Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls: Cozy, Comforting, and Full of Fall Flavor

Last weekend, we made our way up to Lexington, Kentucky, for our annual trip to the horse races at Keeneland. Every year, Jake’s uncle organizes a big group outing, and it’s become a tradition we all look forward to. By late morning, the parking lot is buzzing with excitement, and everyone gathers around folding tables piled high with delicious tailgating treats. We spend the morning soaking up the crisp fall sunshine, catching up, and snacking on everything from homemade dips to warm pastries. This year, I brought a batch of these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, and they were a total hit—soft, sweet, and perfectly spiced for the season. It’s little moments like these that make fall feel so special to me. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, a snack with tea, or just because it’s Tuesday and you deserve something nice, they’re always a hit.

These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a little bit nostalgic, a little bit creative, and a whole lot of delicious. Imagine all the warm, comforting flavors of a slice of apple pie, but in a fluffy, cinnamon-swirled roll. The filling is packed with brown sugar, apple pie spice, and tender slices of apple, making each bite taste like fall. And the best part? It’s just as fun to make as it is to eat, especially if you love a baking project that fills your house with that warm, sweet, cinnamony aroma.

These are based off of my Brioche Cinnamon Rolls which is a super easy, classic cinnamon roll recipe which you can find here!

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Did You Know? Cinnamon Rolls & Apple Pie Have Some Interesting History

Cinnamon rolls have been around in some form for centuries, and while they’re pretty iconic in the U.S., they actually got their start in Sweden, where they’re called “kanelbullar.” The Swedes celebrate National Cinnamon Roll Day every October 4th, and their version is less sweet but just as delicious. So, if you’re looking for a reason to make a batch (not that you need one), why not join the celebration?

Meanwhile, apple pie has been an American classic for centuries, despite its origins tracing back to Europe. It’s a dessert that’s become a symbol of comfort, nostalgia, and home, which is probably why combining it with cinnamon rolls feels like such a natural fit. It’s two old-school favorites coming together to create something that feels new and familiar all at once.

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Tips & Tricks for Better Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

1. Choose the Right Apples:
Not all apples are great for baking, but for this recipe, Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are where it’s at. The tartness of Granny Smith balances the sweetness of the filling, while Honeycrisp brings a nice juicy flavor. Plus, both varieties hold their shape well when baked, so you get slices of apple that are tender but not mushy.

2. Don’t Skip the Parboiling:
To get those apple slices just right, you’ll want to parboil them. It sounds fancy, but it’s really just popping them in the microwave for 6 minutes, stirring halfway through. This softens them up enough so they’re flexible and easy to roll, but they still hold their shape and don’t turn to mush. Drain them and pat dry before adding them to your dough.

3. Spread the Filling Evenly (But Not Too Thick):
It’s tempting to pile on the filling, but trust me, less is more. Too much filling can make the rolls hard to handle and cause them to unroll while baking. A thin, even layer gives you all the flavor without the mess.

4. Use Room Temperature Ingredients:
For the best dough, make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are all at room temperature. Cold ingredients can mess with the dough’s texture and make it harder to work with. If you forget to take the butter out ahead of time (who hasn’t?), you can soften it quickly by cutting it into small pieces and letting it sit for a few minutes.

5. Frosting Options:
Do you like a glaze that melts into the rolls, or a thick, fluffy layer of frosting that sits on top? If you frost them warm, you’ll get more of a glaze. If you wait until they’ve cooled down, you’ll get that classic frosting that stands up on top of each roll. Either way, you’re winning.

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Fall Pairings to Go With Your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are delicious on their own, but if you want to make a little moment out of it, try pairing them with one of these:

1. Hot Drinks:

• Cranberry Apple Mulled Bourbon: Cozy mulled bourbon with cranberry apple juice, warm spices, and orange slices. A perfect cocktail for fall and winter gatherings.
• Chai Latte: The spicy, sweet flavors of chai pair perfectly with the cinnamon and apple in the rolls. Plus, it’s great if you want a caffeine boost.
• Pumpkin Spice Coffee: Okay, so we’re bringing pumpkin spice into the mix. Who says you can’t have both?

2. Cold Drinks:

• Cranberry Spritzer: A light, refreshing cranberry drink adds a little zing to balance out the richness of the rolls.
• Iced Maple Latte: If it’s one of those warmer fall days, an iced maple latte is sweet, creamy, and complements the cinnamon apple goodness.

3. Savory Sides:

• Honey Maple Butternut Squash Soup: Sweet, savory, and earthy, this soup brings out the warm spices in the rolls without overwhelming them.
• Cheddar & Herb Scrambled Eggs: Sometimes you need a little savory with your sweet, and eggs are an easy way to round out your meal. The sharpness of the cheddar cuts through the sweetness of the rolls, making for a balanced bite.

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Making Ahead & Storing Leftovers

ne of the great things about Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls is how easy they are to prep ahead of time. If you’re planning a brunch or just want to have some on hand, here’s how to do it:

Make-Ahead Rolls:
After you’ve shaped the rolls and put them in the pan, cover them up and pop them in the fridge overnight. In the morning, take them out and let them come to room temperature for about 45-60 minutes, then bake as usual. You’ll have freshly baked rolls without having to get up at the crack of dawn to make the dough.

Freezing Tips:
If you want to stock up, freeze the shaped rolls before their second rise. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then bring them to room temperature for about an hour before baking. You can also thaw them on the counter for 3-4 hours.

Storing Leftovers:
Not that there will be many, but if you do have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Warm them up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, and they’re good as new. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for a month. Just make sure to frost them after reheating.

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A Sweet Ending

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are the kind of treat that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering, whether you’re tailgating at the horse races or enjoying a cozy weekend at home. This year at Keeneland, they were the perfect addition to our annual tradition—sweet, spiced, and just right for nibbling on in the crisp fall air while catching up with friends and family. Whether you’re sharing them at a big event or savoring them with a cup of coffee on a quiet morning, these rolls have a way of making any moment feel a little more special. So grab your apples, roll up that dough, and get ready to make your own fall memories.

In need of more Fall Inspiration? Check out all of my Fall Recipes here!

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