Name: Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 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; 3 1/2 – 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; 2-3 cups powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting breakfast or dessert that will wow your family or guests, you absolutely must try this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe. I love this recipe because everything about it—from the tender, fluffy rolls to the soft apples nestled inside, all the way to that irresistibly rich brown butter and maple icing—just screams fall and comfort food. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen, and you’ll be so glad you made the time for them!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delectably Moist and Fluffy: The dough rises beautifully, giving you soft, pillow-like cinnamon rolls every time.
Perfectly Spiced Apple Filling: The mix of brown sugar, cinnamon, and fresh apples adds just the right hint of sweetness and texture.
Unique Brown Butter Maple Icing: The icing takes classic frosting up a notch with its nutty depth and natural sweetness.
Great for Any Occasion: These rolls work for holiday brunches or a special weekend treat.

A close-up view of six cinnamon rolls arranged closely together on a white marbled surface. Each roll shows a soft golden-yellow dough spiraled with a dark cinnamon and sugar filling, with small pieces of nuts embedded within. A creamy white icing with a smooth texture generously covers the top of each cinnamon roll, slightly dripping down the sides. In the upper background, a few cinnamon sticks lay on the white marbled surface near the top right corner, next to a red ceramic cup partially visible. The warm tones of the rolls contrast nicely with the white icing and the white marbled surface, giving a fresh and inviting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing, cinnamon rolls with apple filling, fall breakfast ideas, easy cinnamon roll recipe, apple dessert recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The balance of warm milk, yeast, and spices creates the perfect dough base, while Honeycrisp apples bring a crisp, refreshing bite. The brown butter in the icing is a game-changer and worth every second it takes to make.

Flat lay of golden brown cinnamon sticks, light and dark brown sugar crystals, fresh chopped Honeycrisp apple pieces with red and yellow skin, smooth cubes of salted butter, creamy off-white cream cheese block, a small transparent jar of rich amber maple syrup, and whole fresh eggs, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing, cinnamon rolls with apple filling, fall breakfast ideas, easy cinnamon roll recipe, apple dessert recipes

Warm milk: Make sure it’s warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
Active dry yeast: Essential for that fluffy rise—check the freshness on your packet for best results.
Brown sugar: Adds rich molasses notes to the dough and filling.
Salted butter: Use at room temperature for easy mixing and lush flavor.
Large eggs: Help with dough structure and add richness.
All-purpose flour: Start with 3 1/2 cups and add more if needed to get the right dough texture.
Kosher salt: Balances sweetness perfectly.
Granulated sugar: Works with brown sugar to sweeten the filling.
Cinnamon: The star spice that makes everything smell and taste like fall.
Honeycrisp apples: Firm enough to hold up during rolling and baking—feel free to swap for your favorite tart apple!
Cream cheese: For a smooth, tangy icing base—room temperature helps it blend seamlessly.
Maple syrup: Natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with browned butter.
Powdered sugar: Thickens the icing perfectly without graininess.
Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor complexity.

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.

Variations

I love personalizing this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe depending on the season or my mood. Feel free to play around with add-ins and flavor twists to make it your own.

Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts along with the apples before rolling for a delightful crunch. My family goes crazy for this addition!
Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend. The dough might be a little stickier, so add flour cautiously while kneading.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the cinnamon sugar filling for a spicier flavor profile that I discovered really amps up the fall vibes.
Fruit Swap: Try diced pears or even dried cranberries for a delicious variation I tried last winter.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Prepare the Dough

Start by warming your milk to about 110°F—warm enough to feel cozy but not hot so you don’t kill the yeast. Combine the milk, yeast, and brown sugar in your mixer bowl and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly. This step tells you your yeast is alive and ready, which I learned the hard way after rushing into mixing and ending up with dense rolls. Once bubbly, add room temperature butter, eggs, 3 1/2 cups flour, and salt. Use your dough hook to mix for 4-5 minutes until everything comes together in a smooth dough. If it feels sticky, dust in a little more flour—but be careful not to add too much or the rolls get tough.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for about an hour or until it doubles in size. I usually place mine on top of the warm stove or near a sunny window. It’s magical to see how much this dough grows—it’s one of my favorite moments when baking rolls like these!

Step 3: Prepare the Filling and Roll Out the Dough

While the dough is rising, mix together your brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Butter your baking dish to prevent sticking—this little prep makes clean-up so much easier. After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Then roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread 6 tablespoons of softened butter evenly on top, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar and diced apples. Start rolling tightly from the long edge closest to you to make a log. Pinch the seam to seal, then cut into 12-15 rolls using a sharp knife. This part is fun! I like using dental floss to get clean cuts without squashing the rolls.

Step 4: Final Rise and Bake

Place the rolls in your prepared dish, cover again with plastic wrap, and let them rise for 20-30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden and irresistible. You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen smells like autumn heaven.

Step 5: Make the Brown Butter Maple Icing

While the rolls bake, melt your butter in a pot over medium heat. Keep an eye on it and swirl the butter as it cooks until it turns a lovely golden-brown color and smells delightfully nutty—about 2-3 minutes. Remove it from the heat to prevent burning. In a bowl, whisk the cream cheese with maple syrup, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add the melted brown butter, whisking until smooth. When the rolls come out of the oven, spread this luscious icing over them while they’re still warm so it melts down into every crevice.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe

Yeast Activation: Patience here pays off—if your yeast doesn’t bubble, start over with fresh yeast to guarantee the best rise.
Roll Tight, But Not Too Tight: Rolling the dough snugly avoids gaps but if it’s too tight, the apples may squish out or the dough won’t rise properly inside the rolls.
Watch the Brown Butter: Keep stirring while browning so it doesn’t burn; that slightly toasted flavor is what really makes the icing special.
Cut with Dental Floss: Using unflavored floss to slice rolls gives you the cleanest cuts without squishing the dough.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe

A single cinnamon roll is placed at the center of a white plate on a wooden surface. The cinnamon roll is light golden brown with visible swirls of cinnamon and a thick, creamy beige icing covering the top and slightly dripping down the sides. Around the cinnamon roll, there is a light brown sauce with small pieces of apple-like chunks scattered on the plate. To the left, a portion of the cinnamon roll is torn off, showing its soft, fluffy, and yellowish interior texture. In the background, three pieces of torn pastry or dough stand upright, slightly out of focus. The background is dark, creating a strong contrast with the plate and the cinnamon roll. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing, cinnamon rolls with apple filling, fall breakfast ideas, easy cinnamon roll recipe, apple dessert recipes

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra cinnamon on top of the icing or adding chopped toasted pecans for texture and visual appeal. Sometimes I finish with a light drizzle of pure maple syrup to keep things extra sticky and delicious.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea. For a fuller brunch, I like to serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or crispy bacon for a sweet-and-savory balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches or special occasions, I arrange individual rolls in mini bundt cake pans to serve perfectly shaped, single-serve portions. I’ve also baked these in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic look that retains warmth, making them perfect for gifting or sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay soft and delicious, though I always recommend warming them slightly before serving to bring back that fresh-baked feel.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling completely (icing optional before freezing), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in the oven before icing.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers wrapped loosely in foil at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until warm throughout. If you want to freshen up the icing, warm a bit in the microwave and drizzle over before serving—simple and delicious!

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature and let it rise before rolling and baking. This makes for a perfect make-ahead breakfast.
What’s the best apple to use in this recipe?

I recommend Honeycrisp because they hold their shape well when baked and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. Granny Smith apples are also a great choice if you prefer more tang.
Can I substitute the cream cheese in the icing?

You could use mascarpone or even a bit of plain Greek yogurt for a tangy twist, but cream cheese gives the traditional richness that works best with the brown butter maple flavor.
How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?

Make sure your apples are well drained of any excess moisture before sprinkling on the dough, and avoid over-buttering the pan. Freshly baked rolls should be eaten within a couple of days or frozen to maintain optimal texture.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe has become one of my all-time favorite indulgences, and I can’t wait for you to try making it. The balance of warm spices, tender apples, and that insanely good brown butter maple icing will make your kitchen smell amazing and your heart happy. Whether you bake it for a lazy weekend morning or a special gathering, I promise it’ll be a hit. Grab those apples, roll up your sleeves, and trust me—you’re about to bake some magic!