Oh my goodness, I have to tell you about my latest obsession for those mornings when you need something warm and comforting *fast*. Who has time for complicated pastry dough before 8 AM? Not me! That’s why I perfected these ridiculously easy Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls using that tube of refrigerated dough you buy at the grocery store. Seriously, total game-changer.
I remember the very first time I combined the warm spices of a classic apple pie filling with a soft, gooey roll—it was pure magic for a slow weekend breakfast. But this shortcut version? It’s even better because it takes maybe 15 minutes of actual work. They smell incredible, they taste like fall exploded in your kitchen, and they are guaranteed to make everyone think you spent hours slaving over homemade yeast dough. Trust me, these are the best quick fix breakfast treat you’ll ever make!
Why You Will Love These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Honestly, there are so many reasons these little guys have become a staple in my rotation. They hit that sweet spot between comfort food and speed. You’ll want to bookmark this one!
- They come together in under 35 minutes total—perfect for busy mornings!
- You only need about seven core ingredients, and most of them are already in your pantry.
- It’s the ultimate flavor fusion: cozy apple pie meets soft, gooey cinnamon roll heaven.
- No fiddly dough work is required; we’re letting the store-bought dough do all the heavy lifting.
- They bake up beautifully golden and are begging for that simple sweet glaze.
If you need more inspiration for classic rolls, check out my guide to making traditional cinnamon rolls, but trust me, these apple pie ones are worth trying first!
Essential Ingredients for Your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Look, these rolls are genius precisely because the ingredient list is so short! We are focusing on boosting that store-bought dough flavor with a homemade apple pie surprise inside. You seriously don’t need much, but every item plays a part in that amazing final taste. If you want to see how the original apple pie flavor gets made from scratch, take a peek at my classic apple pie recipe, but for these rolls, we keep things quick!
For the Apple Pie Filling
This tiny filling is where all the flavor magic happens. Make sure your apple is crisp!
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Assembly and Glaze of the Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
And here is the base for our gooey rolls and that final sweet touch.
- 1 package (13.8 oz) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon milk
Expert Tip: Don’t skip the finely diced step for the apple! We want soft apples that melt into the dough, not big chunky bites. Firm apples are always best for this.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Okay, this is where the magic happens, and I promise, it’s so quick you’ll look like a pastry hero! It all comes down to keeping your organization tight before you start rolling. Before you even think about opening that dough tube, get your oven preheated exactly how the package tells you to. Then, grab your baking dish and give it a light coating so nothing sticks later. Ready? Let’s dive into the steps!
Preparing the Apples and Dough
First things first, let’s build that spicy filling. In a little bowl, toss your finely diced apples with the brown sugar and cinnamon until everything is evenly coated. That’s it for the filling—the apples release the perfect amount of moisture while baking! Next, gently unroll your refrigerated dough onto a clean counter or large cutting board. Try not to stretch them too much; we want nice, thick rolls.
Assembling and Baking the Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Take that tablespoon of melted butter and quickly brush a thin layer all over each unrolled piece of dough. Don’t overdo it; we don’t want soggy bottoms! Now, spoon that glorious apple mixture evenly across the buttered dough. Roll each piece up snugly, starting from the short end. Here’s my big tip: when you get to the end, pinch that seam closed as tight as you possibly can! This stops the filling from oozing out and making a mess while baking. Once they are sealed tight, cut each roll right in half crosswise—this helps those sections bake up softer—and place them cut-side up in your prepared dish. Pop them into the hot oven and bake them according to the pizza dough package directions until they look nice and golden brown. I actually really love how you can peek at my methods for over-the-top baked goods if you feel ambitious later!
Finishing Your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with Glaze
As soon as those rolls come out, they need just a few minutes to cool down slightly. While they are still warm—this is important—whisk together the powdered sugar and the teaspoon of milk until it’s smooth. If it seems too thick to drizzle, just add milk drop by drop! Then, take a spoon and drizzle that sweet glaze all over the tops of your warm rolls. That slightly melted glaze soaking into the warm, spicy apple cinnamon roll? Pure heaven, I’m telling you!
Tips for Making the Best Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Even though this recipe is designed to be super easy, a few tiny tricks can push these rolls from ‘good’ to ‘I can’t stop eating them’ territory! We want guaranteed success here, so take these bits of advice to heart. You’ll be shocked at the difference a firm apple makes!
First, and I’m serious about this, always pick a firm apple variety, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. If you use one that’s too soft or too sweet, it turns to mush in the oven and you lose that wonderful distinct apple pie bite we are going for. A crisp apple holds its shape perfectly against the cinnamon. Also, when you make your glaze, don’t panic if it seems too thick right away. If the glaze consistency looks wrong when you start mixing the powdered sugar and milk, just add milk a few drops at a time until it’s perfectly pourable. A runny glaze is always better than one that’s too stiff on these rolls!
Variations for Your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
I love that this recipe is a perfect starting point, but if you’re feeling wild or just like to mix things up (I know I do!), there are a few super simple ways you can take these apple pie cinnamon rolls to the next level without adding any real stress to your morning routine.
Sometimes, I just crave a little crunch, you know? For that, try adding about a quarter cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts right into your apple filling mix before you spoon it onto the dough. Toasting them lightly in a dry skillet first really wakes up their flavor. It makes them taste incredible against that soft, spiced apple.
