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 comforting about warm, gooey rolls fresh from the oven — and these Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe take that cozy feeling straight to the next level. Filled with tender apples and cinnamon, then topped with a dreamy maple glaze, they’re pure comfort in every bite.

The image shows several cinnamon rolls placed close together on a tray with a white marbled texture beneath. Each roll has visible layers, with the dough in a light golden brown color swirling around the darker cinnamon filling that looks rich and slightly textured. A creamy, off-white icing is generously spread on top, partially covering the cinnamon layers and creating a smooth contrast against the rougher roll surface. In the background, there are some brown cinnamon sticks and a small part of a red container visible. 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

This Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it blends classic flavors with a rich twist thanks to brown butter maple icing. It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly approachable for any baker.

Perfect balance of flavors: The sweetness from apples and cinnamon pairs beautifully with the nutty maple glaze.
Soft, pillowy dough: Thanks to a gentle rise, the rolls feel tender yet fluffy.
Made-from-scratch goodness: No shortcuts here, but every step is worth it for that homemade taste.
Customizable: You can swap apple varieties or adjust sweetness to suit your family’s preferences.

A close-up view of a group of warm cinnamon rolls on a white marbled surface, arranged in rows on parchment paper; each roll has a thick swirl pattern with golden brown dough and darker cinnamon filling visible inside, all topped with a generous layer of creamy white icing that is smooth and slightly shiny, some icing dripping down the sides; a silver spoon with icing rests nearby with more cinnamon sticks scattered around and a white pitcher with a red rim partially visible above the rolls; the top right shows a woman's hand holding one cinnamon roll slightly lifted from the group photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe plays a special role, from building the perfect dough to crafting the luscious icing. Here’s a quick rundown on what they bring to the table and some shopping notes.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of warm milk, a few teaspoons of active dry yeast granules beside it, a tablespoon of brown sugar in a small white bowl, four tablespoons of salted butter cut into chunks on a white plate, three large whole brown eggs with clean shells, a heap of all-purpose flour on a white plate, a small white bowl with kosher salt, a small white bowl with brown sugar, a small white bowl with granulated sugar, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon, two fresh Honeycrisp apples, chopped into chunks on a white plate, a small white bowl with softened salted butter, a block of cream cheese on a white plate, a small white bowl with amber maple syrup, a small white bowl with powdered sugar, and a small white bowl of vanilla extract, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed 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 makes the dough tender.
Active dry yeast: Gives the rolls their lovely rise and lightness.
Brown sugar: Used both in the dough and filling for depth and caramel-like sweetness.
Salted butter: Adds richness and flavor, softening the dough and filling.
Eggs: Tenderize the dough and provide structure.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough with just enough protein for chewiness.
Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Cinnamon: The classic warm spice that defines the filling’s aroma.
Honeycrisp apples: Crisp and sweet, they hold their texture well inside the rolls.
Cream cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy richness in the maple icing.
Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and that signature maple flavor to the icing.
Powdered sugar: Thickens the icing and adds the perfect sweet finish.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with its warm, fragrant notes.

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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 mixing up this recipe depending on the season or who I’m serving it to, and honestly, you can make it your own without any fuss. Trust me, a little tweak here and there keeps this old favorite feeling fresh.

Variation: Sometimes I swap Honeycrisp for Granny Smith apples when I want a tarter bite that balances the sweetness better — it’s fantastic either way!
Dietary tweak: For a dairy-free version, try vegan butter and coconut cream cheese alternatives for the icing; the flavor shifts but still feels indulgent.
Extra mix-ins: Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled onto the apples add a lovely crunch and extra warmth.
Less sugar: You can easily cut back on the brown sugar in the filling and icing if you prefer a subtler sweetness.

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

Step 1: Bring Your Dough to Life

Start by activating the yeast in warm milk with a touch of brown sugar—this little bubble party confirms your yeast is ready to work its magic. Then, mix in softened butter, eggs, flour, and salt until the dough feels smooth but still slightly tacky. Don’t hesitate to add up to half a cup more flour if needed; dough texture matters more than exact measurements here.

