Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Glaze Recipe

I absolutely love this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Glaze Recipe because it combines the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and apples with the incredible sweetness of a maple glaze. There’s something truly special about biting into a soft, gooey cinnamon roll that has real chunks of tender apple baked inside — it instantly transports me to cozy mornings spent in the kitchen with my family. Whether you’re making these for a weekend brunch or a holiday treat, they’re always a hit.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how perfectly the maple glaze balances out the cinnamon and apple filling, adding just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors. You’ll find that it’s not only delicious but also surprisingly achievable at home, even if you haven’t made cinnamon rolls before. This Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Glaze Recipe is absolutely worth trying whenever you want that homemade bakery magic.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create the perfect apple-filled cinnamon rolls with a luscious maple glaze that’s both rich and simple. I always recommend using Granny Smith apples here because their tartness holds up well during baking and balances the sweet glaze beautifully.

• Fresh Apples: Granny Smith is my go-to for firm texture and tart flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives the dough just the right structure and softness.
• Granulated Sugar: Used both in dough and filling for gentle sweetness throughout.
• RapidRise Yeast: Helps dough rise quickly for soft, fluffy rolls.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Water: Warm, but not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the dough and the filling – use soft butter for easy spreading.
• Egg: Binds the dough and enriches texture.
• Ground Cinnamon: Essential warming spice in the filling.
• Powdered Sugar: For the smooth, sweet maple glaze.
• Milk: Helps create a pourable glaze texture.
• Pure Maple Syrup: The star of the glaze – adds authentic maple flavor.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Glaze Recipe and love how versatile it can be. Feel free to swap apples or add nuts for some crunch — it’s your kitchen, so make it your own!

• Nutty Twist: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling adds a lovely crunch; my family goes crazy for the extra texture this brings.
• Spice It Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a different warm-spice profile; I discovered this trick when I wanted a slightly deeper autumnal flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to accommodate dietary needs — just be mindful of consistency adjustments.
• Apple Varieties: While Granny Smith is classic, experimenting with Fuji or Honeycrisp apples can give a slightly sweeter, juicier roll.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

This step is key for that soft, tender apple filling. Start by peeling, coring, and chopping your fresh Granny Smith apples into small pieces. I like to microwave them for 2 to 2½ minutes to soften them up a bit — this helps the fruit integrate beautifully into the dough and keeps the rolls moist. Just drain any excess liquid after microwaving; you don’t want soggy dough!

Step 2: Make the Dough

Combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, warm your water and butter until just warm to the touch (between 120°F and 130°F), which is perfect for activating yeast. Add this along with the egg into your dry mixture and beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Then, add 1 more cup of flour and beat again on high for 2 minutes. Finally, stir in the remaining flour just until dough forms a ball.

Whether you’re using a dough hook or going hands-on, knead on a lightly floured surface for about 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when lightly pressed with your fingers — I’ve found this is a great way to know when it’s just right. Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes before rolling it out.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

Roll your dough into a 15-by-10 inch rectangle. Spread 3 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over the surface, leaving about a half-inch border on the long sides to prevent overflow. Next, layer on your cooled apples, making sure they’re spread out evenly. Then sprinkle your cinnamon sugar and flour mixture over the apples for that signature spiced sweetness and to help soak up any extra moisture.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dough

Roll the dough up tightly starting from the long edge, as tight rolling is the secret to those beautiful spiral swirls in each roll. Pinch the seam firmly to seal. Here’s a trick I love: instead of using a knife to cut your rolls, try unflavored dental floss. It glides through dough cleanly, keeping edges neat and preventing squishing. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place each one cut-side down in a greased 13-by-9 inch baking pan.

Step 5: Proof and Bake

Cover the pan with a clean towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Once they’ve puffed up beautifully, bake them at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes. I prefer to bake mine closer to 20 minutes for soft rolls, but if you want a golden brown and slightly firmer texture, go for 25 to 30 minutes. Let them cool for at least 20 minutes on a wire rack before glazing.

Step 6: Make and Drizzle the Maple Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and real maple syrup until smooth and pourable. The rich maple flavor adds an irresistible finish that makes these cinnamon rolls truly special. Drizzle the glaze over your warm rolls and watch it melt into every swirl — that’s the moment I know it’s going to be a hit!

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

While the maple glaze is fantastic on its own, I love adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon powder on top for extra texture and aroma. Occasionally, I garnish rolls with a few thin apple slices or a drizzle of extra maple syrup for those special brunch days.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair perfectly with a simple cup of coffee or chai tea. For a fuller brunch, I often serve them alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit salad, or a creamy yogurt parfait — the sweet rolls balance savory and fresh flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or guests, I’ve arranged each cinnamon roll in a decorative fluted tin or served them stacked on a stylish cake stand. Wrapping them individually in parchment paper tied with twine makes for charming grab-and-go treats at brunch gatherings. Adding edible flowers or fresh apple slices around the platter adds a lovely, fresh touch that impresses every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cinnamon rolls keep wonderfully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. When I’ve had leftovers, I cover them tightly with plastic wrap or place them in a sealed cake carrier to keep them soft and moist.

Freezing

I personally freeze unbaked rolls before the second rise. After rolling and cutting, I place them in a pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze. On baking day, I let them thaw and rise fully before baking. This makes it super easy to enjoy fresh cinnamon rolls anytime without the whole prep from scratch!

Reheating

To reheat leftover rolls, I warm them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, covered with foil to keep the moisture in. Alternatively, a short microwave zap with a damp paper towel works if you’re in a hurry, but the oven method keeps that glorious texture best.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Glaze Recipe is one of those rare treats that feels both indulgent and comforting — almost like a warm hug on a plate. Every time I make it, my home fills with the most inviting aroma, and it brings everyone running to the kitchen. If you’re looking for a way to impress without stress, or just want a reliable recipe for soft, flavorful cinnamon rolls bursting with apple goodness and finished with pure maple sweetness, this is your go-to. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how much your family loves them, just like mine does!

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