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 truly magical about warm, gooey baked treats fresh from the oven. This Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe is one of my all-time favorites to make when I want to fill the kitchen with cozy, comforting aromas and share a delicious morning or afternoon treat with friends and family.

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've baked my fair share of cinnamon rolls, but adding chopped Honeycrisp apples and finishing them off with a luscious brown butter maple icing takes these rolls to another level. It’s like autumn in every bite and so worth the extra step.

Perfect balance of flavors: Tart, sweet apples mixed with warm cinnamon and buttery dough make this roll unforgettable.
Brown butter icing: The maple syrup in the icing creates a deep, nutty sweetness that perfectly contrasts the rolls.
Make-ahead friendly: You can prep the rolls in advance or even freeze for later—great for busy mornings or hosting.
Fun to share: These rolls fill your kitchen with that irresistible scent that draws everyone to the table.

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 plays a special role to create the tender, flavorful rolls you want. Here’s a little insight about why these work so well together and a few tips for shopping smart.

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: This wakes up the yeast gently for a perfect rise without killing those precious organisms.
Active dry yeast: Classic leavening agent that gives these rolls their soft, airy texture.
Brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses flavor complementing the cinnamon and apples.
Salted butter: Using salted butter adds richness and depth; make sure it’s room temperature for easy mixing.
Eggs: Build structure and richness to the dough, making it tender and flavorful.
All-purpose flour: The base that gives these rolls their tender, chewy texture—use quality flour for best results.
Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
Honeycrisp apples: I always pick Honeycrisp for their crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor that holds up beautifully in the filling.
Cinnamon: The warm, fragrant spice that is life in any cinnamon roll.
Granulated and brown sugar (filling): Combine for just the right sweetness and a little crunch.
Cream cheese: Adds tang and creaminess to the icing—don’t skip it!
Maple syrup: The star sweetener here; I love the natural flavor it imparts in the icing.
Powdered sugar: For that classic smooth icing texture.
Vanilla extract: A flavor enhancer that rounds out the icing perfectly.

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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 personalizing this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe to match the season or my mood. Sometimes I swap Honeycrisp for Granny Smith for a tarter bite, or add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar — tiny twists that make it my own.

Nut-Free Variation: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and coconut cream cheese to accommodate allergies without losing flavor.
Extra Fruity: Try mixing in dried cranberries or raisins with the apples for extra texture and bursts of sweetness.
Spicy Upgrade: Add a dash of ground cloves or allspice to the filling for a cozy, warming note perfect for fall or winter.
Less Sweet: Reduce sugar in the icing if you prefer a more subtle sweetness and let the apple filling shine.

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

Step 1: Activate the yeast and prepare the dough

Start by mixing warm milk, yeast, and brown sugar in your stand mixer bowl, then let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it gets bubbly on top. This bubbling means your yeast is alive and ready—don’t rush this step! Then add butter, eggs, 3½ cups flour, and salt, mixing with the dough hook for 4–5 minutes. If it’s still sticky, gradually add flour until it feels smooth and soft. Trust me on this: the dough should be pliable but not sticky to ensure fluffy rolls.

Step 2: First rise

Cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for about an hour until it’s doubled in size. This is where the magic happens, so give it patience—no peeking too often or you might lose some warmth.

Step 3: Prepare the apple cinnamon filling

While the dough rises, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Butter your baking dish—this helps the rolls brown beautifully and prevents sticking later.

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

Punch down your dough gently and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12x18 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly, sprinkle chopped apples, then your cinnamon sugar mixture over the top. Roll the dough tightly starting from the long edge closest to you, sealing the edge by pinching the dough. Slice into 12 to 15 rolls and place them neatly in your prepared pan. Cover again and let rise 20–30 minutes for a puffed, light texture.

Step 5: Bake until golden

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake your rolls for 25–30 minutes or until they’re beautifully golden and the house smells like pure joy. Keep an eye near the end—if tops brown too fast, tent with foil.

Step 6: Make the luscious brown butter maple icing

Melt your butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it starts to brown and smells nutty, about 2–3 minutes. Take it off the heat quickly so it doesn’t burn! In a bowl, whisk cream cheese, maple syrup, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and glossy.

Spread the warm rolls with the icing and get ready to indulge!

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours: these tips helped me perfect the Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe and will make your baking smoother and even more delicious.

Precise dough texture: When adding flour after the initial mixing, add a little at a time—too much flour makes the rolls dense.
Even apple distribution: Spread the apples evenly so every roll has a balanced bite of tender fruit.
Timing for icing: Spread the icing while the rolls are still warm so it melts slightly, creating that perfect drip.
Don’t rush the rises: Both the first and second rise give you fluffy, tender rolls, so relax and let the yeast do its thing.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a few chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top for a little extra texture and warmth. Sometimes, a thin apple slice fan gives a fancy touch if I’m serving guests. Nothing too fussy, just a little charm.

Side Dishes

When I’m really indulging, I pair these with a steaming cup of coffee or chai latte. For a brunch spread, crispy bacon or a fresh green salad complement the richness beautifully, balancing sweet and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holidays, I arrange the rolls in a circular pattern on a pretty platter, icing them generously in the center. It makes the centerpiece not only delicious but beautiful—and perfect for everyone to grab and share.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I wrap leftover rolls tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They keep their soft texture nicely in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to revive freshness before serving.

Freezing

I’ve found freezing the unbaked rolls after shaping (step 4) works best for me. Just cover well and pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before baking fresh, and they rise beautifully as if baked fresh—lifesaver for busy mornings!

Reheating

For reheating, I like to warm them in a 300°F oven covered loosely with foil for about 10–15 minutes to keep them soft without drying out. You can also nuke in short bursts if you’re in a hurry, just be careful not to overdo it or they’ll get tough.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of apples for this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples offer a great balance of tartness and sweetness, Granny Smith or Fuji apples also work well. Just pick a variety that holds its shape when baked to avoid a soggy filling.

How long does it take to prepare and bake these rolls?

From start to finish, including rising and baking, plan for about 2 and a half hours. The active hands-on time is around 30 minutes, but the dough needs time to rise twice, which is essential for soft rolls.

Can I make these Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute salted butter with a plant-based butter and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the icing. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

What’s the best way to store leftover rolls?

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. They’ll last up to 4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze them, and thaw gently before reheating to keep them soft and fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe will quickly become your go-to for holidays, lazy weekends, or whenever you want to treat yourself with something truly special. The combination of tender dough, spiced apple filling, and that unforgettable maple icing feels like a warm hug in food form. I hope you love making and sharing them as much as I do!