Few things capture the warmth of fall quite like the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls drifting through the kitchen. When you infuse that classic comfort with the bright, spiced sweetness of apple cider, you get a twist that feels both nostalgic and completely new. Apple cider cinnamon rolls are impossibly soft, beautifully golden, and filled with a cozy apple-spice swirl that tastes like autumn in every bite.
By reducing apple cider into a concentrated syrup, you enhance its natural flavor and pair it with cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter for a filling that caramelizes into gooey perfection. These rolls bring together everything great about fall baking—warm spices, seasonal flavors, and soft pillowy dough that melts in your mouth. Whether you serve them for a holiday breakfast, a weekend brunch, or a special treat with coffee, they’re guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls
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Extra-soft, bakery-style rolls with a light, fluffy texture
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Apple cider reduction adds deep fall flavor
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Warm cinnamon-brown sugar filling melts beautifully
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Perfect for brunch, holidays, or gifting
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Easy to customize with nuts, apple pieces, or caramel glaze
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Smells incredible while baking
Equipment You’ll Need
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Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
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Mixing bowls
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Small saucepan
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Whisk
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Rolling pin
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Measuring cups and spoons
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9×13-inch baking dish
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Pastry brush
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Knife or floss for cutting rolls
Ingredients for Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls
For the Dough
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¾ cup warm apple cider
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2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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3 ½–4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup brown sugar
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2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
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¼ cup reduced apple cider syrup
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Optional: ½ cup finely diced apples
For the Frosting
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4 ounces cream cheese, softened
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
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1 ½ cups powdered sugar
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2 tablespoons apple cider
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of cinnamon
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
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Rise Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: ~2 hours
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Servings: 12 cinnamon rolls
How to Make Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1. Make the Apple Cider Reduction
Pour 1 cup apple cider into a saucepan and simmer until it reduces to about ¼ cup. This creates a concentrated, bold apple flavor that elevates the rolls dramatically. Set aside to cool.
Step 2. Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, mix warm apple cider (not hot) with yeast and sugar. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Stir in flour gradually until a soft dough forms.
Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
Step 3. Prepare the Filling
Combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cooled apple cider reduction. Stir into a thick, spreadable paste. Add diced apples if using.
Step 4. Shape the Cinnamon Rolls
Punch down the dough and roll into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly across the surface.
Roll tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or floss.
Place in a greased 9×13-inch dish. Cover and let rise again for 20–30 minutes.
Step 5. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through. Do not overbake—softness is key.
Step 6. Make the Frosting
Whisk cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, apple cider, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth. Spread over warm rolls for a glossy, melty finish.
Tips for Perfect Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls
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Warm, not hot, liquid prevents killing the yeast.
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Use fresh yeast for the best rise.
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Don’t over-flour the dough—slightly tacky dough bakes softer.
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Cool the cider reduction before adding it to the filling.
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Frost while warm for a silky, melt-in effect.
Delicious Variations
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Apple Pie Version: Add a layer of sautéed cinnamon apples to the filling.
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Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the rolls.
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Maple Frosting: Replace cider in frosting with pure maple syrup.
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts.
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Overnight Rolls: Assemble, refrigerate, and bake the next morning.
Serving Ideas
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Pair with hot coffee, chai, or warm apple cider.
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Serve alongside eggs or sausage for brunch.
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Make them a stunning Thanksgiving or Christmas morning treat.
How to Store & Reheat
Storage
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Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days
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Or refrigerate for up to 5 days
Reheat
Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds for soft, fresh flavor.
Freezing
Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before icing.
Nutritional Facts (Approx., Per Roll)
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Calories: 320–380
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Protein: 5–6 g
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Carbohydrates: 48–54 g
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Total Fat: 12–16 g
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Sugar: 26–30 g
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Fiber: 2–3 g
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Sodium: 180–230 mg
If effortless breakfast recipes are your style, you might also enjoy Hot Cross Buns with Candied Fruit, High Protein Greek Yogurt Bagels, or Lemon Ricotta Pancakes.
Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pour 1 cup apple cider into a saucepan and simmer until it reduces to about ¼ cup. This creates a concentrated, bold apple flavor that elevates the rolls dramatically. Set aside to cool.
- In a bowl, mix warm apple cider (not hot) with yeast and sugar. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Stir in flour gradually until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cooled apple cider reduction. Stir into a thick, spreadable paste. Add diced apples if using.
- Punch down the dough and roll into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly across the surface.
- Roll tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or floss.
- Place in a greased 9×13-inch dish. Cover and let rise again for 20–30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through. Do not overbake—softness is key.
- Whisk cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, apple cider, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth. Spread over warm rolls for a glossy, melty finish.
Conclusion
Apple cider cinnamon rolls bring the warmth of classic cinnamon rolls and the magic of fall baking together in one unforgettable treat. They’re soft, gooey, full of cozy apple spice flavor, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you make them for a weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or simply to celebrate the season, these rolls deliver comfort and joy in every bite.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes—assemble, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh in the morning.
2. Can I use store-bought dough?
You can, but homemade dough gives the best texture and flavor.
3. Does the apple cider have to be reduced?
Yes, reducing it concentrates the flavor and prevents a watery filling.
4. Can I use apple juice instead?
Apple cider is richer, but apple juice works in a pinch.
5. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze after shaping and thaw before baking.
6. What apples work best if I add diced apples?
Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji for their firmness and flavor.