon roll—it’s a perfect harmony of seasonal flavors and sweet, creamy indulgence that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend brunch or a special holiday treat, these rolls are pure joy in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly, and each one plays an essential role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and that irresistible golden color of these Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Icing Recipe.

• Warm milk (1 cup / 240ml): Activates the yeast and helps achieve that tender dough.
• Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The magical leavening agent that makes the dough rise beautifully.
• Brown sugar for dough (1 tablespoon): Adds subtle sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
• Salted butter for dough (4 tablespoons / 57g): Enhances richness and tenderness in the dough.
• Large eggs (3): Bind ingredients and add richness and structure.
• All-purpose flour (3 1/2 to 4 cups / 420-480g): Foundation of the dough that provides the right chewiness.
• Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and boosts flavor.
• Salted butter for filling (6 tablespoons / 85g): Infuses the filling with richness and helps coat the apples.
• Brown sugar for filling (1/2 cup / 100g): Sweetens the apple-cinnamon mixture perfectly.
• Honeycrisp apples: Their crisp texture and natural sweetness shine through; keeping the skin adds delightful bite and color flair.
• Cinnamon (to taste): Classic warming spice that’s essential for the iconic cinnamon roll flavor.
• Butter for icing (4 tablespoons / 57g): Browned to deepen the flavor of the maple cream cheese icing.
• Maple syrup (1/4 cup / 60ml): Adds a fragrant and natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with cream cheese.
• Cream cheese (6 ounces / 170g): The star of the icing—rich, tangy, and luxuriously smooth.
• Brown sugar for icing (1/4 cup / 50g): Adds caramel notes and balances the cream cheese tang.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings depth and aromatic sweetness to the icing.
• Powdered sugar (2-3 cups / approx. 240-360g): Creates the perfect creamy texture for drizzling icing.
• Pinch of kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the icing and rounds out sweetness.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining warm milk, active dry yeast, and brown sugar in your mixer bowl. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes bubbly on top. This tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, which is the key to fluffy, airy rolls.

Step 2: Make the Dough

To the bubbly milk mixture, add softened butter, eggs, flour, and salt. Use the dough hook on your stand mixer to blend everything into a smooth, slightly sticky dough. If the dough feels too wet to handle, sprinkle in flour little by little until it’s just right—soft but not sticky.

Step 3: First Rise

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about an hour. If your kitchen is cool, move it somewhere warmer with a towel over it to trap the heat. The growth here builds that light texture we all love.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Cinnamon Filling

While the dough rises, mix together butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Peel and chop your Honeycrisp apples (leave the skin on for extra texture and color if you like), then toss them into the mixture so every bite bursts with spicy apple goodness.

Step 5: Roll Out and Fill

After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the apple cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough, making sure the layer isn’t too thick so you can roll the dough without it breaking.

Step 6: Roll and Slice

Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, pressing edges to seal in the filling. Then slice the log into 12 equal rolls—approximately 1½ inches thick—and arrange them spaced slightly apart in a greased baking dish.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover your rolls again and let them rise for 30 minutes until puffy and luscious. This second rise gives those rolls a tender crumb and helps create that perfect baked height.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes. When they turn golden brown, your kitchen will fill with the scent of warm cinnamon and baked apple—a signal your Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Icing Recipe are nearly ready to enjoy.

Step 9: Prepare the Maple Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls bake, brown butter gently in a saucepan to deepen its flavor, then whisk it together with maple syrup, cream cheese, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually add powdered sugar until the icing is smooth and perfect for drizzling, not too thick or thin.

Step 10: Drizzle and Serve

Once the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the warm maple cream cheese icing over the top so it seeps into all the crevices of your rolls. Let them cool for a few minutes, then enjoy while still warm for true comfort-food perfection.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate presentation and flavor, sprinkle a pinch of finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the icing for some delightful crunch and nutty aroma. A light dusting of ground cinnamon or a drizzle of extra maple syrup can add a touch of elegance and extra sweetness, perfect for entertaining guests.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy breakfast. For a more substantial brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait. The natural tartness of berries works wonderfully to balance the sweetness of the rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these for a festive occasion, consider stacking the rolls slightly askew on a large platter to showcase their layers. You could also serve them in individual mini cast iron skillets or ramekins for a charming, rustic look that keeps each portion warm longer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The rolls stay soft and flavorful, making for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack.

