If you need a quick breakfast or a simple dessert, these Easy Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are just the thing. Using store-bought crescent sheet dough makes them fast to assemble and bakes up beautifully.
Easy Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Our family loves cinnamon rolls for breakfast and for dessert, but making them from scratch can be time-consuming. This version uses a single can of seamless crescent roll dough sheet and a touch of apple butter to create warm, gooey rolls in under 30 minutes from start to finish. The cream cheese icing melts into the warm rolls for a soft, indulgent finish.
These rolls are ideal when you want something comforting without a long prep time. Use store-bought apple butter for convenience, or use homemade apple butter if you have it on hand. A sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg gives classic warming flavor, while the cream cheese icing adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang.
Gather crescent sheet dough, apple butter, and a few pantry staples and you can have these on the table for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert. They’re a great option when you want homemade flavor without the fuss.
These cinnamon rolls were an instant hit at home. I first made them last fall and they always disappear quickly once they’re iced and ready to serve.
Ingredients
For the rolls:
- 1 can seamless crescent roll dough sheet
- 1/2 cup apple butter (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the cream cheese icing:
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon milk (add more if needed)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Unroll the crescent roll sheet on a clean surface. Spread the apple butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small margin at the edge.
- Sprinkle the nutmeg and cinnamon evenly over the apple butter.
- Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from one long side.
- Use dental floss or a serrated knife to cut the log into nine even slices. Dental floss gives cleaner cuts without squashing the dough.
- Place the slices cut-side up into the prepared dish, spaced evenly.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Allow the rolls to cool slightly while you make the icing.
- For the icing: beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Add more milk 1/2 teaspoon at a time if the icing is too thick.
- Transfer the icing to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off, and drizzle or pipe over the warm rolls. The icing will soften and melt into the rolls for an especially gooey result.
Tips and variations: swap the apple butter for a spiced apple jam or a thin layer of fruit preserves for a different texture. For added crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the icing. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the powdered sugar in the icing slightly.
Storage: keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds or in a low oven until warmed through, then refresh with a little extra icing if desired.
These apple cinnamon rolls are a comforting seasonal treat that’s quick enough to make any morning feel special. Let them cool just enough to handle, then dig in and enjoy the warm apple-cinnamon aroma and creamy icing.
Do you have a favorite fall dessert? Cinnamon rolls are always comforting when the weather cools—this easy apple version is a great place to start.
Recipe credit: Jen Lunsford
Looking for more simple apple recipes? Try apple pie cookies, apple pie fries, or a caramel apple poke cake for other easy, crowd-pleasing treats.