Step 2: The First Rise

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temp for about an hour. You’ll notice it double in size — that’s your sign it’s ready. Patience here makes all the difference for soft, airy rolls.

Step 3: Mix and Prep the Apple Filling

While the dough rises, stir together your brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Toss in chopped apples—Honeycrisp is my go-to because they stay crisp but soften slightly when baked. Then butter your baking dish to prevent sticking and give the rolls a golden base.

Step 4: Roll It Out and Layer the Filling

Once risen, punch down the dough gently and roll it out to a 12x18 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Slather softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle apples and cinnamon sugar on top. Roll it up tight from the long edge, seal the seam well, and slice into 12 to 15 generous rolls. Nestle them snugly in your baking pan, cover, and let them rise again for 20–30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake Them to Golden Perfection

Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. You want that beautiful golden color on top and the smell filling your kitchen. Resist the urge to open the oven often — that warm steady heat keeps the rolls fluffy.

Step 6: Whip Up That Brown Butter Maple Icing

This is where things get dreamy. Melt butter over medium heat until it’s golden and fragrant with nuttiness — that’s brown butter magic. Then whisk cream cheese, maple syrup, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt together until smooth. Spread this maple goodness over warm rolls and watch the glaze melt into every nook and cranny.

Top Tip

I’ve made these rolls a dozen times, and a few tricks have really made the difference between good and legendary. If you want your rolls to impress, here’s what worked for me.

Check your yeast freshness: If the yeast doesn’t get bubbly after resting in warm milk and sugar, it’s time for new yeast — don't skip this step!
Don’t overdo flour: It’s tempting to add more to avoid sticky dough, but too much flour makes the rolls dense. Aim for a slightly tacky but manageable dough.
Sealing the roll: Pinch and press the dough seam firmly after rolling to keep those gorgeous spirals tight and prevent filling leaks.
Brown your butter just right: Watch it closely and remove from heat as soon as it turns a light amber color and smells nutty — it goes from perfect to burnt fast.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping these rolls with a few thin apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans — visually inviting and adds a subtle crunch that’s heavenly. A dusting of extra cinnamon sugar never hurts either if you want to up the spice factor.

Side Dishes

For a breakfast or brunch spread, I pair these rolls with crisp bacon and fresh fruit salad. They also play nicely alongside a creamy latte or bold coffee for a complete cozy treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Got company? Arrange the rolls in a large circular pan to resemble a wreath and drizzle extra icing in a decorative pattern once out of the oven. Add edible flowers or fresh apple leaves for a charming touch that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If I want to stash them longer, the fridge is my friend, but I always bring rolls back to room temp before warming to keep that fluffy texture.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully — you can freeze them unbaked after shaping or freeze baked, cooled rolls. For unbaked rolls, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake fresh the next day. For baked rolls, just thaw and warm gently before frosting again with fresh icing.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm the whole batch in a 300°F oven (covered loosely with foil) for 10-15 minutes. Then I add a layer of fresh maple icing for that just-baked feeling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are my favorite for their balance of sweetness and crispness, you can use Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for extra sweetness. Just make sure to chop them evenly to ensure they cook through.

How do I know if the dough has risen enough?

Your dough has doubled in size when it looks noticeably puffier and about twice the original volume. Pressing it gently with your fingertip should leave an indentation that slowly bounces back. This signals it’s ready for the next step.

Can I make the rolls vegan?

Yes, you can substitute plant-based milk, vegan butter, and vegan cream cheese in the recipe. The texture and flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. Using a flax egg or a commercial egg replacer can also work instead of eggs.

What’s the best way to brown butter without burning it?

Use medium heat and stir frequently. Watch carefully as it starts to foam and then turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately once it hits that stage to avoid bitterness from burning.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe is my go-to when I want to impress my family or just treat myself to something unforgettable. The cozy warmth of baked apples combined with the sweet, nutty icing creates a bakery-style indulgence you can make right at home. I honestly can’t recommend giving this recipe a try enough—it’s one of those little kitchen victories that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.