Name: Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast; ¾ cup warm milk; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 egg; 3 cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 cups peeled and diced apples; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for filling); ¼ cup unsalted butter (for icing); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 1-2 tablespoons milk

Hey y'all! Ready to kickstart your day with a bakery-worthy treat? These Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing are the ultimate fusion of gooey, pillowy rolls, caramelized apples, and a luscious, nutty-sweet glaze. Perfect for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or anytime you’re craving something extra special, each bite serves up cozy autumn flavors in delicious harmony. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe

Super soft, fluffy rolls packed with cinnamon-scented apple filling for a warming, comforting treat.
Rich brown butter maple icing adds a decadent, slightly nutty sweetness on top.
Perfect for chilly mornings, special occasions, or satisfying your sweet breakfast cravings.
Easy step-by-step directions mean homemade cinnamon rolls are totally doable for any baker.
Customizable—swap apples, add nuts, or go dairy-free to suit your cravings.

Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Ingredients

Dough:

3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
⅔ cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, room temperature

Apple Cinnamon Filling:

2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt

Brown Butter Maple Icing:

¼ cup unsalted butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
2-3 tablespoon whole milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing – Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, whisk together 3 ¼ cups flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
Add the warmed milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix with a dough hook or wooden spoon until combined.
Knead for 5-7 minutes on medium speed (or 8-10 minutes by hand) until dough is smooth and slightly tacky. If sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
Form dough into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled (about 1 hour).

2. Make the Apple Cinnamon Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, melt ¼ cup butter. Add diced apples and sauté until just tender, 3-4 minutes.
Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant and syrupy. Remove from heat and cool.

3. Assemble the Rolls

Punch down risen dough. On a floured surface, roll it into a 14x18-inch rectangle.
Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Scatter apple mixture over, leaving a ½-inch border on one long edge.
Tightly roll up from the long edge, pinching the seam to seal. Cut into 12 equal rolls and arrange in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cover and let rise for another 30-40 minutes, until puffy.

4. Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-27 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
Let cool slightly while preparing icing.

5. Brown Butter Maple Icing

In a small saucepan, melt ¼ cup butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling often, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 3-4 minutes). Learn to brown butter here.
Pour browned butter into a bowl. Whisk in powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, and 2 tablespoon milk. If too thick, add more milk until pourable.
Spread icing generously over warm rolls. Serve immediately!

Notes for the Best Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing

Let your dough rise in an oven with just the light on if your kitchen is chilly.
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the perfect balance against the sweet icing. Learn about apple varieties.
Make rolls ahead and refrigerate overnight before the final rise for morning baking magic.

Delicious Variations on Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing

Pecan Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped toasted pecans to the filling for irresistible crunch.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap the brown butter maple icing for tangy cream cheese frosting.
Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter, plant milk, and flax eggs for an animal product-free treat.

Required Equipment for Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing

Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
Rolling pin
Large skillet
9x13-inch baking dish
Small saucepan
Parchment paper (optional)

Storage Instructions for Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 20-25 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes. These rolls can also be wrapped well and frozen (without icing) for up to 2 months. Add fresh icing after thawing and reheating.

Serving Recommendations & Pairings

Perfect for pairing with fresh-brewed coffee or a spicy chai tea latte.
Serve alongside crisp bacon, scrambled eggs, or a seasonal fruit salad for a complete brunch spread.
Add a dash more maple syrup or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for garnish and extra flavor.

Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing

Don’t rush the dough rise—allowing time for fermentation yields fluffier, airier rolls. Read about dough rising here.
For clean, even slices of dough, use unflavored dental floss to cut the rolled log.
Spread icing while rolls are still warm so it partially melts into each swirl for gooier bites.

Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing FAQ

Can I make these apple cinnamon rolls ahead of time?: Absolutely! Assemble the rolls and refrigerate (covered) overnight before the second rise. Bring to room temperature and let them rise for 30 minutes before baking.
Can I use a different fruit in the filling?: Yes—try pears, peaches, or even berries for a delicious twist!
How can I make the dough by hand if I don't have a mixer?: Simply combine ingredients with a spoon, then knead by hand for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing