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Apple Cinnamon Roll Muffins – The Perfect Fall Treat

There is nothing better than biting into a warm cinnamon roll or hot baked apples, unless you combine the two and make Apple Cinnamon Roll Muffins. Small bite size chunks of apples coated in warm spices are placed in the center of a muffin cup that has been lined with cinnamon roll dough.

Once they go into the oven the apples become nice and tender and the outer layer of cinnamon roll becomes golden brown in color. Then icing is poured on top to give the muffins another layer of sweetness.

Not only do they look impressive, they taste even better! Not to mention that as they bake the aroma will make your house smell amazing.

apple cinnamon roll muffins

Best of all, they are made and ready to eat in under 20 minutes! That is because we use one short cut ingredient that makes this recipe simple and easy to make.

Refrigerator cinnamon roll dough is used to line the muffin tins and is the base that holds the apples. Then the icing that comes in the tube is used to top the muffins once they come out of the oven.

Combine this easy to find, store-bought ingredient with a fresh picked apple and a few spices and you have a comforting, easy-to-make recipe. Share them with your family and friends as a snack, dessert or on even as a quick breakfast on the go!

BEST APPLE TO USE IN APPLE CINNAMON ROLL MUFFINS

When it comes to baking recipes the type of apple that you choose is important. Unlike when making Homemade Applesauce, the best variety of apples for baking are ones that will hold their shape.

In addition, you want to pick an apple that will provide a good flavor and pair well with the other ingredients. For this apple cinnamon roll muffins recipe, there is one apple that is preferred over the others.

  • Granny Smith – This is the top apple of choice due to the tart flavor and the firm texture. Combine this tart flavor with the sweetness of the cinnamon roll and icing and it gives you the perfect balance of flavors.
Granny Smith apple
Granny Smith apples are the preferred apple when making apple cinnamon roll muffins.

However, if you prefer a sweeter snack or dessert you can choose another variety of apple that will still hold their shape when baked. Other great options include:

  • Honeycrisp
  • Pink Lady
  • Golden Delicious
  • