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

There's something irresistibly cozy about cinnamon rolls filled with warm apples and topped with a rich, nutty glaze. This Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe is my go-to for a weekend treat that feels extra special without a ton of fuss.

The image shows several cinnamon rolls placed close together on a tray with a white marbled texture beneath. Each roll has visible layers, with the dough in a light golden brown color swirling around the darker cinnamon filling that looks rich and slightly textured. A creamy, off-white icing is generously spread on top, partially covering the cinnamon layers and creating a smooth contrast against the rougher roll surface. In the background, there are some brown cinnamon sticks and a small part of a red container visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made these rolls; the aroma of browned butter mingling with cinnamon and fresh apples completely filled my kitchen and made it feel like fall had arrived early. Beyond flavor, the process is surprisingly approachable, making this a fantastic recipe whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out.

Perfect balance of flavors: The sweet apples and cinnamon meld beautifully with the rich brown butter maple icing for a comforting taste experience.
Soft, tender dough: Thanks to the warm milk and eggs, these cinnamon rolls come out fluffy and never dry.
Brown butter magic: The icing isn’t just sweet—it adds a deep, toasty note that takes these rolls from good to unforgettable.
Flexible prep: You can make ahead or freeze, which means fresh cinnamon rolls whenever you want them.

A close-up view of a group of warm cinnamon rolls on a white marbled surface, arranged in rows on parchment paper; each roll has a thick swirl pattern with golden brown dough and darker cinnamon filling visible inside, all topped with a generous layer of creamy white icing that is smooth and slightly shiny, some icing dripping down the sides; a silver spoon with icing rests nearby with more cinnamon sticks scattered around and a white pitcher with a red rim partially visible above the rolls; the top right shows a woman's hand holding one cinnamon roll slightly lifted from the group photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe plays a role in creating those fluffy, flavorful layers. From the yeast’s slow rise to the balance of sugars, every detail helps you get bakery-style rolls right at home.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of warm milk, a few teaspoons of active dry yeast granules beside it, a tablespoon of brown sugar in a small white bowl, four tablespoons of salted butter cut into chunks on a white plate, three large whole brown eggs with clean shells, a heap of all-purpose flour on a white plate, a small white bowl with kosher salt, a small white bowl with brown sugar, a small white bowl with granulated sugar, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon, two fresh Honeycrisp apples, chopped into chunks on a white plate, a small white bowl with softened salted butter, a block of cream cheese on a white plate, a small white bowl with amber maple syrup, a small white bowl with powdered sugar, and a small white bowl of 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 m7354615311229779997

Warm milk: Activates the yeast gently and adds moisture for soft dough.
Active dry yeast: The magic behind the rise and that airy, tender texture.
Brown sugar: Adds warmth and moisture both in the dough and filling.
Salted butter: Keeps the dough rich and tender, also essential in the brown butter icing.
Large eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to that fluffy crumb.
All-purpose flour: The base for the dough that provides structure — just remember to add it gradually to avoid dry dough.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the rolls.
Brown & granulated sugars (filling): For sweetness and caramel-like flavor in the apple layer.
Cinnamon: No cinnamon roll is complete without that signature warm spice.
Honeycrisp apples: Crisp, sweet-tart apples that hold their shape and add fresh pop.
Cream cheese: Creates the luscious base for the icing, balancing sweetness with tang.
Maple syrup: Amplifies the richness in the icing with its natural deep sweetness.
Powdered sugar: Provides the perfect smooth texture to glaze over the rolls.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the icing flavor and gives complexity to the sweetness.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this recipe depending on the season or who I’m baking for. It’s super forgiving, so feel free to play around with the filling or even the icing sweetness to suit your taste.

Variation: Sometimes I swap Honeycrisp apples for Granny Smith if I want a tarter edge—it gives a slightly sharper contrast against the sweet glaze.
Dairy-free option: I’ve had good results replacing butter with coconut oil and cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese to make these allergy-friendly.
Extra spice kick: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mix for a warm spice blend that feels a bit more complex.
Less sweet: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the powdered sugar in the icing gradually — it’s easy to adjust on the fly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe

Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast and Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing your warm milk, yeast, and brown sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. I like to set this aside for about 5 to 10 minutes until it’s bubbly on top—that's your sign the yeast is happy and alive. Then add softened butter, eggs, and most of your flour with salt. Let the mixer do its magic until the dough comes together and is just slightly sticky but still manageable. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle in the extra half cup of flour little by little. I always err on the side of softer dough because it yields fluffier rolls.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and tuck it somewhere warm (my oven turned off with just the light on is my secret spot). After about an hour, your dough should have doubled in size. This rise is crucial—it means light, airy rolls instead of dense ones, so be patient and trust the process!

