Gooey Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

How to Make Gooey Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix warm cider, milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Add in butter, egg, and salt.
3. Gradually add flour and knead until soft and slightly tacky (about 7–10 minutes by hand or mixer).
4. Cover the dough and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.
2. Peel and dice the apples.
3. Once dough has risen, roll it into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
4. Brush with melted butter, sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture, and spread apples evenly.

Step 3: Roll and Cut

1. Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
2. Slice into 10–12 even rolls using a sharp knife or floss.
3. Place into a greased baking dish with a little space between each.

Step 4: Second Rise & Bake

1. Cover rolls and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Step 5: Make the Apple Cider Glaze

1. While rolls bake, simmer 1 cup apple cider in a saucepan until reduced to about ¼ cup.
2. Whisk in butter, then remove from heat and add powdered sugar.
3. Pour over warm cinnamon rolls for extra gooeyness.

Pro Tips for Gooey Success

• Reduce the apple cider to intensify flavor — don’t skip this step!
• Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for sweet-tart contrast.
• Add cream cheese to the glaze for a tangy finish.
• Want it extra gooey? Pour a little warm milk or cream over the rolls before baking.

Perfect Occasions to Serve These Rolls

• Fall or Thanksgiving breakfast.
• Holiday brunch parties.
• Weekend baking with kids.
• Cozy weekend treat with hot coffee or chai.

Storing & Reheating

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temp.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds for warm gooey rolls anytime.
• Freeze (unglazed) for up to 2 months and reheat as needed.

Apple Cider Cinnamon Roll Variations

• Caramel Apple Version: Drizzle with caramel sauce and chopped pecans.
• Mini Rolls: Slice into smaller pieces for bite-sized treats.
• Maple Glaze Swap: Use maple syrup in the glaze for a rich Canadian twist.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: Swap cider glaze for classic tangy topping.

Nutrition Facts (Per Roll)

Calories	320 kcal
Carbohydrates	54 g
Dietary Fiber	2 g
Sugars	28 g
Protein	6 g
Total Fat	10 g
Saturated Fat	6 g
Cholesterol	45 mg
Sodium	240 mg
Potassium	110 mg
Calcium	60 mg
Iron	2 mg

FAQs Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare them through the second rise, then refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temp before baking.

What kind of apple cider should I use?

Use non-alcoholic, real apple cider (not apple juice). Look for unfiltered cider for best flavor.

Can I freeze the baked rolls?

Absolutely! Freeze baked rolls without glaze. Reheat in the oven, then glaze when warm.

How do I know when my rolls are done baking?

The tops should be golden, and the centers just set. Insert a toothpick into the middle roll—it should come out clean or with moist crumbs.

Gooey Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

These Gooey Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect fall treat soft, fluffy rolls filled with warm cinnamon sugar and drizzled with a sweet apple cider glaze. Each bite is bursting with cozy autumn flavors, making them ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a festive dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 55 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 Rollls

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup warm apple cider not hot!
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp salt

For the Filling:

• 2 medium apples peeled and diced
• ⅔ cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp butter melted

For the Apple Cider Glaze:

• 1 cup apple cider reduced to ¼ cup
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• Pinch of cinnamon optional

Instructions  

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• In a large bowl, mix warm cider, milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
• Add in butter, egg, and salt.
• Gradually add flour and knead until soft and slightly tacky (about 7–10 minutes by hand or mixer).
• Cover the dough and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Filling

• In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.
• Peel and dice the apples.
• Once dough has risen, roll it into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
• Brush with melted butter, sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture, and spread apples evenly.

Step 3: Roll and Cut

• Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
• Slice into 10–12 even rolls using a sharp knife or floss.
• Place into a greased baking dish with a little space between each.

Step 4: Second Rise & Bake

• Cover rolls and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Step 5: Make the Apple Cider Glaze

• While rolls bake, simmer 1 cup apple cider in a saucepan until reduced to about ¼ cup.
• Whisk in butter, then remove from heat and add powdered sugar.
• Pour over warm cinnamon rolls for extra gooeyness.

Video

Notes

• Reduce the apple cider to intensify flavor — don’t skip this step!
• Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for sweet-tart contrast.
• Add cream cheese to the glaze for a tangy finish.
• Want it extra gooey? Pour a little warm milk or cream over the rolls before baking.

Keyword Gooey Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls Recipe