Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen. It’s a scent that instantly reminds us of comfort, warmth, and the joy of gathering with loved ones. These Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls take that experience to the next level by combining pillowy soft dough, a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl, and the rich, spiced flavor of apple butter. Whether you’re preparing them for a crisp autumn morning, a cozy holiday brunch, or simply as a weekend treat, these rolls deliver the perfect balance of nostalgia and indulgence.

The inspiration for this recipe comes from the tradition of incorporating apple-based spreads into fall and winter baked goods. Apple butter, with its deep, concentrated apple flavor and gentle spices, has long been cherished as a way to preserve autumn’s bounty. Here, it finds its perfect home inside tender rolls that melt in your mouth. With every bite, you get a swirl of cinnamon sweetness and apple richness that feels like a hug in food form.

---

Why You’ll Love Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls

• Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s Thanksgiving brunch, a Sunday family breakfast, or a potluck, these rolls make a memorable centerpiece.

• Seasonal flavors: Apple butter adds a seasonal twist to the classic cinnamon roll, making it ideal for fall and winter.

• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the dough the night before and bake in the morning for freshly baked rolls with minimal effort.

• Versatile: Swap in different fillings like pumpkin butter or pear butter if you want to switch things up.

---

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)

For the Filling

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup apple butter

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2–3 tablespoons milk (to reach desired consistency)

---

Directions

1. Activate the Yeast

Begin by warming the milk until it reaches about 110°F—warm to the touch but not hot. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This step ensures the yeast is alive and ready to help your dough rise.

2. Prepare the Dough

Add the eggs, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the flour, about one cup at a time, until a soft dough begins to form. Once the dough is too thick to stir, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes.

3. First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size. This rise develops flavor and ensures fluffy rolls.

4. Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, make the filling. In a small bowl, stir together the softened butter, apple butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until you have a smooth, spreadable mixture. This filling will add that irresistible apple-cinnamon swirl to your rolls.

5. Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle about 16×12 inches in size. Spread the apple butter mixture evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

6. Roll and Slice

Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the log into 12 equal rolls. To use floss, simply slide it under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull tight to cut cleanly without squishing the dough.

7. Second Rise

Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover them with a towel and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F during this rise.

8. Bake the Rolls

Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. If the tops are browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil halfway through baking.

9. Make the Frosting

While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. Beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually mix in powdered sugar. Add vanilla extract and milk to reach your preferred consistency—thicker for a spreadable frosting or thinner for a glaze.

10. Frost and Serve

Allow the rolls to cool for about 10 minutes before spreading the frosting generously over the top. Serve warm and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of apple butter cinnamon rolls.

---

Tips for the Best Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls

Use Fresh Yeast

The success of these rolls depends on properly activated yeast. If your yeast doesn’t foam during the activation step, it’s likely expired or inactive. Always check the expiration date on the packet and store yeast in a cool, dry place. Fresh, active yeast guarantees a dough that rises well and produces light, fluffy rolls.

Make Them Overnight

If you want freshly baked cinnamon rolls in the morning without the hassle of preparing dough at sunrise, the overnight method is your best friend. Assemble the rolls up to the slicing step, place them in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature before baking. This approach not only saves time but also develops even deeper flavor in the dough.

Adjust the Sweetness

Not all apple butters are the same—some are naturally sweetened with concentrated apples, while others may contain added sugar. Taste your apple butter before preparing the filling. If it’s already quite sweet, consider reducing the amount of brown sugar in the filling. This keeps the rolls balanced and ensures they aren’t overly sugary.

Don’t Skip the Second Rise

The second rise is what transforms good cinnamon rolls into bakery-quality ones. After shaping and slicing the rolls, let them rise until puffy before baking. Skipping or shortening this step can lead to dense rolls that lack the soft, pillowy texture everyone loves. Patience during this stage truly pays off.

Frost While Warm

For the most decadent rolls, spread the frosting while the rolls are still slightly warm. The heat helps the frosting melt into the swirls, coating every bite with rich, creamy goodness. It’s the secret to irresistibly gooey, melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon rolls.

---

Variations to Try

• Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the frosting for an extra indulgent treat.

• Nutty Swirl: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apple butter filling before rolling.

• Glazed Version: Skip the cream cheese frosting and instead drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the top.

• Mini Rolls: Roll the dough tighter and slice into smaller pieces for bite-sized rolls—perfect for parties.

---

Serving Suggestions

These Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls are versatile enough to serve in many settings:

• Breakfast or Brunch: Pair them with coffee, hot chocolate, or chai tea for a cozy start to the day.

• Holiday Morning: Serve them fresh from the oven on Thanksgiving or Christmas morning for a memorable family tradition.

• Dessert: Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

• Gift Idea: Bake them in disposable pans, frost lightly, and wrap with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

---

Storing and Reheating

• Room Temperature: Keep frosted rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days; reheat briefly in the microwave before serving.

• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted rolls tightly wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven before frosting.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought apple butter?

Absolutely! Store-bought apple butter is a convenient and reliable option for this recipe, especially if you don’t have the time to make your own. Most grocery stores carry it, and its smooth texture works perfectly for spreading inside the rolls. That said, if you have homemade apple butter on hand, it will give your cinnamon rolls a more robust and unique flavor since homemade versions often have deeper spice notes and less added sugar. The choice depends on what you have available—either option will give you delicious results.

Do I need a stand mixer to make the dough?

Not at all. While a stand mixer can make the kneading process quicker and less labor-intensive, it is by no means a requirement. You can knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface, which will take about 8–10 minutes. The goal is to develop gluten, which gives the rolls their soft, fluffy structure. Kneading by hand also gives you a better feel for the dough, helping you know when it’s smooth and elastic. So, don’t skip the recipe just because you don’t own a stand mixer—these cinnamon rolls are still very approachable.

Why are my rolls dense instead of fluffy?

Dense rolls usually mean the dough didn’t rise enough. There are several reasons this can happen:

• Inactive yeast: If your yeast didn’t foam during the activation step, it may be expired. Always check the expiration date.

• Cool environment: Dough rises best in a warm, draft-free spot. If your kitchen is too cool, place the bowl in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) to encourage rising.

• Insufficient rise time: Rushing the process can leave your dough underproofed. Make sure it doubles in size during the first rise and looks puffy before baking.
  Fluffy rolls depend on patience, so allowing the dough to rise fully is key to bakery-style results.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, this recipe can easily be adapted for a dairy-free diet. Simply swap the milk for a plant-based option like almond, oat, or soy milk. Use vegan butter in both the dough and filling, and replace the cream cheese in the frosting with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or make a simple glaze with powdered sugar, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract. These substitutions still create a rich, flavorful result without compromising texture or taste.

Print