If you are looking for a warm, comforting treat that bursts with cinnamon-spiced apples and creamy sweetness, this 10-Minute Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the ease of crescent dough with a luscious filling and a dreamy cream cheese icing that elevates every bite. Perfect for a spontaneous breakfast, afternoon snack, or cozy dessert, these rolls come together quickly yet deliver a classic, homemade bakery feel that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, everyday pantry staples that come together in just a few steps. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the soft, flavorful rolls and the rich, smooth icing that completes them perfectly.
- Crescent dough sheets: The ultimate shortcut for soft, flaky rolls without needing to make dough from scratch.
- Butter (melted and softened): Adds richness and helps achieve that golden, slightly crisp texture.
- Light brown sugar: Infuses a deep caramel-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- Cinnamon: The warm spice star that wakes up the flavor and pairs perfectly with apples.
- Diced apples: Fresh, juicy bites that add texture and natural sweetness.
- Cream cheese (room temperature): Creates that irresistibly creamy and tangy icing that balances the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Key for the smooth, sweet finish of the cream cheese icing.
- Heavy cream: Helps achieve the perfect icing consistency that can be drizzled or spread.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant, mellow depth to the icing.
How to Make 10-Minute Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Spice Mixture
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready when your rolls are assembled. In a small bowl, blend together the light brown sugar and cinnamon—this mix is the flavorful heart of your rolls, giving them that classic sweet-spice aroma.
Step 2: Shape the Rolls
Unroll one tube of crescent dough onto a lightly floured surface. Spread a generous layer of melted butter on top to help the cinnamon sugar adhere and add richness. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar blend evenly over the buttered dough, then scatter the diced apples on top, making sure every bite will have some juicy fruit.
Step 3: Roll and Cut
Starting from the bottom edge, carefully roll the dough into a tube. Use a sharp knife to slice this roll into 1 ½ inch sections—each one will become a perfectly sized apple cinnamon roll.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Place the sliced rolls on a greased 11×14 inch baking tray, spacing them slightly apart so they can rise and bake evenly. Repeat the rolling and cutting process with the remaining crescent dough tubes. Once all of your rolls are on the tray, pop them into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the rolls turn a golden brown and fill your kitchen with a heavenly scent.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
While the rolls bake, prepare the icing. In a large bowl, blend the room temperature cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, mixing until fully combined. Gradually add the heavy cream, little by little, to thin out the icing to your preferred drizzling consistency—it should be luscious but pourable.
Step 6: Cool and Ice
Allow the rolls to cool for about 10 minutes after baking. This brief resting period ensures the icing won’t melt right off. Drizzle the creamy icing generously over the warm cinnamon rolls, letting it cascade down each swirl for that perfect sweet finish.
How to Serve 10-Minute Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the soft rolls. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance, while a sprinkle of cinnamon enhances the aroma with every bite.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon rolls shine alongside a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For a more substantial breakfast, add scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the indulgence of the sweet rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these rolls family-style on a rustic wooden board for casual gatherings, or individually plate them with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert twist. You can also layer the rolls in a decorative baking dish and bake them as a pull-apart centerpiece for brunch parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover apple cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and moist while preserving the freshness of the icing if stored separately.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this treat later, freeze the baked and cooled rolls in a freezer-safe container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll keep well for up to one month.
Reheating
To enjoy the rolls warm again, reheat in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual rolls for 20-30 seconds, then drizzle with fresh cream cheese icing.
FAQs
Can I use fresh homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?
Absolutely! Fresh homemade dough will give you a more artisanal texture but will require more preparation time. Crescent dough is a fantastic shortcut to have these rolls ready in just ten minutes of prep.
What types of apples work best in this recipe?
Choose firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. They hold their shape well when baked and add a nice balance to the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil instead of butter, and substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with vegan alternatives to keep the creamy texture and flavor.
How long can I store the cream cheese icing separately?
You can keep the cream cheese icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using as it may thicken slightly when chilled.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Definitely! Adding chopped nuts or raisins inside the rolls enhances texture and flavor, making each bite even more exciting and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly special about the ease and comfort of this 10-Minute Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe that makes it a true favorite. It’s quick enough for busy mornings, yet indulgent enough to impress company or treat yourself after a long day. Give it a try, and watch how simple ingredients transform into little bundles of warm happiness right from your oven!
Print
10-Minute Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 28 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These 10 Minute Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a quick and easy twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, made with crescent dough, sweet cinnamon sugar, and fresh diced apples. Baked until golden and topped with a creamy vanilla cream cheese icing, they make a perfect warm and comforting treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Rolls
- 3 tubes crescent dough sheets
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 ½ cups apple, diced
For the Icing
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is ready for baking the rolls evenly.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar with the cinnamon to create the flavorful cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll one tube of crescent dough onto a lightly floured surface, making sure it lays flat without tearing.
- Brush with Butter: Brush the melted butter evenly over the surface of the crescent dough to help the cinnamon sugar stick and add richness.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar and Apples: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough and then add the diced apples on top.
- Roll the Dough: Starting at the bottom edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight tube shape encasing the apples and sugar.
- Slice Into Rolls: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into 1 ½ inch sections to form individual rolls.
- Arrange on Baking Tray: Place the sliced rolls spaced evenly on a greased 11×14-inch baking tray to allow room for baking expansion.
- Repeat with Remaining Dough: Repeat steps 3 through 8 with the remaining two tubes of crescent dough, butter, sugar, and apples.
- Bake the Rolls: Bake the arranged rolls in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top and are cooked through.
- Prepare Icing: While the rolls bake, prepare the cream cheese icing by mixing room-temperature cream cheese and softened butter in a large bowl until smooth.
- Add Flavor and Sugar: Stir in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Adjust Icing Consistency: Gradually add heavy cream in small amounts while mixing to achieve your preferred icing consistency.
- Cool Slightly: Once baked, let the apple cinnamon rolls cool for about 10 minutes to prevent melting the icing.
- Drizzle Icing: Drizzle or spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls, allowing it to slightly melt and soak in.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the delicious apple cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy a delightful treat.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp apples for the best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute crescent dough with puff pastry if preferred.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some chopped nuts inside before rolling.
- Make sure the cream cheese is room temperature for smooth icing.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
