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 pulling fresh, warm cinnamon rolls out of the oven. These Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe add a delicious twist with juicy apples folded inside and a rich, brown butter maple icing that’s honestly irresistible.

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

I’ve made plenty of cinnamon rolls over the years, but this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe always feels extra special. The mix of soft dough, sweet-tart apples, and that dreamy maple icing makes it perfect for cozy weekends or holiday mornings.

Perfect balance of flavors: The cinnamon-sugar filling pairs beautifully with chunks of crisp apples for a fresh twist.
Brown butter maple icing: Adds a deep nutty richness that elevates the frosting beyond your usual glaze.
Soft, fluffy dough: The yeast-based dough is pillowy and tender, making each bite melt in your mouth.
Make-ahead friendly: Prep the rolls in advance or freeze them for a quick treat anytime you want.

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

This recipe uses simple, classic ingredients that come together to create irresistible cinnamon rolls with a special apple and maple touch. Choosing quality ingredients makes all the difference, especially with butter, fresh apples, and real maple syrup.

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; make sure it’s just warm, not hot, to keep yeast happy.
Active dry yeast: The secret to that beautiful fluffy dough rising.
Brown sugar: Adds richness and caramel notes to the dough and filling.
Salted butter: Using salted butter keeps the flavors balanced and adds moisture.
Eggs: Help enrich the dough for softness and structure.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough – you’ll want to measure carefully and add a bit extra if the dough is sticky.
Kosher salt: Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
Brown sugar & granulated sugar (filling): A combo that caramelizes beautifully with the apples.
Cinnamon: Classic spice that pairs so well with apples and sugar.
Honeycrisp apples: Crisp and sweet, they hold their shape well during baking.
Cream cheese: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the maple icing.
Maple syrup: Real maple syrup is a game changer here for authentic depth and sweetness.
Powdered sugar: Creates smooth, spreadable icing.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the maple icing with warm flavor.

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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 trying different apple varieties or adding chopped nuts for crunch. Feel free to adjust the cinnamon level if you like things spicier or sweeter, and you’ll find this recipe is super forgiving when you personalize it a bit.

Variation: I once swapped out the Honeycrisp for Granny Smith apples for a tarter flavor, and the rolls were just as delicious—great if you want a bit more tang.
Dietary tweak: You can use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives to make these vegan-friendly; just watch the dough texture as it can be a bit softer.
Spiced up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon sugar mix for an autumnal vibe.

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

Step 1: Activate the yeast and mix the dough

Start by combining warm milk, yeast, and brown sugar in your stand mixer bowl. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until bubbly — that’s the yeast waking up and getting ready to work its magic. Then add the butter, eggs, flour, and salt. Use the dough hook to mix everything until the dough comes together. If it’s sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour until it’s smooth but still soft to the touch.

Step 2: Let the dough rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for about an hour, or until doubled in size. I like to find a cozy, draft-free spot, like inside my turned-off oven with the light on—it creates the perfect environment.

Step 3: Prepare the apple cinnamon filling

While the dough rests, mix together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Chop the apples—Honeycrisp works beautifully because they stay crisp without getting mushy.

Step 4: Roll, fill, and shape the rolls

Punch down the dough, then roll it out on a floured surface into a 12x18 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough, sprinkle on apples and cinnamon sugar. Roll tightly starting from the long edge nearest you. Pinch to seal once you reach the end, then slice into 12-15 rolls. Arrange them snugly in a buttered 9x13 pan and cover to rise again for 20-30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake and make the brown butter maple icing

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Meanwhile, brown the butter in a small pot over medium heat until it smells nutty and toasted (about 2-3 minutes). Let it cool slightly. Whisk cream cheese with maple syrup, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth to make your icing.

Step 6: Frost and enjoy!

Slather the warm rolls generously with the maple icing—trust me, this step is the best part! Grab a cup of coffee or tea, and enjoy each gooey, aromatic bite.

Top Tip

Having made these rolls many times, I’ve learned a few things you’ll want to keep in mind so your rolls turn out as dreamy as mine do!

Don’t over-flour your dough: It’s tempting but adding too much flour can make the rolls dense; aim for soft and slightly tacky dough.
Roll tight but gentle: Rolling the dough tightly ensures nice spirals without squeezing out the filling.
Brown butter patience: Watch the butter carefully—it goes from browned to burnt in seconds, so remove immediately once nutty aroma starts.
Don't skip the second rise: It makes a big difference for light, fluffy rolls.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or chopped toasted pecans on top of the icing for a lovely crunch and a boost in flavor. Sometimes a few thin apple slices or a dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty touch if I’m serving guests.

Side Dishes

These rolls are pretty rich, so I usually serve them alongside fresh fruit, like berries or sliced oranges, to lighten the meal. A simple cup of coffee, chai, or cider is my go-to pairing—it matches the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I’ve arranged rolls in a circular bundt pan for a beautiful pull-apart bread effect, drizzled with extra maple icing. It’s a showstopper at brunch that’s super easy to share.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I keep leftover rolls covered tightly in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They stay soft and delicious, but warming them slightly before serving brings back that fresh-baked feeling.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen these at two stages: before baking (after assembling) and after baking. For unbaked rolls, I freeze them in the pan covered tightly; just thaw overnight and bake fresh. Baked rolls freeze well too—just thaw and reheat gently before frosting.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop rolls in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes wrapped loosely in foil to warm through without drying out. Then I add fresh maple icing or reheat some icing gently and pour it over warm rolls.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of apples in the Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe?

Absolutely! While I love Honeycrisp for their sweetness and firmness, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala apples also work wonderfully. Just make sure the apples are firm enough to hold their shape during baking.

How far ahead can I prepare the rolls?

You can prepare the rolls through the assembly step and refrigerate overnight without the second rise. Let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the prepared rolls for up to 3 months.

What if I don’t have maple syrup for the icing?

You can substitute pure honey or agave nectar, though the flavor won’t be quite the same. The maple syrup gives the icing its signature richness, so I recommend using real maple syrup if possible.

Can I make these rolls dairy-free?

Yes, by substituting the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives, you can make a vegan or dairy-free version. Just note the texture may vary slightly, and you might need to adjust the dough consistency.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe are one of those treats that turns any morning into a celebration. They’re cozy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make once you have your steps down. I promise, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to for weekend breakfasts or special brunches. Give them a shot—you might even catch me sneaking a second roll while no one’s looking!