Apple Crumb Cinnamon Rolls with Warm Caramel Glaze

Apple Crumb Cinnamon Rolls are soft, tender cinnamon rolls filled with diced apples and finished with a buttery crumb topping. This recipe merges two morning favorites — cinnamon rolls and crumb cake — for a comforting fall bake.

Apple Crumb Cinnamon Rolls Combine Cinnamon Rolls and Crumble Topping!

Apple season brings cozy mornings, warm spices, and a perfect excuse to bake. These apple-filled cinnamon rolls with a crunchy crumb topping capture that nostalgic fall feeling. They’re great for weekend breakfasts, holiday brunches, or any time you want a comforting homemade treat.

Working with yeast can be easier than you think — once you get the hang of it, homemade rolls become a regular in the kitchen. If you prefer to plan ahead, the dough can be mixed and refrigerated to rise slowly overnight, which is ideal for busy mornings.

Baking Cinnamon Rolls With Yeast Is Easy!

Instant or rapid-rise yeast speeds the process and works well for this recipe. If you use instant yeast you can also refrigerate the dough for a slow overnight rise. A warm, draft-free spot helps the rolls double in size faster, but they’ll rise in cooler temperatures if you allow more time.

Ingredients:

The measurements and full recipe are provided below in the recipe card.

Dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Rapid Rise or Instant yeast
• Kosher salt
• Milk
• Room-temperature butter
• Large eggs

Filling:

• Light brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon
• Melted butter
• Finely chopped and peeled Granny Smith apples

Crumb Topping

• All-purpose flour
• Light brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Kosher salt
• Room-temperature butter

Icing

• Powdered sugar
• Room-temperature butter
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine 3 cups of flour, granulated sugar, undissolved yeast, and kosher salt.
2. Heat the milk and butter in a microwave-safe bowl until very warm (about 120°–130°F), about 2–3 minutes.
3. Add the warm milk mixture to the flour mixture and mix on medium for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed. Add the eggs and 2 more cups of flour, mixing 2 more minutes. Stir in remaining flour as needed to form a soft dough. Swap to the dough hook and knead on medium for 5–8 minutes until smooth (or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 5–8 minutes).
4. Cover the dough and let it rest 10 minutes.
5. Divide the dough in half and roll each portion into a 12×10-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
6. Filling: While the dough rests, mix the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Stir in melted butter until combined.
7. Divide the filling in half and spread each portion evenly over the rolled dough rectangles.
8. Evenly scatter the finely chopped apples over the filling. Tightly roll each rectangle from the long side and slice into 1½-inch rolls.
9. Coat two 9×13-inch baking dishes with nonstick spray and arrange the rolls inside. Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes, or until doubled.
10. Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and room-temperature butter. Use your hands to work the mixture until crumbs form when squeezed.
11. Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the risen rolls.
12. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for about 30 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let them cool briefly before adding icing.
13. Icing: Whisk together powdered sugar, room-temperature butter, and vanilla. Add heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until the icing reaches a smooth, drizzleable consistency.
14. Drizzle the icing over slightly cooled rolls.
15. Serve warm or at room temperature.

How Long Does Cinnamon Roll Dough Take To Rise?

After arranging the rolls in the baking pans, cover them and let rise about 30 minutes, or until doubled. Proofing time depends on room temperature — a warm, draft-free spot speeds things up. A helpful tip is to preheat the oven briefly, turn it off, and place the covered rolls inside the still-warm oven to rise.

The rolls bake up golden and fragrant, filling the kitchen with a warm cinnamon-apple aroma. Serve them with the icing or a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple finish.

The combination of tender cinnamon rolls and a crunchy crumb topping is irresistible — a simple twist that elevates a classic.

I hope you enjoy these Apple Crumb Cinnamon Rolls!

More Apple Recipes To Try

• Cream Cheese Swirled Apple Cake
• Apple Toffee Blondies
• Sour Cream Apple Cake
• Apple Fritter Cake