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 a fan of comfort food meets sweet fall flavors, you’re going to absolutely love this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe. Seriously, this is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug first thing in the morning — gooey cinnamon rolls filled with tender apples, all topped off with that dreamy, nutty brown butter maple glaze. I can’t wait to walk you through it because it’s truly fan-freaking-tastic and easier than you might think!

💙

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rustic Fall Flavors: The combination of cinnamon and fresh apples truly captures that cozy autumn vibe in every bite.
Brown Butter Magic: That brown butter maple icing takes your average glaze up several notches with a toasty, rich sweetness.
Perfectly Soft Dough: This recipe yields rolls that are fluffy, tender, and not too dense — I learned this trick to get the texture just right!
Great for Make-Ahead: Prep in advance, freeze, or bake fresh — flexibility makes these rolls ideal for any schedule.

The image shows six cinnamon rolls arranged closely together on a rectangular sheet of parchment paper over a wooden surface. Each roll has a golden brown dough base with visible spiral layers filled with cinnamon and small bits of nuts, topped with a generous layer of smooth, white frosting that looks creamy but not thick. The rolls have a soft texture with variations in the spiral pattern and icing coverage. A spoon with a dark reflection lies on the right side on the wooden table, and there is a hint of a cinnamon stick and a small white container with white frosting in the background. The scene is warm, cozy, and inviting, with soft natural light highlighting the rolls' texture and glossiness. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing, fall cinnamon roll recipe, apple cinnamon roll ideas, cozy weekend breakfast recipes, homemade cinnamon roll glaze

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the best Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe, you’ll want fresh, quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully — the apples bring freshness, the cinnamon adds warmth, and the brown butter maple icing? Pure indulgence. Here’s a cheat sheet on what to grab.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of warm milk, a small white ceramic bowl with light brown active dry yeast granules, a small white ceramic bowl of fine brown sugar, four tablespoons of salted butter at room temperature on a white ceramic plate, three whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of ground cinnamon, two chopped Honeycrisp apples on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl of cream cheese at room temperature, a small white ceramic bowl of maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl containing vanilla extract, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing, fall cinnamon roll recipe, apple cinnamon roll ideas, cozy weekend breakfast recipes, homemade cinnamon roll glaze

Warm milk: Helps activate the yeast and contributes to a soft dough texture.
Active dry yeast: Makes the dough rise perfectly fluffy; make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
Brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel sweetness both in the dough and filling.
Salted butter: Enhances flavor; use room temperature for easy blending.
Eggs: Give the dough structure and richness.
All-purpose flour: Backbone of the dough; sometimes you need to adjust the amount for perfect texture.
Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and brings out flavor.
Granulated sugar: Mixes with cinnamon for that classic cinnamon roll filling.
Cinnamon: Inspires that unmistakable warm spice note.
Honeycrisp apples: Sweet and crisp, these apples hold up well during baking.
Cream cheese: Essential for creamy, tangy icing.
Maple syrup: Infuses the icing with natural sweetness and depth.
Powdered sugar: Gives the icing the perfect texture and sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Adds aromatic notes to bring everything together.

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

While I love the classic Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe as is, I always encourage you to make it your own! Whether it’s swapping out ingredients or trying new techniques, customization keeps things fun and tasty.

Spiced Up: I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon sugar mixture for an extra layer of warm spice that my family can’t get enough of.
Nutty Twist: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled in the filling add delightful crunch and nutty flavor — perfect for those who love texture contrast.
Gluten-Free Version: I experimented with a gluten-free flour blend and found that adding a bit more moisture helps keep the rolls soft and pliable.
Seasonal Fruits: Pears or cranberries mixed with the apples create a fun seasonal twist when apples aren’t the star.

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

Step 1: Activate the yeast and mix the dough

This is where the magic begins. Start by combining warm milk, yeast, and brown sugar in your mixer bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes — you want to see bubbles form on top; it means the yeast is alive and kicking. Then, add in softened butter, eggs, most of the flour, and salt. Mix with your dough hook until incorporated, about 4-5 minutes. If your dough feels sticky (mine often does!), add the remaining flour gradually until it’s smooth but still soft to the touch. Keep in mind, dough consistency varies with humidity and flour brand, so don’t stress if you need to tweak here.

Step 2: Let the dough rise until doubled

Cover your dough bowl with plastic wrap and let it hang out at room temperature for about an hour. This resting time is essential; when you come back, your dough should be puffy and doubled in size. I learned the hard way that rushing this step doesn’t give you the fluffy rolls you want — patience here is key.

