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 adore cozy breakfasts and fall flavors, then you’re in for a real treat with my Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe. These rolls are soft, packed with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples, and topped with a luscious brown butter maple icing that takes the whole experience to another level. Trust me, once you try this, your family will be begging for them on lazy weekend mornings.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of flavors: The tartness of Honeycrisp apples pairs beautifully with warm cinnamon and rich brown butter.
Soft, fluffy dough: A tender homemade yeast dough that rises just right every time, making your rolls irresistibly pillowy.
Decadent yet approachable icing: Brown butter maple icing adds depth and sweetness, but it’s easy to prepare and spread.
Flexible prep options: You can make ahead, freeze, or bake fresh, making it 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, cinnamon apple rolls, fall breakfast recipes, homemade apple cinnamon rolls, brown butter maple glaze

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe plays a special role in creating that perfect texture and flavor combination. Whether you’re grabbing fresh Honeycrisp apples or using good quality maple syrup, these are worthwhile splurges that really show up in the final product.

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, cinnamon apple rolls, fall breakfast recipes, homemade apple cinnamon rolls, brown butter maple glaze

Warm milk: Helps activate the yeast for a fluffy dough—make sure it’s warm, not hot, to keep the yeast alive.
Active dry yeast: The magic behind that light and airy texture; always check your yeast’s freshness.
Brown sugar: Adds a deep molasses flavor both in the dough and filling for warmth and sweetness.
Salted butter: Using salted butter here adds a savory balance to the sweet ingredients; softening it makes mixing easier.
Eggs: Provide richness and help bind the dough for chewiness without toughness.
All-purpose flour: The foundation for the dough—use the right amount to get just the right consistency.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering the sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Works in the filling for that classic cinnamon sugar crunch.
Cinnamon: The star spice that pairs beautifully with apples; fresh ground is best if you have it.
Honeycrisp apples: Crisp and slightly tart, they hold up well during baking and give fresh bursts inside the rolls.
Cream cheese: Adds tang and creaminess to the icing, balancing the maple’s sweetness.
Maple syrup: Real maple syrup is worth it here—it makes the icing shine with natural sweetness.
Powdered sugar: For that silky, smooth texture in the icing.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the icing with a subtle aroma and warming flavor.

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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.

Variations

I love how flexible this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe can be, so don’t hesitate to personalize it to your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few of the ways I’ve tweaked it through the years.

Vegan Version: I once replaced the butter with coconut oil and swapped eggs for flax eggs, and it still came out super tasty with just a little extra care on rising time.
Nutty Add-In: Toasted pecans or walnuts stir into the filling add lovely crunch and contrast—perfect for nut lovers.
Spice Blend: I like adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon mixture sometimes for extra depth and a holiday vibe.
Apple Varieties: Honeycrisp is my favorite, but Granny Smith or Fuji apples work great too, adjusting sweetness as needed.

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

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast and Make the Dough

First things first—warm your milk to just about body temperature (think cozy bath water). In your stand mixer bowl fitted with the dough hook, stir together the milk, active dry yeast, and brown sugar. Let this sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s bubbly and foamy on top, which means your yeast is alive and kicking. Then add in softened butter, eggs, 3 ½ cups of flour, and salt. Mix everything on a low speed until combined, then crank it up to medium and knead for 4 to 5 minutes. If your dough is still sticky after that, add flour by tablespoons until you get a smooth, slightly tacky dough—not dry or crumbly. This part took me some trial and error to get right, so trust your hands!

Step 2: First Rise Magic

Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let your dough rest at room temperature for about an hour. You’re aiming for it to double in size—my kitchen is usually warm enough, but if yours is chilly, try placing the bowl somewhere cozy like on top of the oven. This rise develops flavor and creates that soft structure in the rolls you’ll love.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Cinnamon Filling and Pan

While your dough is rising, mix together your filling: brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Butter a 9×13 inch pan really well; no stickiness here! I’ve learned that a well-buttered pan helps the rolls bake evenly and makes cleanup so much easier.

Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Slice

After the dough’s risen, gently punch it down to release the air, then roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture next, and then scatter the chopped apples on top. I like to press the apples gently into the dough so they don’t fall out when you roll it up.

Starting with the long edge closest to you, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal, then cut the log into 12 to 15 rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss for cleaner cuts. Place the rolls in your prepared pan, cover with plastic wrap, and let them rise another 20-30 minutes until puffy.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they’re golden brown and smell absolutely irresistible. I like to keep an eye on them around the 20-minute mark so I can pull them out before the edges get too dark.

Step 6: Make the Brown Butter Maple Icing

This icing is where things get seriously delicious. Melt your butter over medium heat and let it brown slightly—the nuttier the butter smells, the better. About 2-3 minutes is perfect. Remove from heat and be careful not to burn it. Then whisk cream cheese, maple syrup, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt into a bowl. The combination of brown butter and maple syrup gives the icing this incredible warm richness that pairs beautifully with the apple cinnamon rolls.

Spread the icing generously over the warm rolls. They’re best served fresh but trust me, they’re still fantastic a day later!

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

Perfect Dough Texture: I found that adding flour gradually while mixing prevents a dry dough; the texture should be smooth and just slightly sticky to the touch.
Brown Butter Watch: Keep a close eye on the butter as it browns – it can quickly go from perfect to burnt, so remove from heat once it develops a nutty aroma and light brown flecks appear.
Roll Tight but Gentle: When rolling the dough log, keep it tight to avoid gaps but don’t press so hard that the filling squeezes out.
Rising Time Adaptation: Don’t rush the rises—allowing the dough to double and then puff before baking ensures tenderness and the best crumb.

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, cinnamon apple rolls, fall breakfast recipes, homemade apple cinnamon rolls, brown butter maple glaze

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnish simple since the rolls are plenty eye-catching already, but a light sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon sugar adds a nice touch. For holiday brunches, a few fresh apple slices or a drizzle of extra maple syrup can make the presentation feel special.

Side Dishes

These rolls are lovely paired with a simple fruit salad, or scrambled eggs if you want a more substantial meal. I’ve also served them alongside a warm cup of chai or coffee—the spices and warmth complement the cinnamon rolls perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to bake the rolls in a round bundt pan to create a pull-apart centerpiece that’s fun to dig into. Wrapping a ribbon around your cooled pan makes a charming gift, too! You can also drizzle extra maple glaze on each roll after baking for an even more indulgent effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I’ve found that if you keep them covered, they stay soft and moist without drying out, which is key to enjoying them later without reheating.

Freezing

Freezing these rolls works wonderfully. You can freeze them either before or after baking. I like assembling the rolls, then freezing them wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. When ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake fresh. Alternatively, baked rolls freeze beautifully, too—I thaw and warm them before adding fresh icing.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes covered with foil so they warm through without drying out. If I’m in a hurry, a quick 20-second zap in the microwave softens them nicely, though the oven method brings back that just-baked magic best.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are ideal because they’re crisp and hold their shape when baked, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples also work well. Just be mindful that sweeter apples may require slightly less sugar in the filling, depending on your preference.
Is it okay to prepare the rolls the night before?

Yes! You can assemble the rolls through the first rise and then refrigerate them covered overnight. The next morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This makes it super convenient to enjoy fresh rolls without morning prep stress.
How do I know when the brown butter is ready for the icing?

Brown butter will go from pale yellow to golden with small brown flecks forming; it also smells nutty and toasted. As soon as you notice this aroma and color shift, remove it from heat immediately to avoid burning.
Can I make the icing ahead of time?

You can prepare the icing a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Before spreading, give it a good stir to bring it back to a spreadable consistency. If it firms up too much, a few seconds in the microwave helps soften it without melting.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe because it captures everything I want in a comforting breakfast treat: soft, flavorful rolls loaded with sweet and tangy apples, kissed by spicy cinnamon, and drenched in a rich homemade icing that’s pure indulgence. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you want to treat yourself (and who wouldn’t?), these rolls are sure to bring a smile to your kitchen table. Give it a go—I promise you’ll be so glad you did!