Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brioche Dough – Soft & Buttery

Introduction

There’s nothing quite as comforting as the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen—especially when those rolls are made with soft, buttery brioche dough and packed with warm, spiced apples. These Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brioche Dough take the classic cinnamon roll to the next level, combining the tender, pillowy texture of homemade brioche with the cozy flavors of cinnamon, brown sugar, and caramelized apples.

Why Brioche Dough Makes These Rolls Special

Brioche dough, known for its rich and buttery composition, creates a decadent base for these rolls. It’s soft, airy, and slightly sweet—exactly what you need for rolls that feel bakery-quality.

When paired with the cinnamon-spiced apple filling, each bite becomes an explosion of flavors and textures:

Flaky brioche layers.
Gooey, caramelized apples.
A touch of sweetness from the brown sugar filling.

The Irresistible Cream Cheese Frosting

What makes these rolls even more irresistible is the cream cheese frosting that gets slathered on top while the rolls are still warm. The tangy, sweet glaze perfectly complements the spiced apple filling, tying together the dish into the ultimate indulgent treat.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re serving these rolls for:

A cozy breakfast.
A weekend brunch.
A special holiday morning.

They’re guaranteed to impress.

If you love fall-inspired desserts or crave a sweet, buttery pastry, these Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brioche Dough will quickly become your new favorite.

What to Expect in This Recipe

In this guide, you’ll learn:

How to craft the perfect brioche dough.
Tips for caramelizing the apple filling.
Step-by-step instructions for assembling and baking.
A luscious cream cheese glaze to top it all off.

So, if you’re ready to fill your home with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and apples, let’s get started! These Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brioche Dough are everything you could want in a sweet roll—soft, buttery, spiced, and absolutely irresistible. 🍎✨

Why You’ll Love These Apple Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are not your average cinnamon buns—they take comfort food to a whole new level:

Rich, Buttery Brioche Dough: The dough is tender, soft, and slightly sweet, thanks to the high butter and egg content typical of brioche bread.
Apple Cinnamon Filling: Sweet, caramelized apples combined with warm cinnamon and brown sugar create a flavorful, gooey filling that screams fall comfort.
Perfectly Fluffy and Soft: The brioche dough rises beautifully, resulting in pillowy rolls that melt in your mouth.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for holiday mornings, cozy weekends, or serving at brunch gatherings.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough and filling ahead of time to enjoy fresh-baked cinnamon rolls when you need them.

Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brioche Dough

The Brioche Dough

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (or one packet)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs (at room temperature)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened (cut into pieces)
½ cup whole milk, lukewarm

The Apple Cinnamon Filling

3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup brown sugar (packed)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

The Cream Cheese Frosting

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)

Step-by-Step Recipe for Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brioche Dough

Prepare the Brioche Dough

Activate the Yeast:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top, stir gently, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
Make the Dough:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture and eggs. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together.
Add the Butter:
- Gradually add the softened butter, one piece at a time, allowing each piece to incorporate fully before adding the next.
- Knead on medium speed for about 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky.
First Rise:
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Prepare the Apple Cinnamon Filling

Cook the Apples:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir well to coat the apples.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the mixture becomes syrupy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and let the mixture cool slightly.

Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls

Roll Out the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the brioche dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
Spread the Filling:
- Spread the cooled apple cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Roll the Dough:
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal.
Cut the Rolls:
- Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
Second Rise:
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a towel and let them rise for about 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.

Bake the Rolls

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the Rolls:
- Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add milk a tablespoon at a time until you achieve your desired consistency.

Frost and Serve

Let the rolls cool slightly, then spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.
Serve and enjoy while still warm for the ultimate soft, gooey cinnamon roll experience!

Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs, butter, and milk mix better when they’re at room temperature, resulting in a smoother dough.
Choose the Right Apples: Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as they hold their shape when cooked.
Don’t Overfill: Avoid overloading the dough with filling; too much moisture can make the rolls soggy.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate after the second rise. Bake fresh the next morning.
Double the Frosting: If you love extra frosting, double the cream cheese glaze for an extra decadent finish.

Flavor Variations for Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Caramel Apple Rolls: Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosting for an indulgent caramel apple twist.
Nutty Apple Rolls: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch.
Spiced Rolls: Add nutmeg, allspice, or cloves to the apple mixture for a deeper flavor.
Vegan Alternative: Replace butter with vegan butter, milk with almond or oat milk, and cream cheese frosting with a coconut cream-based glaze.

FAQs About Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brioche Dough

1. Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?
Yes, while homemade brioche dough adds unmatched flavor and texture, you can use pre-made dough as a time-saver.

2. How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.

3. Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! Freeze the rolls (baked or unbaked) and thaw overnight before baking or reheating.

4. What’s the best way to reheat cinnamon rolls?
Warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

5. Can I use other fruit in the filling?
Yes! Try pears, peaches, or even berries for a fruity twist on this recipe.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Cinnamon Rolls

Apple cinnamon rolls with brioche dough are the ultimate indulgence—a perfect blend of soft, buttery brioche, warm cinnamon spice, and tender, sweet apples. Whether you’re serving them for a special brunch, a cozy breakfast, or as a decadent dessert, these rolls are guaranteed to impress.

With a rich cream cheese frosting to tie everything together, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results right in your own kitchen. Take a bite into the warm, gooey layers of fall-inspired goodness, and you’ll see why these apple cinnamon rolls are bound to become a family favorite.

Try this recipe today and enjoy the comforting aroma and flavor of homemade cinnamon rolls—baked to perfection! 🍎🍂