These easy Apple Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of flaky croissant dough, warm cinnamon, and tender, caramelized apples. A buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture coats the inside of the rolls, which are filled with soft, spiced apple chunks, making each bite taste like a warm, comforting hug. Whether you’re enjoying them as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack, these rolls deliver all the cozy flavors of autumn in a convenient, quick-to-make recipe. They’re a crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of apples and cinnamon as they bake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: You’ll love these Apple Cinnamon Rolls because they’re incredibly easy to make, thanks to the use of store-bought croissant dough, yet they taste homemade and fresh. The combination of the soft, gooey apple filling and the flaky, buttery dough is nothing short of addictive. The cinnamon adds a comforting warmth, while the apples bring a natural sweetness and slight tartness that balances perfectly with the brown sugar. You don’t need to be an expert baker to create these delicious rolls—this recipe is simple and foolproof, but the result feels like a special treat.
Perfect Occasion: These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for any casual morning when you want something comforting yet quick. Serve them at a weekend brunch, enjoy them as a cozy dessert after a family dinner, or bring them to a potluck or holiday breakfast gathering. They're ideal for those times when you want a sweet treat without spending hours in the kitchen, yet still want to impress with something homemade and delicious. Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or warm apple cider for the ultimate fall indulgence.
Decoration Tips: To elevate these rolls, consider drizzling them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk once they come out of the oven. The glaze will add a lovely touch of sweetness and shine to the top. You can also sprinkle them with chopped walnuts or pecans before baking to give them a bit of crunch and a rustic appearance. For an extra festive look, dust the finished rolls with powdered sugar or even add a small drizzle of caramel sauce on top for a luxurious twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of XL croissant dough (or 2 smaller cans if that’s what you have on hand)
- 2 apples, peeled and cut into small cubes
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 40 grams of butter (plus 1 tbsp butter for cooking the apple filling)
- 25 grams of brown caster sugar
Method:
- Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) so it’s ready to bake the rolls as soon as you’ve assembled them. - Prepare the Cinnamon Butter Mixture:
Melt the butter in the microwave in a small bowl. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, creating a rich, sweet, and spiced mixture that will be spread over the croissant dough. Set this mixture aside for a moment. - Cook the Apple Filling:
Peel and chop the apples into small, bite-sized cubes. In a medium frying pan, add 1 tablespoon of butter and heat over medium heat. Add the apple cubes and the remaining tablespoon of cinnamon to the pan. Cook the apples for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. Once done, remove the pan from the heat and let the apple filling cool completely. - Prepare the Dough:
Roll out the croissant dough into a long rectangle, ensuring it’s even. Pinch together any perforations in the dough to create a smooth surface with no gaps. This will help keep the filling in place during baking. - Add the Filling:
Spread the cinnamon butter mixture evenly over the dough, using a spatula or the back of a spoon to make sure the entire surface is covered. Once the dough is coated, evenly distribute the cooled apple filling on top, making sure each bite will have a sweet and spiced apple piece. - Roll and Slice the Dough:
Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, much like rolling up a jelly roll. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to cut the log into 8 equal-sized pieces. - Bake the Rolls:
Place the rolls in a greased or parchment-lined oven dish, leaving a little space between each one. Bake the rolls in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the dough is fully cooked through. - Cool Slightly and Serve:
After baking, allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives the flavors a moment to settle and makes them easier to handle.
Enjoy!