Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking for a decadent, unforgettable breakfast treat loaded with gooey apples and cozy spices, these Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls are your new must-make! Each pillowy-soft roll is slathered with rich apple butter and cinnamon, then baked to golden perfection, with a swirl of cinnamon cream cheese frosting cascading down the sides. Whether you’re gathering family for a lazy weekend brunch or surprising a friend on a crisp fall morning, these Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls are guaranteed to steal the show—and warm up any day with big, comforting flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls are simple pantry staples, but each one brings something magical—the plushness of the dough, the sweetness of the filling, and that luscious, creamy topping. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Milk (2% or higher fat, warmed to 110-115°F): The warmth helps activate the yeast, and the fat makes the dough wonderfully tender.
• Instant Yeast (like Red Star Platinum): This is the power behind the fluffiness! Instant yeast makes the rise quick and easy.
• Eggs (room temperature): Eggs provide structure and a bit of richness, ensuring your rolls bake up soft, not crumbly.
• Salted Butter (melted or softened): Adds buttery flavor and moisture to both the dough and the frosting.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the rolls just enough and feeds the yeast for a great rise.
• Salt: Accentuates all the other flavors and keeps the dough from tasting flat.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your rolls—start with 4 cups and add just a bit more if needed.
• Apple Butter: The hero of the filling! It brings sweet, concentrated apple flavor and spiced notes in every bite.
• Light Brown Sugar (packed): Melts into the filling for that gooey, caramelized center.
• Cinnamon: Essential for that classic cinnamon roll aroma, both in the filling and the frosting.
• Heavy Cream (for drizzle): Makes the rolls extra moist and decadent as they bake.
• Cream Cheese (room temperature): For a creamy, tangy frosting that pairs perfectly with apples and spice.
• Powdered Sugar: Ensures your frosting is perfectly smooth and sweet.

How to Make Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Pour the warm milk into your stand mixer bowl and sprinkle the yeast over it. Add eggs, melted butter, and sugar, then mix just to combine everything. It’s okay if it looks a bit messy—magic is happening! Add the salt and four cups of flour (hold the extra half cup for now), and mix with the beater blade until ingredients are barely combined. Let it rest for five precious minutes so the flour can soak up all those liquids and start forming a beautiful dough.

Step 2: Knead and First Rise

Switch to the dough hook and knead on medium speed, adding more flour if needed until a sticky, elastic dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes—the dough should be tacky and will still stick slightly to the bowl, which is perfect! Scoop the dough into a greased large bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 30-45 minutes. This is when your kitchen starts to smell like promise and anticipation!

Step 3: Roll and Fill

Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and roll into a rectangle roughly 24×15 inches. No need for ruler precision, just aim for an even thickness. Gently slather the entire surface with apple butter, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon. The aroma right now is irresistible—you’ll want to sneak a taste!

Step 4: Roll Up and Cut

Starting with the long side, roll the dough up tightly, jelly roll style, sealing the seam at the end. Using a sharp knife or floss, cut into 12 thick, gorgeous slices. Place each roll into a greased 9×13 baking pan, nestling them close so they bake up tall and soft.

Step 5: Second Rise and Cream Drizzle

Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for another 20 minutes—almost double in size again. While they rise, gently warm the heavy cream just until the chill is gone. Once those Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls are puffy, pour the cream evenly over the rolls. This step transforms your rolls from just “nice” to downright swoon-worthy, making each bite extra moist and dreamy.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the rolls at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, until just golden and set in the center. If the tops brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil so they don’t overdo it. Take a little peek at the 20-minute mark—the aroma will tell you when it’s close!

Step 7: Make the Frosting and Finish

While the rolls cool ever-so-slightly, whip the cream cheese and butter with a hand mixer until fluffy. Add in powdered sugar and cinnamon, beating just until smooth. Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls, letting it melt slightly into every swirl. Congratulations—you’ve just unlocked the secret to the most delicious Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls of your life!

How to Serve Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

A simple dusting of extra cinnamon or a light sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans can add a delightful crunch and spice. For a special touch, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a spoonful of extra apple butter on top takes these Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls to indulgent new heights.

Side Dishes

Serve your rolls alongside crisp, tangy Granny Smith apple slices, a fruit salad, or a bowl of vanilla Greek yogurt for a beautiful breakfast spread. Pairing these Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls with a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or apple cider really brings out their cozy autumn flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the rolls in a circular baking dish or skillet for a unique “pull-apart” centerpiece. Stack them in a tower, alternating with extra frosting, for a playful brunch cake, or plate individually for a charming bakery-style presentation. For brunch parties, you can cut the rolls smaller and bake as mini Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls for the perfect grab-and-go treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, keep any leftover Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you plan to keep them longer, transfer to the fridge to maintain their freshness. Make sure they are fully covered so they stay soft and luscious.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these rolls before or after baking! For unbaked rolls, freeze after cutting and placing in the pan, then thaw in the fridge overnight before the final rise and baking. Baked rolls freeze well if tightly wrapped—just let them cool completely first and freeze individually or as a pan. Frost after thawing for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To recapture that freshly baked magic, gently rewarm individual rolls in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or heat larger batches in a low oven (300°F) covered loosely with foil until soft and warmed through. That gooey center and creamy, fragrant frosting will spring right back to life!

FAQs

Can I make Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls overnight?

Yes! Prepare the rolls up through cutting and placing them in the baking dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature and finish rising before baking as usual for the ultimate make-ahead treat.

Can I use homemade apple butter?

Absolutely—homemade apple butter is fantastic here and packs a homemade flavor punch! Just make sure it’s thick and spreadable so it doesn’t ooze out during baking. If your apple butter is on the runny side, simmer it a bit longer to reduce it to the perfect consistency.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries! You can mix the dough by hand using a sturdy wooden spoon, then knead it on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. This dish is all about comfort, so go with whatever works best in your kitchen.

Can I substitute the heavy cream drizzle?

Definitely. If you don’t have heavy cream, try using half-and-half, whole milk, evaporated milk, or even coconut cream. The rolls might turn out just a tad less rich, but they’ll still be irresistibly moist and delicious!

How do I know when my cinnamon rolls are done baking?

Good question! The rolls should be lightly golden and firm to the touch, and the centers should no longer look doughy. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temp should reach around 190°F. Check at 20 minutes, and cover the pan with foil if the tops brown too quickly.

Final Thoughts

Ready to wow everyone at the breakfast table? With their silky-soft dough, spiced apple filling, and swoon-worthy frosting, these Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls are pure comfort in every bite. Give them a try—you’re just a few simple steps away from cinnamon roll bliss!

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