Freezing

Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Icing Recipe freeze beautifully! Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap then foil, or store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat rolls in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Drizzle any extra maple cream cheese icing for that fresh-baked experience!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their balance of sweetness and tartness and nice texture, you can substitute Granny Smith for a tangier flavor or Fuji for extra sweetness. Just make sure to choose a firm apple that won’t get too mushy during baking.

Is it okay to make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. Just bring it back to room temperature before rolling and filling. This can help develop more complex flavors and save time on busy mornings.

Can I make these rolls dairy-free?

With some adjustments, yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cream cheese and milk. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still be delightful.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can effortlessly mix and knead the dough by hand on a clean surface. It might take a bit more elbow grease, but the results will be just as delicious. Just make sure the dough is smooth and elastic.

How can I make the maple cream cheese icing thicker or thinner?

To thicken the icing, add a little more powdered sugar gradually; to thin it out, stir in a teaspoon or two of milk or maple syrup until you reach your desired drizzle consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is a heartfelt treat that combines the best of autumn flavors with classic comfort. Every step, from the tender dough to the spiced apple filling and dreamy maple cream cheese icing, is worth the time and love you put in. I hope you try this recipe soon and share it with the people you care about—there’s nothing quite like the joy of warm, homemade cinnamon rolls fresh from your kitchen.

Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

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4 from 72 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This Apple Cinnamon Rolls recipe combines soft, fluffy dough with a sweet and spiced apple filling, topped with a luscious cream cheese and maple syrup icing. These homemade rolls feature tender pieces of Honeycrisp apples with their skins on for added texture, creating a perfect balance of cinnamon sweetness and fresh fruit flavor. The dough is enriched with eggs and butter, making each roll incredibly moist and rich, ideal for a comforting breakfast or dessert.

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Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients

• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for dough)
• 4 tablespoons (57g) salted butter, softened (for dough)
• 3 large eggs
• 3 1/2 – 4 cups (420-480g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Filling Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons (85g) salted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• Cinnamon (to taste, about 1-2 tablespoons)
• 2 medium Honeycrisp apples, peeled if desired but recommended to keep skin on, diced

Icing Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons (57g) salted butter
• 1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup
• 6 ounces (170g) cream cheese
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2–3 cups (240-360g) powdered sugar
• Pinch of kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine 1 cup warm milk, 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is bubbly on top, indicating the yeast is activated and alive.
2. Make Dough: Add 4 tablespoons softened butter, 3 eggs, 3 1/2 to 4 cups flour, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with the dough hook until all flour is incorporated and dough is smooth and slightly sticky, about 4-5 minutes. Adjust flour as needed for texture.
3. First Rise: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot. Let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour. If slow, move to a warmer area for another 30 minutes, covered with a towel.
4. Prepare Filling: While dough rises, mix 6 tablespoons softened butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and cinnamon together. Peel (optional) and dice Honeycrisp apples, then combine with the filling mixture to coat evenly.
5. Roll Out Dough: Punch down risen dough and roll onto a floured surface into a thin rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Spread Filling: Evenly spread the apple cinnamon filling over the dough surface in a thin layer.
7. Form Rolls: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough into a tight log, pressing edges to seal and prevent filling from spilling.
8. Slice and Second Rise: Slice the log into 12 equal 1½-inch thick rolls. Place rolls in a greased baking dish spaced slightly apart. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise 30 minutes until puffy.
9. Bake Rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and aromatic.
10. Prepare Icing: While baking, melt butter and brown it lightly. Mix in maple syrup, cream cheese, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt. Gradually add powdered sugar until smooth and drizzle-able.
11. Ice and Serve: Drizzle warm icing over rolls immediately when out of oven. Let cool for a few minutes before serving warm.

Notes

• Leaving the skins on the Honeycrisp apples adds nice texture to the filling.
• Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
• If dough is too sticky when mixing, add flour a little at a time to achieve the right texture.
• Use a sharp knife to slice rolls evenly without squishing them.
• Serve the cinnamon rolls warm for the best flavor and soft texture.
• Maple syrup in the icing gives a lovely natural sweetness and pairs well with the apple cinnamon flavor.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American