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; 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; 3 cups powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

There’s something irresistibly cozy about warm, gooey rolls straight out of the oven, and this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe truly delivers on that comfort. The tender dough filled with spiced apples and topped with a luscious brown butter maple icing makes it a treat to savor any time you want a little homemade indulgence.

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

I remember the first time I baked these apple cinnamon rolls—they instantly became my weekend favorite. They’re special because the apples add a fresh twist to classic cinnamon rolls, and the maple icing? It’s like a warm hug in frosting form.

Unique Flavor Combo: The mix of fresh apple chunks with cinnamon sugar filling creates a perfect balance between sweet and slightly tart flavors.
Brown Butter Maple Icing: This icing isn’t just sweet; it has a toasted, nutty depth that elevates the whole roll experience.
Soft, Pillowy Texture: The dough is enriched and tender, making each bite melt in your mouth without feeling heavy or dense.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether breakfast, brunch, or afternoon snack, these rolls brighten up the table and your mood.

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

This recipe brings together familiar ingredients that complement each other beautifully: a tender yeast dough, warmly spiced apple filling, and a uniquely flavorful icing. Choosing good-quality apples and fresh spices really makes a difference here.

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

Warm milk: Activates the yeast gently without killing it; use around 110°F for the best rise.
Active dry yeast: Key to that fluffy dough rising nicely; make sure it’s fresh for optimal puff.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and caramel-like sweetness, especially important in the filling.
Salted butter: Butter enriches the dough and filling, giving that tender crumb—salt helps balance flavors.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the dough for softness.
All-purpose flour: The base for the dough, use fresh and sifted for smooth texture.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the apple filling alongside brown sugar, balancing taste and texture.
Cinnamon: The warm spice essential for that classic cinnamon roll vibe.
Honeycrisp apples: Firm and juicy, these hold their shape well and add natural sweetness and tartness.
Cream cheese: In the icing, it gives a tangy creaminess that pairs perfectly with the brown butter and maple syrup.
Maple syrup: The star sweetener in the icing, providing a rich, natural sweetness and depth.
Powdered sugar: For smooth, glossy icing consistency.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the icing's flavor beautifully.

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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 love swapping the type of apple depending on the season or what’s ripe at the farmer’s market. Plus, you can tweak the icing sweetness to your liking—the maple syrup makes it easy to adjust, so it’s never too sugary or too mild.

Variation: Sometimes I add chopped pecans to the filling or sprinkle them on top before baking for extra crunch and nuttiness. It’s a little extra effort but so worth it!
Dairy-Free Option: Replace the butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the icing if needed; the flavor stays surprisingly close to original.
Spice Mix Up: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom in the apple filling for a festive twist that’s perfect around the holidays.

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

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix the Dough

Start by warming your milk to about 110°F—warm enough to feel cozy but not hot to the touch. Sprinkle the yeast and brown sugar over it and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly and alive. This is your sign that the yeast is ready to work its magic.

Next, add softened butter, eggs, salt, and most of the flour to your stand mixer bowl. Using the dough hook, mix for around 4-5 minutes until the dough comes together into a smooth ball. If it’s sticky, gradually add the remaining flour—just enough so it feels soft but doesn’t cling to your hands.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap and tuck it in a warm spot at room temperature. I like to put it near my oven or in a sunny window. In about an hour, it should double in size and look light and puffy—that’s when you know you’re ready to roll out.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Cinnamon Filling

While the dough is rising, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Chop your apples into small pieces so they spread evenly and don’t weigh down the dough too much. Set the filling aside but keep the butter handy—you’ll spread it soon!

Step 4: Roll Out, Fill, and Shape the Rolls

Once your dough has doubled, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12 x 18-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly, sprinkle the chopped apples, then cover with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Roll tightly from the long side nearest to you, sealing the edge by pinching it shut.

Slice into 12–15 even rolls with a sharp knife, then place them snugly in a buttered 9×13-inch dish. Cover and let them proof again for 20-30 minutes. They'll puff up beautifully, getting ready for the oven.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Pop your rolls into a 350°F oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when their tops turn a gorgeous golden-brown and you can smell that heavenly apple cinnamon aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 6: Make the Brown Butter Maple Icing

While the rolls bake, melt butter in a small pot over medium heat. Stir it often until it foams and then turns a nice golden-brown with a nutty smell—don’t let it burn! Remove from heat and whisk it into cream cheese, maple syrup, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. This icing is pure magic.

Spread the icing generously over warm rolls right after they come out of the oven. It melts perfectly into all the nooks and crannies.

Top Tip

Making these rolls got so much easier once I learned the magic of brown butter for the icing—adding that toastiness really takes it from good to unforgettable.

Check Your Dough Texture: The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky. Add flour sparingly—too much makes the rolls dense.
Use a Sharp Knife: When cutting the rolls, a sharp serrated knife prevents squashing the dough and keeps nice round shapes.
Don’t Skip Proofing: Both rises are essential for airy, tender rolls. If your home is cool, a warm spot like near a radiator helps them puff beautifully.
Brown Butter Watch: Butter burns quickly when browning—remove it from the heat just as it turns golden and smells nutty to avoid bitterness.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish my rolls with a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon for that extra cozy touch. Sometimes a few thin apple slices on top add a pretty, rustic look and hint at what’s inside.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or coffee, but if you want to go all out, serve alongside a simple cheese platter or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special brunch, arrange the rolls in a circular pan and drizzle with extra icing. Or serve miniature versions in cute ramekins, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, I pop them in the fridge, tightly wrapped, and they stay moist but just a little firmer.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully either before or after baking. When freezing unbaked, I assemble them, cover tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. If baked, cool completely and freeze in a sealed container—just warm and re-ice before serving.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I use a microwave for 20-30 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to restore that fresh-baked softness. Adding a bit of extra icing or butter after reheating keeps them moist and dreamy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are ideal because they hold their shape well and have a nice tartness, you can use Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala. Just avoid overly soft apples that might turn mushy.

How long do these rolls stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cinnamon rolls stay fresh for up to 2 days. Refrigerate them if you want to keep them longer, but they’re best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the rolls through step 4, skip the room temperature rise, and refrigerate overnight before baking. This makes morning baking super easy and still yields soft, fluffy rolls with minimal wait.

What’s the secret to the brown butter maple icing?

The key is patiently browning the butter just until it’s golden and smells nutty—this adds a wonderful depth that pairs perfectly with the sweet maple syrup and tangy cream cheese. Don’t rush it or let it burn!

Final Thoughts

Making this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe always feels like a little act of kindness to myself and anyone lucky enough to share. The way the flavors blend—warm apples, cozy cinnamon, that dreamy maple icing—is just the kind of treat that turns an ordinary morning into something special. I can’t wait for you to try them and find your own favorite way to enjoy every bite!