There's nothing like the smell of fresh Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls baking in the oven. Soft, fluffy dough wrapped around a sweet apple butter filling with cinnamon and pecans makes this a cozy breakfast or dessert treat.
This recipe brings together two of my favorite flavors. Apple butter and cinnamon, in one irresistible pan of rolls. It's a twist on the classic cinnamon roll, and if you love my Apple Filled Cinnamon Rolls, this will be right up your alley.
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Why You'll Love Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls
Sweet comfort: the apple butter filling makes every bite warm, sticky, and spiced just right.
Nutty crunch: roasted pecans add a toasted, buttery texture that pairs perfectly with the soft rolls.
Family favorite: these cinnamon rolls are easy to make ahead and always a hit at brunch or holiday gatherings.
Key Ingredients for Apple Butter Rolls
See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Apple butter: brings natural sweetness and cozy fall flavor to the filling.
- Flax meal: adds texture and a nutty undertone to the dough while making it more wholesome.
- Pecans: roasted and chopped, they balance the sweet filling with a satisfying crunch.
- Instant yeast: helps the dough rise quickly and makes it soft and pillowy.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use walnuts in place of pecans.
- Swap honey for part of the brown sugar for a deeper caramel note.
- Try white whole wheat flour in place of some of the all-purpose flour for a heartier roll.
Variations for Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls
- Mini rolls: slice smaller pieces to make bite-sized treats perfect for parties.
- Fruit filled: add a layer of thinly sliced apples or pears along with the apple butter for extra texture.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Dough
- Warm liquids: make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Flour gradually: add flour slowly so the dough stays soft, not dense.
- Second rise: don't skip the second rise after shaping; it ensures light, fluffy rolls.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 20 seconds.
More Easy Brunch Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoyed these cinnamon rolls, you may want to try my Mom's Buttermilk Doughnuts, Apple Dutch Baby, Praline Pumpkin Muffins, and Pumpkin Bread Pudding
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls
Equipment
- Baking dish
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Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 cup milk microwaved 30 seconds to remove the chill
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 2 packages instant yeast
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 8 tablespoon unsalted butter softened and divided (8 Tbsp. for dough and 4 Tbsp. for filling and greasing pan)
- 5¼ cups all-purpose flour Start with 4 cups and add more as needed
- 1 cup ground flax meal
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- ¾ cup apple butter
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup dark brown sugar divided (¼ cup for filling and ¼ cup for the bottom of the baking pan)
- ½ cup pecans roasted and roughly chopped
- 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- In bowl of kitchen aid, using dough hook attachment, mix milk, eggs, and sugar. Add flax meal, flour, salt in bowl and turn kitchen aid on and mix until a dough begins to form.
- Place 8 tablespoon butter, scattered, in the bowl. Turn on kitchen aid back on low and mix until dough comes together. Add more flour as needed until dough is no longer sticky and forms a ball. Let Kitchen-Aid do your knead work by turning it on medium speed and let the dough hook do it's work for about 5 minutes.
- Remove dough from bowl and on a lightly floured surface, knead dough and form into a ball. Clean mixer bowl and then spray bowl with cooking spray. Place dough in bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Set in a warm dry place and let rise until double. About 1 hour.
- Punch down dough and remove from bowl. Place on lightly floured surface and roll dough out in a rectangular shape (12x24). Spread butter over dough then spread with apple butter. Sprinkle with ¼ brown sugar and cinnamon. Top with pecans.
- Coat a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Starting at the bottom of the roll (side closest to you) roll the dough tightly into a log. I use dental floss (unflavored, unwaxed) to slice the dough. Slide the dental floss under the roll and go to the center. Slice dough by pulling the dental floss together and cross (to cut the dough). I got 12 rolls from my batch.
- Transfer cut cinnamon rolls into prepared baking dish, cover with a cotton towel and allow roll dough to rise until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 350. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until rolls are golden brown.
- Remove from oven, and cool for 5-10 minutes. Flip rolls over onto a serving platter and scrape any residual sugar mixture over top of the rolls. Serve warm.
honeyb says
I know, I'm a bit late to the Dec. SRC party. What a month! What a great idea to use apple butter in a sticky bun. I want some. I like big buns. 😉
Kate | Food Babbles says
I love sticky buns but I don't think I've ever had them with apple butter. What an awesome addition. Love these!
chitchatchomp@yahoo.com.au says
You had me at home made apple butter. These look amazing Shelby!
inquiringchef says
So glad you liked these, Shelby - your photos are absolutely gorgeous! You've made me want to make them again, but I'll definitely be using your recommendation to use the KitchenAid - great to see your adaptations! Happy to discover your great blog!
dentist Torrance says
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Anna Hagen says
I have some apple butter my mother-in-law made. I may just have to try these! Or maybe I could use the Pumpkin Butter I made for my SRC post. So many possibilities!
The Heritage Cook says
Lord have mercy these look good! Great job Shelby!!
Lesa says
Apple butter on cinnamon rolls is genius! They look so delicious!
Elizabeth says
This looks delicious- great SRC pick! Love apple butter!
Sara says
These look amazing! Love the idea of using apple butter for the filling. 🙂
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Lisa says
I would love to wake up to those, especially on Christmas morning.