Apple Cinnamon Rolls

5 from 1 vote
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When it comes to dessert, all bets are off. Fall or not, I am whipping up a batch of my Apple Cinnamon Rolls even if it’s the middle of summer. We all know and agree the middle part of a cinnamon bun is the very best part, right? Using King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls ensure each bite has that super soft, gooey, centre texture that melts in your mouth.

🍎 Why You’ll Love Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Delicious texture: light, airy, and perfectly fluffy. Similar to the inside of a cinnamon bun.
Versatile: easily customize with your favourite icing, or nuts.
Crowd pleaser: these apple cinnamon rolls are perfect for family gatherings, pot lucks, brunch or when you want something sweet.

A square Apple Cinnamon Rolls cake with cinnamon frosting sits on a blue-and-white striped cloth next to two red apples and stacked cups on a gray surface. A red spatula is visible in the corner.

🗒 Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls

King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls: the base of the recipe, providing the sweet and soft texture that mimics the centre of a cinnamon bun.
Butter: creates a spread when combined with the sugar.
Confectioners sugar: used in the spread and in the cream cheese icing, providing a sweet, creamy texture and flavour.
Brown sugar: creates a delicious spread when combined with butter thats used to layer onto the apple cinnamon rolls.
Maple syrup: adds a warm caramel like flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients in this recipe.
Vanilla: adds a subtle sweetness.
Cinnamon & apple pie spice: non-negotiable ingredients in these apple cinnamon rolls which play into the cinnamon bun vibe.
Apples: layered into the centre which provide a delicious sweet texture.
Cream cheese: used as the main ingredient for the cream cheese icing.
Milk: used to thin out the icing to your desired consistency.

👀 How To Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls

  1. Prepare the sugar spread: first, mix together the butter, confectioners sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and apple pie spice.
  2. Prepare the rolls: secondly, cut the rolls in half and place the bottom half of the rolls in the baking pan.
  3. Layer the sugar spread: next, add half of the sugar spread to the bottom half of the rolls and then add the top half.
  4. Bake: until the rolls are lightly golden in colour.
  5. Prepare the icing: finally, combine all ingredients in a bowl and using a hand mixer beat until you reach your desired consistency. Lather onto the apple cinnamon rolls and enjoy!
A baking dish filled with a creamy, cinnamon-topped dessert—like Apple Cinnamon Rolls—being served with a spatula. In the background, a package of King’s Hawaiian rolls and two fresh apples add to the cozy scene.

🤔 FAQ’s

Can I add nuts to these apple cinnamon rolls?

Of course! For example, pecans or walnuts would be great options.

Can I freeze apple cinnamon rolls?

While I prefer these fresh, you can freeze them. Once they have been baked, allow them to come to room temperature. Next, tightly wrap with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, allow the rolls to thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 325 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until warm throughout.

Do I need to add the icing?

Certainly not! These still taste fantastic without the icing.

🍴 Leftovers? Lucky you.

Storage: store apple cinnamon rolls in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap at room temperature.

👩🏻‍🍳 Hungry For More?

💌 Let’s Stay Connected

Keep in touch with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest! If you do make this recipe (or any recipe of mine) don’t forget to leave a review.

A pan of frosted Apple Cinnamon Rolls with a piece missing, topped with cinnamon, sits on a countertop near two apples and a striped cloth in the background.
5 from 1 vote

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

By Sammy Montgoms
Imagine the softest part of a cinnamon bun, loaded with tender brown sugar apples and baked until golden brown. King's Hawaiian Rolls mimic the flavour and texture of the middle part of homemade cinnamon buns.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls

Equipment

  • 1 9×9 square baking dish or of similar size

Ingredients 

Ingredients

  • 1 package King's Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls, 12 total

Sugar Spread

  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup confectioners sugar, aka: powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, don't pack it down
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp apple pie spice

Apple Filling

  • 2 large red apples, chopped
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Cream Cheese Icing

  • 250 grams cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup confectioners sugar, aka: powdered sugar
  • 1/8 tsp apple pie spice
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp milk, or more if you want a thinner icing

Instructions 

  • Turn on the oven: preheat to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking pan.
  • Prepare the sugar spread: in a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, confectioners sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and apple pie spice.
  • Cut the rolls: in half (horizontally) and place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking pan.
  • Layer the sugar spread: evenly spread half of the sugar mixture onto the bottom half of the rolls.
  • Prepare the apple filling: to a small saucepan, add the butter and chopped apples and let cook for 5-6 minutes on low/medium heat. Add the brown sugar and allow to cook for another minutes, just until combined.
    Evenly spread the apples onto the bottom half of the rolls.
    Next, add the top half of the rolls onto the apple filling and spread the remaining sugar mixture evenly over the top.
  • Bake: for 10-15 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly golden in colour.
    Let cool while you prepare the icing.
  • Prepare the cream cheese icing: combine all ingredients in a bowl and using a hand mixer, beat until you reach a smooth consistency.
    Sammy's tip: add another tbsp of milk if you want a thinner icing.
  • Add the icing: once the rolls have cooled, evenly spread over the icing.
  • Serve: slice and enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 137mg | Potassium: 77mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 565IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Sammy Montgoms
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: baking, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 rolls
Calories: 193
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!

About Sammy Montgoms

I am so glad you are here. I am a BIG foodie gal. I am one of those people who lives to eat, rather than eats to live. I love to create nostalgic Italian dishes (especially pasta), but I also love to whip up simple and quick recipes for my family. Hopefully, my page inspires you to do the same. Thank you for being here, and happy eating!

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5 from 1 vote

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Recipe Rating




1 Comment

  1. 5 stars
    I just made these morning and OMG. These will be a new staple! I will most likely replace these as our New Year’s day cinnamon rolls. Every single recipe I’ve made of Sammy Montgoms has been rated an 11/10 in our home!