Go Back
Freshly baked gooey apple cider cinnamon rolls topped with a drippy glaze in a white baking dish

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.
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
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
  • 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