Heavenly Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting, sweet treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, then get ready to fall head over heels for these Heavenly Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls. Each bite is a perfect swirl of soft, pillowy dough wrapped around a luscious apple butter filling spiced with cinnamon and brown sugar, all topped with a smooth vanilla glaze that’s simply irresistible. This recipe turns a classic favorite into a cozy morning or dessert experience you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are super simple but absolutely essential in creating the magic behind Heavenly Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls. Each one adds a specific texture, flavor, or richness that makes the final dish truly special and comforting.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for our tender and elastic dough that rises beautifully.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps with browning the dough.
- 2 tsp instant yeast: This little powerhouse makes the dough rise softly and fluff up perfectly.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F): The ideal temperature to activate the yeast without killing it.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and a tender crumb to the dough.
- 2 large eggs: Adds moisture, structure, and that lovely golden hue to the rolls.
- 1 cup apple butter: The star of the filling, infusing each roll with sweet, spiced apple goodness.
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon: A classic spice that pairs perfectly with the apple butter.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Deepens the filling’s sweetness with a touch of molasses flavor.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Helps create a luscious, spreadable filling inside every roll.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for our shiny, sweet glaze.
- 2-3 tbsp milk: Adjusts the glaze to a perfect drizzle consistency.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a subtle aromatic sweetness to the glaze.
How to Make Heavenly Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Pour the wet into the dry and stir until it comes together into a shaggy dough. This is where the promise of fluffy rolls begins.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Dust a surface with flour and knead your dough for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is your workout for the day but totally worth it! Once kneaded, pop the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—about an hour. This rise is what gives your rolls that cloud-like softness.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While your dough is rising, mix the apple butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and softened butter in a small bowl until it’s smooth and well combined. This flavorful filling is what turns ordinary rolls into Heavenly Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls, bursting with warm spices and fruity sweetness.
Step 4: Roll the Dough
Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 16 by 24 inches. Spread that luscious apple butter filling evenly over the dough, making sure every inch is covered so every bite is deliciously filled.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Starting from one of the long edges, roll your dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Place these pieces side by side in a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space for them to puff up during their second rise.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover your rolls with a kitchen towel again and let them rise for about 30 to 45 minutes until they look puffy and inviting. This step gives your rolls that perfect airy texture that’s just begging to be enjoyed.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, watching closely towards the end so they become golden brown without over-browning. This is the moment everything comes together into a beautifully baked batch of Heavenly Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls.
Step 8: Make the Glaze and Drizzle
While those rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar so it’s perfect for drizzling over your warm rolls.
Step 9: Glaze and Serve
Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes after baking, then generously drizzle your glaze over the top. Serve warm for the best experience—the combo of the creamy glaze and the sweet, spicy filling tastes like a slice of heaven on your plate.
How to Serve Heavenly Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped pecans or walnuts to the glaze for a delightful texture contrast, or a pinch of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness. A few thin apple slices on top can also add an extra pop of freshness and beauty.
Side Dishes
Pair your Heavenly Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls with freshly brewed coffee or a chai latte to complement the warm spices. A side of fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait can keep things balanced and brighten up your morning spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these rolls in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch, or stack them in a basket lined with a cozy kitchen towel to make a delightful centerpiece for brunch. You could even sprinkle with edible flowers to make your presentation truly stunning and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of the Heavenly Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh, ready for a quick snack or breakfast.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolls right after shaping them by wrapping the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking as usual.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, microwave single rolls for 15-20 seconds or reheat them in a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) for 10 minutes. Add a drizzle of extra glaze or a pat of butter to revive their gooey, delightful charm.
FAQs
Can I use regular yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for instant yeast, but you’ll need to proof it first in warm milk to activate. This means mixing the yeast with warm milk and a pinch of sugar, then waiting for it to bubble before adding to your flour mix.
Is apple butter the same as apple sauce?
Not quite—apple butter is thicker, smoother, and more concentrated in apple flavor because it’s cooked longer than apple sauce. It’s perfect for these rolls because it offers a rich, spiced sweetness that apple sauce can’t quite match.
Can I make these rolls dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based milk alternative like almond or oat milk, and substitute the butter with a vegan margarine or coconut oil to keep these apple butter cinnamon rolls indulgent yet dairy-free.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
Look for a golden brown top and edges, and if you tap the rolls gently, they should sound hollow. You can also use an instant-read thermometer—the internal temperature should reach around 190°F (88°C) for fully baked rolls.
Can these rolls be made ahead and frozen after baking?
Yes! Once baked and cooled, wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Reheat in the oven to freshen them up, adding glaze after warming. This makes them a convenient treat to enjoy anytime.
Final Thoughts
Making these Heavenly Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls is like capturing the essence of cozy mornings and joyful moments all in one bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers both comfort and delight with every swirl. I can’t wait for you to try them and create some sweet memories around your table!
PrintHeavenly Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Heavenly Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls combine soft, fluffy homemade dough with a sweet and spiced apple butter filling, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or dessert, these rolls deliver comforting fall flavors with every bite.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the Filling:
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the apple butter, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and softened butter until well combined.
- Roll the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16×24 inches). Spread the apple butter filling evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Shape the Rolls: Starting from one of the longer edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them out evenly.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they puff up again.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. During the last 5 minutes, keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
- Make the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as necessary.
- Glaze the Rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the glaze over the top.
- Serve: Serve warm, and enjoy the delightful flavors of apple butter and cinnamon in every bite!
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm (110°F) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop a smooth and elastic texture for soft rolls.
- Cover the dough during rises to prevent drying out.
- Adjust glaze thickness by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cinnamon roll
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: apple butter cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, apple cinnamon rolls, sweet rolls recipe, breakfast rolls, fall dessert