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 so cozy and irresistible about the smell of warm spices and sweet fruit wafting through the kitchen. That’s exactly what you get with this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe—soft dough swirled with cinnamon, tender bits of apple, and topped with a luscious brown butter maple glaze that truly elevates the whole experience.

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 can’t tell you how many times these apple cinnamon rolls have become my go-to crowd-pleaser for brunch or special mornings. What makes this recipe stand out is the combination of a homemade dough, a fragrant apple filling that isn’t overly sweet, and a maple icing that adds depth thanks to brown butter. It’s a comforting treat you’ll want to make again and again.

Homemade yeast dough: Soft, pillowy, and just the right amount of sweet to complement the filling.
Fresh apple chunks: Using Honeycrisp apples gives a juicy bite that balances the cinnamon beautifully.
Brown butter maple icing: Adds a nutty, rich flavor that’s seriously addictive.
Make-ahead friendly: You can prep or freeze these ahead, making mornings stress-free.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays its part in making these rolls balanced and flavorful. The yeast dough is enriched with eggs and butter for softness, while the brown sugar and cinnamon in the filling create that classic warm flavor. The real magic? The maple syrup and browned butter in the icing—that extra touch that lifts these rolls into something truly special.

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 and gives the dough tenderness thanks to its moisture content.
Active dry yeast: Essential for the dough rise and that airy texture we want in cinnamon rolls.
Brown sugar: Adds subtle molasses notes to both the dough and the filling for a richer flavor.
Salted butter: I like using salted butter here because it helps balance the sweetness, but make sure it’s softened to mix in easily.
Eggs: Enrich the dough with moisture and a slight chewiness you’ll appreciate in every bite.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough—start with 3 ½ cups and add more as needed for a smooth, pliable dough.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip this.
Honeycrisp apples: Crisp, sweet, and juicy—perfect for this filling so the apples don’t turn mushy while baking.
Cinnamon: The star spice here—make sure you use fresh cinnamon for the best aroma and taste.
Granulated sugar: Adds extra sweetness and helps caramelize the apple filling slightly.
Cream cheese: Gives the icing a silky texture that pairs beautifully with the maple and brown butter notes.
Maple syrup: Not just sweet but flavorful, it complements the apples and cinnamon perfectly.
Powdered sugar: For that smooth, spreadable icing consistency.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the icing.

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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

One of the things I adore about this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe is how it invites you to add your own spin. I've tried swapping out different apple varieties and even adding nuts or dried fruit to the filling. Don't be shy about tweaking it to suit your taste buds!

Variation: I once added chopped toasted pecans to the filling for a delightful crunch—totally worth trying if you want texture contrast.
Dietary swaps: You can substitute half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and a bit more fiber.
Seasonal twists: During fall, adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves to the filling gives it a festive vibe.

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

Step 1: Starting the Dough with Love

I always start by warming the milk—not too hot, just lukewarm to the touch, so it wakes up the yeast without killing it. Mixing in the yeast and brown sugar, I let it sit until it gets bubbly on top, which tells me the yeast is alive and kicking. This little patience moment is key! Then, I add room-temperature butter and eggs, followed by most of the flour and salt. Mixing with my stand mixer’s dough hook, I watch for the dough to pull away from the bowl and become soft yet not sticky. Adding extra flour bit by bit here is how I get the perfect texture every time.

Step 2: The Magic Rise

Covering the dough with plastic wrap, I let it rest at room temperature for about an hour. This is when the dough doubles in size and its flavor develops—don’t rush this part! I usually set a timer and peek once it’s puffed up nicely, ready to handle the filling step.

Step 3: Mixing the Apple Cinnamon Filling

While the dough rises, I toss together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon—the perfect trio for a cozy spice blend. Butter is key here too, so I make sure it’s soft before spreading. Lastly, I chop up the Honeycrisp apples into small but noticeable pieces so they bake just right inside the rolls.

Step 4: Rolling and Filling the Dough

Once the dough has doubled, I punch it down gently, then roll it out on a floured surface into a big rectangle—about 12 by 18 inches. Spreading softened butter evenly, I sprinkle on the apples followed by the cinnamon sugar mix. Then, starting with the edge closest to me, I roll it up tightly like a jelly roll, sealing the edge by pinching it closed with my fingers. Using a sharp knife, I cut the log into 12 to 15 equal pieces—this is a great moment to get the kids involved!

Step 5: Second Rise and Baking to Golden Perfection

I place the rolls into a buttered 9×13 pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let them rise for another 20–30 minutes. It’s fun to watch the rolls puff up and almost touch each other. Then, into a 350°F oven they go for about 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and irresistible.

Step 6: Making the Brown Butter Maple Icing

While the rolls bake, I start on the icing. Browning the butter gently on medium heat until it smells toasted is a game changer (don’t walk away because it can burn quickly!). After removing from heat, I mix cream cheese, maple syrup, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until silky smooth. The warmth of the rolls helps the icing melt in just right—generous dollops for maximum indulgence!

Top Tip

Over the years, I've found a few tricks that really take these rolls from great to unforgettable. The right dough texture and perfect apple chopping go a long way in the final bite.

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Check the dough’s stickiness: It should be slightly tacky but not sticky enough to cling to your fingers—too dry dough makes tough rolls!
Seal the dough roll well: Pinching the edges tightly prevents your filling from oozing out during baking.
Brown your butter slowly: Stir gently and watch closely to avoid burning—it should be golden with a nutty aroma.
Don’t skip the second rise: This step makes your rolls fluffy and light, so be patient!

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—sometimes I sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top, or a few chopped toasted pecans for crunch. Occasionally, a light drizzle of extra maple syrup over the icing is just divine and adds a glossy finish.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a big mug of coffee or spiced chai. If you're serving brunch, a fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait complements the rich rolls wonderfully and balances the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these rolls in a circle on a large platter lined with parchment, and added edible flowers for a fun twist. You can even bake them in individual ramekins for single servings—perfect for gifting or a festive brunch spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, I refrigerate the rolls once cooled—it keeps them moist but might firm the frosting slightly.

Freezing

These apple cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully at two stages: either unbaked after assembling (before second rise) or fully baked and cooled. When you’re ready, thaw the unbaked rolls overnight in the fridge and bake fresh, or warm the baked rolls in a low oven and refresh with a bit of icing.

Reheating

I prefer reheating individual rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warming the whole batch in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. If the icing has firmed up or looks dry, just spread on a little more fresh icing or a drizzle of warmed maple syrup.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of apple in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples offer a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, Granny Smith or Fuji apples work well too. Just adjust baking time slightly if your apples are softer.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size and look puffy and soft to the touch. You can gently press a finger into the dough—if the indentation remains, the dough has risen enough.

Can I make these rolls vegan or dairy-free?

You can swap butter for a plant-based alternative and choose a non-dairy milk, but the cream cheese icing will need a vegan cream cheese substitute. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different.

What’s the best way to store leftover icing?

Store leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature and give it a quick whisk before spreading again.

Final Thoughts

Making these Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe always feels like a special occasion in my kitchen—whether it’s a weekend brunch or a cozy morning treat. I love how comforting and approachable they are, plus the way the brown butter icing adds a depth that keeps people coming back for one more. I seriously hope you give this recipe a try; it’s the kind of homemade indulgence that’s worth every minute of effort.