Step 3: Mix Up the Apple Filling and Prep Your Pan

While the dough is rising, mix together your sugars and cinnamon for the filling. Butter your baking dish to ensure nothing sticks during baking. I find a 9×13 inch pan fits these rolls perfectly, giving them room to puff up without crowding.

Step 4: Roll Out, Fill, and Shape Your Rolls

Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air, then roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle — about 12 by 18 inches. Spread the remaining butter evenly, sprinkle on chopped apples and the cinnamon sugar mix. When rolling the dough into a log, keep it nice and tight to avoid loose layers that won’t hold their shape. Pinch the edges to seal and slice into 12-15 rolls. I use a sharp knife for clean cuts and try to be gentle so the filling stays put.

Step 5: Final Rise and Bake

Put the rolls into your prepared dish, cover with plastic, and let them rest for another 20 to 30 minutes. This final rise gives the rolls that light lift during baking. Then bake at 350° F for about 25 to 30 minutes or until golden and puffed. Keep an eye on them after 20 minutes—the smell will tell you they’re almost ready!

Step 6: Brown Butter Maple Icing Time

This step is where I often get compliments from friends. Melt your butter over medium heat until it just starts to brown and smell nutty, about 2-3 minutes—watch it closely to avoid burning! Whisk this into softened cream cheese along with maple syrup, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Once the rolls are warm from the oven, spread the icing generously over the top. It melts slowly and forms that perfect glossy finish.

Top Tip

From experience, these tips really help take your Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe from great to spectacular.

Perfect dough texture: Keep your milk warm but not hot to prevent killing the yeast — about 100–110°F is ideal.
Keep rolls tight: Rolling the dough snugly helps the filling stay inside and creates nice spirals.
Watch the brown butter carefully: It goes from browned to burnt in seconds; remove it from heat as soon as it smells toasty.
Warm rolls before icing: I always spread the icing while the rolls are warm so it melts in and becomes silky.

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

apple cinnamon rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few additional cinnamon crystals on top or add a few thin apple slices for a pretty, rustic look. Sometimes some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on the icing add a delightful crunch and nutty contrast that feels so cozy.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. If you want to turn it into a brunch, try a side of scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday mornings, I arrange the rolls in a round baking dish to create a flower shape and drizzle extra icing for a wow factor. Gift wrapped warm rolls in parchment paper tied with raffia also make charming, edible presents!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay soft and flavorful for up to 3 days. When you want more, just warm them gently in the microwave or oven.

Freezing

I’ve frozen both unbaked rolls (after shaping but before rising) and fully baked rolls wrapped tightly. They freeze well up to 3 months. To bake frozen rolls, thaw overnight in the fridge and allow 30 minutes at room temp before baking. For baked rolls, thaw then warm before frosting.

Reheating

For the freshest taste, I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes wrapped in foil, which revives softness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving too long or they can get chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples add a nice balance of sweetness and tartness and hold their shape well, you can substitute with Granny Smith for a tarter note or Fuji for extra sweetness. Just make sure the apples are firm to prevent them from turning mushy.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size. A simple test is to poke your finger gently into the dough; if the indentation stays and doesn’t spring back quickly, it’s ready for the next step. The timing can vary depending on room temperature but usually takes about 1 hour.

Can I make the rolls vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the icing. Just make sure your milk is a non-dairy option warmed to activate the yeast gently. The flavor will be a little different but still delicious.

What is the best way to reheat leftover rolls?

To keep the rolls soft and moist, I recommend reheating them in the oven wrapped in foil at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This warms evenly without drying the rolls out. Microwaving is faster but can make the texture chewy if overdone.

Final Thoughts

Making these Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe has become one of my happiest culinary rituals — it's a way to fill the house with warmth and share a buttery, sweet delight with loved ones. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and find the same joy in each bite. After all, nothing beats the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls on a cozy morning!