Creamy Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Few aromas feel as welcoming as apples and cinnamon baking together in the oven. These creamy apple cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting bring that familiar comfort into a soft, fluffy yeast dough that bakes up golden and tender. Inside, a gently spiced apple filling adds sweetness with a slight tart note, while the cream cheese frosting melts into the warm rolls, creating a rich and satisfying finish.
Despite their bakery style appearance, these rolls are surprisingly approachable. With simple ingredients and a bit of patience for rising time, you can create a batch of warm, homemade rolls that feel special without being complicated. They are perfect for slow mornings, family gatherings, or anytime you want a cozy treat fresh from the oven.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup sugar (70 g)
- 1 cup milk (250 ml), warm
- ⅓ cup butter (80 g), melted
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast (7 g)
- 4½ cups all purpose flour (560 g)
For the Apple Filling
- 5 medium apples, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ cup soft butter (100 g)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- ⅔ cup cream cheese (150 g), at room temperature
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and sugar until the sugar starts to dissolve. Add the warm milk and melted butter, mixing well. Sprinkle in the yeast and stir gently. Begin adding the flour gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 40 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
While the dough rises, prepare the filling. Place the chopped apples in a bowl and mix with cinnamon, sugar, and lemon juice until evenly coated. The lemon juice helps prevent browning and adds brightness to the filling.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about half an inch thick. Spread the soft butter evenly over the surface, leaving a small border. Distribute the apple mixture evenly across the dough. Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log and cut into 10 to 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
Step 4: Second Rise
Grease a baking dish and arrange the rolls close together. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, until puffed and touching.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat the oven to 180°C or 356°F. Bake the rolls for about 30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling with apple filling.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
While the rolls bake, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Frost and Serve
Allow the rolls to cool slightly for 5 to 10 minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls so it gently melts into the swirls. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information per Roll
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Sugar: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Calcium: 60 mg
- Iron: 1.5 mg
Why This Recipe Is a Favorite
These apple cinnamon rolls combine everything people love about a classic bakery treat with the warmth of homemade baking. The dough is soft and pillowy, the apple filling is fragrant and gently spiced, and the cream cheese frosting adds a smooth, creamy finish. They are comforting without being overly sweet and work just as well for breakfast as they do for dessert or an afternoon snack.
Inspiration Behind the Recipe
Cinnamon rolls have a long history across Europe and North America, with roots in Scandinavian and German baking traditions. This version adds apples, a staple ingredient in European home baking, to bring freshness and seasonal character. The cream cheese frosting reflects a more modern American influence, adding richness and balance to the spiced filling. Together, these elements create a roll that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.
Final Thoughts
Creamy apple cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting are a true comfort bake. Soft, fragrant, and generously filled, they turn simple ingredients into a treat that feels special every time. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or shared with family and friends, these rolls deliver the kind of homemade satisfaction that never goes out of style.