Step 3: Prepare the apple cinnamon filling

While the dough rises, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. It smells so inviting that I sometimes just sneak a spoonful! Butter your baking dish so the rolls won’t stick and everything bakes evenly.

Step 4: Roll, fill, and slice the rolls

After the dough has risen, gently punch it down — I know it sounds scary, but you want to release some air here to make room for the next rise. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly across the surface, then sprinkle on your chopped Honeycrisp apples and cinnamon sugar mixture. From the long side closest to you, roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the edges to seal. I like using a sharp serrated knife to slice into 12-15 rolls; a smooth cut keeps them looking nice and neat.

Step 5: Let the rolls rise again and bake

Arrange the rolls in your buttered pan, cover with plastic wrap, and let them rest for another 20-30 minutes to puff up. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake for 25-30 minutes until beautifully golden brown. When I first tried this recipe, I accidentally opened the oven too early, and my rolls sank a bit — so resist temptation here!

Step 6: Make the luscious brown butter maple icing

This is the crown jewel! Melt your butter over medium heat and watch carefully as it foams and transitions into a golden brown with a rich toasted aroma — about 2-3 minutes. Then whisk the brown butter together with cream cheese, maple syrup, vanilla, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt until silky smooth. Spread the icing over warm rolls so it soaks in nicely. Warning: your kitchen will smell insanely good!

👨‍🍳

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

Check Your Yeast: Always proof your yeast first to avoid flat dough—bubbling means it’s active!
Don’t Over-Flour The Dough: Add just enough flour to handle sticky dough; too much can toughen the rolls.
Roll Tightly, Trim Edges: Rolling the dough tightly keeps the spirals neat and ensures apples don’t fall out during slicing.
Brown Butter Timing: Watch the butter carefully when browning—the second it turns golden with nutty aroma, remove it from heat to avoid burning.

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

A cinnamon roll with visible swirls and a light golden brown color, topped with thick creamy icing that drapes over the edges, sitting on a white plate. Surrounding the roll are several torn pieces showing a soft, fluffy inside with a slightly darker cinnamon layer. Small chunks of a caramel-like sauce with bits of apple sit around the base, adding a shiny texture. The background is dark, and the plate rests on a rustic wooden surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing, fall cinnamon roll recipe, apple cinnamon roll ideas, cozy weekend breakfast recipes, homemade cinnamon roll glaze

Garnishes

I love a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans on top of the icing for a little extra crunch and visual appeal. Sometimes, I dust a tiny bit of cinnamon or drizzle a little extra maple syrup if we’re feeling extra indulgent. Fresh apple slices on the side are a cute touch if you’re serving these for brunch.

Side Dishes

These rolls are pretty much a meal themselves, but if you want to round things out, I like pairing them with crispy bacon or sausage links for savory balance. A fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette also pairs nicely, especially if you’re serving them for a big family breakfast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I sometimes bake the rolls in individual ramekins or muffin tins — it makes for cute single servings and portion control! Another fun idea is to drizzle the icing and then delicately sprinkle edible gold dust or autumn-themed sprinkles on top for festive gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If I want them softer after a day or two, I pop them in the microwave for about 20 seconds and they’re almost fresh-baked again.

Freezing

One of the best things about this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe is that it freezes beautifully. I like to assemble the rolls but freeze them before the second rise—just cover tightly and freeze up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before baking for perfect fresh rolls any time.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the rolls in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes covered with foil, or microwave individually in 20-30 second bursts. I like to add a drizzle of warm maple syrup or extra icing after reheating for that freshly glazed feel.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for the filling?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples hold their shape well and offer a nice sweetness, you can use Granny Smith for a tart contrast or Fuji for a sweeter bite. Just make sure to chop them evenly for even baking.
Do I need a stand mixer to make these cinnamon rolls?

You don’t have to have a stand mixer, but it definitely makes the dough mixing easier and faster. You can mix and knead by hand—it just takes a bit more elbow grease and patience to get the dough smooth and elastic.
Can I make the brown butter maple icing dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter and cream cheese with non-dairy alternatives like vegan butter and softened tofu or cashew cream. The texture might be slightly different but still deliciously rich.
How long do the rolls keep fresh?

These cinnamon rolls are best eaten within two days of baking if stored at room temperature covered tightly. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet to keep them tasting fresh.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe feels like my go-to recipe whenever I want to impress without stress. The flavors are familiar but elevated by that brown butter maple icing — it’s become a family favorite that I love sharing with friends over coffee mornings. Give it a try; I promise you’ll be making these again and again once you taste that perfect balance of gooey, sweet, and warmly spiced. Happy baking!