Another idea that feels a little more decadent—perfect for brunch when you want to treat yourself—is swapping out that simple powdered sugar glaze for something richer. If you have cream cheese on hand, you can whip up a quick cream cheese frosting. It’s just cream cheese, a little powdered sugar, vanilla, and just enough milk to get it runny. It pairs so well with the warm apple spice. If you want to see a killer use of brown butter, check out my recipe for cinnamon brown butter French toast casserole—you can adapt that brown butter idea for drizzling over these rolls too!
You could also incorporate some dried cranberries with your apples if you want a little tartness, or even add a tiny pinch of ground cloves to the apple spice mix for extra depth. These little tweaks keep the recipe feeling fresh even when you make them every week!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
The best part about these sweet rolls is that they are almost always better the next day, assuming you managed to save any leftovers! If you have any remaining Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, cover them tightly with foil or plastic wrap. You can keep them right on the counter at room temperature for about two days. If they look like they might last longer, tuck them into the fridge.
When you are ready to enjoy one, you absolutely must reheat it to get that gooey texture back. The microwave is my fast-fix choice—just 15 to 20 seconds does the trick! If you want them to taste fresh-baked, wrap them loosely in foil and pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. It really brings back that glorious soft crumb.
If you are prepping ahead, you can assemble them completely, store them covered in the fridge overnight, and then bake them the next morning—just add about 5-10 minutes to your baking time since they start cold. For even more inspiration on make-ahead bakes, check out my cinnamon strawberry crumb cake!
Serving Suggestions for Your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
These rolls are so versatile! They feel fancy, but they are just so happy sitting on a plate for any occasion. If you are serving them straight out of the oven when they are still warm and dripping with glaze, they make an incredible dessert. Seriously, try adding just one scoop of good vanilla bean ice cream right on top. The contrast between the warm spice and the cold, creamy vanilla is just heavenly!
For breakfast or brunch, these are the star of the show. You don’t need much else, honestly, but they pair perfectly with a big mug of your favorite hot coffee. I love making a batch when friends drop by unexpectedly. It makes the whole house smell amazing almost instantly. If you are looking for a great drink pairing that isn’t coffee, you have to try making a cold citrus drink—it cuts right through the sweetness of the rolls! You can find my simple recipe for a classic Orange Julius if you want a fun, bright contrast for brunch!
They are also delicious just as they are, served with a simple glass of cold milk in the afternoon. That’s how my kids usually devour them! No fuss, just pure, gooey joy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Whenever I share these super fast apple pie cinnamon rolls, I always get asked the same few things! It makes total sense; you want your quick breakfast pastry to turn out perfectly soft and delicious every time. I’ve pulled together the most common questions I hear about turning these simple ingredients into a top-tier sweet roll experience.
Can I make the apple filling from scratch instead of using pre-made dough?
Oh, absolutely you can! If you’ve got your favorite homemade enriched dough recipe, please use it! This filling is fantastic and works just as well with a slow-fermented yeast dough as it does with the shortcut stuff. However, I designed this recipe specifically around that refrigerated tube so you can have amazing results in under 35 minutes. If you use homemade dough, just make sure you let the rolls rise properly before baking, which will obviously change the total time!
What is the best way to reheat leftover Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls?
Reheating is critical for keeping these rolls soft! The goal is to get that gooey texture back without turning them hard. If you’re only heating one or two, pop them on a microwave-safe plate for about 15 to 20 seconds. That’s usually all it takes. If you have a few left, I actually prefer wrapping them tightly in foil and putting them in a 350°F oven for about 7 to 10 minutes. That warms them all the way through beautifully. If you’re reheating my apple slices recipe, they are best served cold, so keep that in mind!
Can these sweet rolls be made ahead of time?
You can assemble them *mostly* ahead of time, which is a lifesaver on busy mornings! You can prepare the rolls, place them into the buttered baking dish, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap, and let them sit in the refrigerator overnight. They will definitely proof (rise) slowly overnight in the cold. Just remember, since they are starting cold, you’ll need to add about 5 to 10 minutes to the package-recommended baking time to make sure the center gets fully baked. Don’t let them sit out on the counter for hours before baking, though, or they might get too puffy and collapse when they hit the oven!
Nutritional Estimate for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Okay, let’s talk numbers for a second. Since these are made with store-bought dough and covered in glaze, they definitely lean into the indulgent side of breakfast, but it’s good to know what you’re getting!
Here is a general estimate based on baking 8 rolls using the provided ingredients. Remember, these are just ballpark figures—the brand of dough you use makes a huge difference!
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 4g
Please take this as a friendly suggestion, not a hard fact! The specific brand of cinnamon rolls or the exact size of the apple you use can change these totals. I always say, enjoy them, and worry about the vegetables tomorrow!
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Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet rolls filled with spiced apples and cinnamon, topped with a simple glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 package (13.8 oz) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven according to the dough package directions. Lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the diced apple, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
- Unroll the cinnamon roll dough pieces onto a clean surface.
- Spread a thin layer of melted butter over each dough piece.
- Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the dough pieces.
- Roll each piece up tightly, starting from the short end. Pinch the seam closed.
- Cut each roll in half crosswise. Place the halves, cut-side up, into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake according to the dough package directions until golden brown.
- While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- Use a firm apple variety, like Granny Smith, for the best texture.
- If the glaze is too thick, add milk a few drops at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: apple pie, cinnamon rolls, sweet rolls, breakfast pastry, apple dessert