Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Few things are more comforting than a warm cinnamon roll fresh out of the oven. These Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls take the classic treat to the next level by adding spiced apple butter to the filling, creating a cozy fall-inspired twist.

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Topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, every bite is sweet, tangy, and full of cinnamon-spiced apple goodness. Perfect for weekends, holidays, or anytime you want a bakery-style breakfast at home.

Why You’ll Like This Recipe

• The apple butter filling adds a rich, seasonal twist to classic cinnamon rolls.
• Soft, fluffy dough that rises beautifully.
• Cream cheese frosting makes them bakery-worthy.
• Great make-ahead breakfast or brunch recipe.

Ingredients & Success Tips

Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Whole milk
• Unsalted butter
• Instant yeast
• Egg
• Vanilla

Filling

• Apple butter
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon

Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Tips for Success

• Warm milk & butter correctly: Heat until warm to the touch (about 110°F). Too hot will kill the yeast.
• Give the dough time to rise: Don’t rush this step, the rolls should double in size for the fluffiest texture.
• Slice evenly: Use a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss for even rolls.
• Don’t overbake: Pull them out once lightly golden so they stay soft and gooey inside.

All About Ingredients and Substitutions

• Flour: All-purpose flour works best. For chewier rolls, swap half for bread flour.
• Milk: Whole milk gives richness, but 2% or nondairy milk can be used.
• Apple Butter: Key to the flavor, store-bought or homemade works. You can substitute with pumpkin butter for a fall variation.
• Yeast: Instant yeast saves time, but active dry yeast can be used (just let it proof in warm milk for 5–10 minutes before adding).
• Frosting: For a sweeter glaze, replace cream cheese with just powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk.

Learn more in my baking ingredients guide for substitutions and baking tips.

Variations to Try

• Apple Pecan Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the apple butter filling.
• Caramel Apple Rolls: Drizzle caramel sauce on top before serving.
• Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: Swap apple butter for pumpkin butter.
• Mini Rolls: Roll dough thinner and cut into smaller rolls for bite-sized treats.

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days; rewarm in the microwave before serving.
• Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and frost before serving.

FAQ

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake them the next morning after letting them rise slightly.

Do I have to use apple butter?

No, you can swap in pumpkin butter, pear butter, or even a traditional cinnamon-sugar filling.

Why are my rolls dense?

Most likely the yeast didn’t activate (milk too hot or cold), or the dough didn’t rise long enough.

Can I make these without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead by hand, just expect it to take about 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth.

You Might Also Like these Pumpkin Donuts

• Easy Baked Pumpkin Orange Donuts

Elizabeth

Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and loaded with spiced apple flavor. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, they’re the perfect cozy breakfast or indulgent dessert for fall mornings and special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 hours hrs

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Cooling Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Servings: 10

Course: Breakfast

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• Dough
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant dry yeast 1 standard packet
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp Vanilla
• Filling
• 3/4 cup apple butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
• Cream Cheese Icing
• 8 ounces full-fat block cream cheese softened to room temperature
• 2 Tbsp butter softened to room temperature
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup heavy cream to brush over top of rolls

Equipment

• 1 stand mixer with dough hook plus paddle attachment for frosting
• 1 set measuring spoons and cups
• 1 Spatula
• 1 Rolling Pin
• 1 silicone mat
• 1 9 inch baking dish

Method

 

1. Prepare the dough
2. In a small saucepan or in the microwave, heat milk and butter until the butter melts and the mixture is warm (110–115°F). Whisk in yeast until dissolved.
3. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, sugar and salt.
4. Add warm milk mixture, egg, and vanilla. Mix until a soft dough forms.
5. Knead with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. First rise
7. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 10-15 minutes.
8. Shape rolls
9. Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12×16 inches.
10. Spread apple butter evenly over the dough, sprinkle on brown sugar and cinnamon.
11. Roll dough tightly from the long side to form a log.
12. Cut into 10-12 equal rolls and place them in a greased 9-inch baking dish.
13. Second rise
14. Cover rolls and let them rise for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.
15. Brush tops and sides with the heavy cream.
16. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
17. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
18. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before frosting.
19. Prepare frosting
20. Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
21. Spread over warm rolls and enjoy.