Name: Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 22 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 (6-ounce) tubes refrigerated biscuits (10 biscuits total); 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided; 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced small; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of tender diced apples coated in aromatic spices, wrapped in soft biscuit dough, and topped with a sweet glaze makes this recipe both comforting and decadent. It’s incredibly versatile—you can serve it as a dessert, breakfast, or brunch—and it comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules. Plus, the simplicity of using refrigerated biscuit dough means less prep with maximum flavor.

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

refrigerated biscuits (e.g., two 6‑ounce tubes, 5 biscuits each)
ground cinnamon, divided
medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced small
granulated sugar
packed light brown sugar
fresh lemon juice
ground nutmeg
salt
all‑purpose flour
For the glaze: powdered sugar and milk

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Spray a 12‑cup muffin pan with nonstick baking spray.
Remove biscuits from their packaging and place them on a parchment‑lined or nonstick surface. Roll each out to roughly a 3‑inch diameter.
Sprinkle 1½ teaspoons of cinnamon over both sides of all the biscuit rounds.
Press each round into the prepared muffin cups, shaping the sides and bottom to form little dough cups. Bake for 6–8 minutes until golden and the base is cooked. Quickly press the bottom of each with a shot glass to reinforce their cup shape and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced apples with granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and fresh lemon juice until the sugars dissolve. Stir in remaining cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Sprinkle in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until thickened.
Spoon the apple mixture evenly into each biscuit cup.
Combine powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl, whisk to remove lumps, and spoon or pipe the glaze over the filled rolls.
Serve the rolls while warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes 10 rolls
Prep Time: 22 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes (plus a few extra minutes for glazing)
Total Time: About 30 minutes

Variations

Swap the biscuit dough for cinnamon roll dough if you prefer a sweeter, more indulgent version.
Use canned apple pie filling instead of fresh apples—just chop the apples into small pieces for better fit.
Stir almond extract into the glaze for a nutty flavor twist.
Add chopped walnuts or pecans on top for extra texture and crunch.
Enhance spice flavor by mixing a pinch of nutmeg or apple pie spice into the powdered sugar glaze.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual rolls for about 20–30 seconds until warm. Alternatively, pop them in a preheated oven at 325 °F (160 °C) for 5–10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. What apples are best to use for these cinnamon rolls?

Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious work best as they hold their shape well during cooking. Sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Gala can also be used but may get mushy—and you might want to reduce the sugar slightly.

2. What size should I dice the apples?

A small dice, about ¼‑inch pieces, works best. Larger pieces can make fitting the apples into the mini “pie” cups more difficult.

3. Can I use cinnamon roll dough instead of biscuit dough?

Yes! If you prefer a sweeter outcome, use cinnamon roll dough. The original recipe is designed for 10 pieces, so aim to match that quantity if using pre-made cinnamon rolls.

4. Can I use apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?

Absolutely. Just chop the apples from the pie filling into smaller pieces so they fit well into the biscuit cups.

5. Can I make the glaze extra flavorful?

Yes, add about ¼ teaspoon of extra cinnamon or a few drops of almond extract to the glaze for enhanced flavor.

6. Can I add something crunchy?

Sure! A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans on top adds lovely texture and nuts complement the apple and cinnamon beautifully.

7. How do I store these rolls?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

8. Can I freeze them?

Yes, these freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container. Reheat in the oven or microwave straight from frozen—or thaw first, then warm gently.

9. What’s the best way to reheat—oven or microwave?

For a softer, just-baked feel, reheat in a 325 °F oven for 5–10 minutes. For quick heat, microwave for 20–30 seconds.

10. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely, doubling the recipe is a smart idea if you’re serving many people; these disappear fast!

Conclusion

These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a must-try when you want a treat that’s quick, comforting, and bursting with apple-cinnamon flavor. With just 30 minutes and minimal prep, you can bake up something that tastes like fall in every bite. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re sure to become a family favorite.