Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Ice Cream

Looking for a warm, comforting dessert that’s both indulgent and irresistible? These Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Ice Cream are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the combination of gooey cinnamon rolls and sweet apples!

Imagine soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls swirled with cinnamon-spiced apples, all baked to golden perfection and topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The warm cinnamon rolls with cold ice cream create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

These rolls are the perfect dessert for cozy mornings or a sweet evening treat. The warm apples and cinnamon combined with the creamy vanilla ice cream will have you coming back for more with every bite!

Ready to indulge in this delicious dessert? Let’s make these Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Ice Cream and enjoy the ultimate sweet treat today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Comfort Dessert: These rolls combine soft cinnamon dough with real apples and sweet icing. It’s warm, spiced, and soothing.
• Perfectly Balanced: The rolls aren’t too sweet. The tart apples, warm cinnamon, and creamy ice cream create harmony in every bite.
• Ideal for Any Occasion: Serve for brunch, holidays, or just because—it fits in anywhere.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the dough and filling ahead of time and bake fresh when ready.
• Kid-Approved: Kids love the fun swirl, and the vanilla ice cream on top seals the deal.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Resting Time: 1 hour (for dough to rise)
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours

Servings: Makes 12 rolls
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly. Great for family baking or a weekend treat.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Rolling pin
• 9×13-inch baking dish or similar
• Saucepan (for apple filling)
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Icing spoon
• Ice cream scoop

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 cups peeled, diced apples (Granny Smith preferred)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving:

• Vanilla ice cream (your favorite brand or homemade)

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Add the eggs, melted butter, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until combined.
3. Gradually add in the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes (by hand or in a mixer) until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour—just a tablespoon at a time.
5. Shape into a ball, place in a greased bowl, and cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2. Make the Apple Filling

1. While the dough rises, cook the apples. In a small saucepan, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice over medium heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth, then add it to the saucepan.
3. Stir and cook the mixture until the apples soften and the liquid thickens—about 5–7 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

3. Roll and Fill

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface.
2. Roll it into a rectangle about 12×18 inches.
3. Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border on the edges.

4. Shape and Slice

1. Roll the dough up tightly, starting from the longer side. Pinch the seam to seal.
2. Use a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to cut into 12 even rolls.
3. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them evenly.

5. Final Rise and Bake

1. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again for 20–30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the centers are cooked through.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls

• Warm with Ice Cream: Serve each roll warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between hot and cold is incredibly satisfying.
• Drizzle with Icing: Once the rolls are slightly cooled (about 10 minutes out of the oven), drizzle the vanilla icing generously over the top.
• Optional Garnish: Add a dusting of cinnamon or a few caramelized apple slices for a bakery-style presentation.

Storing Apple Cinnamon Rolls

• Room Temperature: Store rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer freshness, store in the fridge up to 5 days. Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze baked, un-iced rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
• Ice Cream: Keep vanilla ice cream sealed and frozen. Use within a month for best texture and flavor.

Variations for Apple Cinnamon Rolls

• Add Nuts: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple filling for crunch.
• Caramel Drizzle: Replace icing with a warm caramel sauce for extra richness.
• Maple Icing: Swap vanilla extract in the icing for pure maple syrup.
• Cinnamon Spice Ice Cream: Try cinnamon or butter pecan ice cream instead of vanilla.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use tart apples (like Granny Smith) to balance the sweetness.
• Don’t overfill the dough or it may spill during rolling.
• Let icing set for 10 minutes before serving if you want it slightly firm.
• Use dental floss to slice clean, even rolls without squishing them.
• Grease your hands lightly if the dough is sticky while shaping.

Nutrition Information (per roll without ice cream)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	290
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	48g
Sugars	20g
Fiber	2g
Protein	5g
Sodium	170mg

Note: Values are approximate and vary based on ingredient brands and ice cream added.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, you can use refrigerated crescent or cinnamon roll dough in a pinch. It will change the flavor and texture slightly but still tastes great.

What kind of apples work best?

Granny Smith is ideal for tartness and structure. Honeycrisp or Fuji also work if you prefer sweeter apples.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble and refrigerate overnight before the final rise. Let come to room temperature before baking.

Conclusion

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Ice Cream are one of my go-to comfort bakes when the weather cools or I just need something sweet and warm. The balance of soft dough, sweet apple filling, and creamy ice cream is like dessert therapy. I’ve made this for weekend brunches, birthdays, even cozy nights in — and it never fails to impress.