Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with Apple Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes! This recipe combines the delicious essence of classic cinnamon rolls and the sweet, spiced filling of apple pie. Soft, fluffy cinnamon-spiced dough wrapped around tender, juicy apples, all baked into perfectly portioned cupcakes—ideal for any occasion or whenever you’re craving a cozy treat. These cupcakes are easy to make and topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting, making them irresistible!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
3 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
1 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 apples, peeled and diced
For the Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp of active dry yeast in 3/4 cup of warm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup softened butter, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 egg. Add in the yeast mixture and gradually stir in 3 cups of all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
Make the Filling:
Roll and Fill: Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Brush 1/4 cup of melted butter over the dough. Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of brown sugar and 2 tbsp of cinnamon over the top, followed by 2 diced apples.
Shape the Cupcakes:
Roll and Slice: Roll the dough tightly from one long end to the other, forming a log. Slice it into 12 equal rolls.
Prepare for Baking: Place each roll into a greased cupcake pan.
Bake:
Bake the Cupcakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then Bake the cupcakes for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Make the Frosting:
Frosting: While the cupcakes are baking, beat 4 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of softened butter, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Serve:
Frost and Enjoy: Once the cupcakes have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting on top of each. Enjoy these cozy delights warm or at room temperature!
Serving Tips:
Best Served Warm: These cupcakes are best enjoyed slightly warm to enhance the soft, gooey texture of the cinnamon filling and the tender apples. Reheat them for 10-15 seconds in the microwave before serving if they’ve cooled.
Add Toppings: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle caramel sauce over the frosted cupcakes or sprinkle chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a bit of crunch.
Perfect for Breakfast or Dessert: These cupcakes make a versatile treat, whether you’re serving them at brunch with coffee or tea, or as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They will maintain their freshness, but the frosting may soften slightly.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the cupcakes in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Before serving, allow them to come to room temperature or reheat them slightly in the microwave to bring back their softness.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap each unfrosted cupcake tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and frost before serving. You can also reheat the thawed cupcakes in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
Related Recipes:
- Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Zucchini Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Italian Cream Cupcakes
FAQs:
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead. After the dough has risen, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out and proceeding with the recipe.
Can I use pre-made cinnamon roll dough?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use pre-made cinnamon roll dough. Simply roll it out, add the diced apples, and follow the rest of the instructions for filling, rolling, and baking. While the flavor will differ slightly from homemade dough, it’s a quick and easy alternative.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Tart apples like Granny Smith are great for balancing the sweetness of the cinnamon and sugar. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, opt for Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples.
How do I prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the pan?
To prevent sticking, make sure to grease your cupcake pan thoroughly before adding the rolls. You can also use paper cupcake liners for easier removal.
Conclusion:
These Apple Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes are the perfect dessert to warm you up on a crisp autumn day or anytime you’re craving a sweet, spiced treat. They’re easy to bake and make an impressive yet comforting dessert for family gatherings, brunch, or even an indulgent breakfast.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Apple Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes combine the cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls and apple pie in a perfectly portioned dessert. Fluffy dough, cinnamon sugar, and tender apples are baked into individual cupcakes and topped with rich cream cheese frosting. This recipe is perfect for fall gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of year.
Ingredients
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 apples, peeled and diced
For the Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cupcake pan.
- Dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar, softened butter, salt, and egg. Add the yeast mixture and gradually stir in flour to form a soft dough. Knead for 5 minutes, then cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon, and add diced apples.
- Roll the dough tightly, slice it into 12 equal rolls, and place each into the cupcake pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- While baking, prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Once the cupcakes have cooled, spread the frosting on top and serve.
Notes
Storage Tip: Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 1 month.
Apple Varieties: Use Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Honeycrisp for added sweetness.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 cupcakes
- Calories: 420 kcal
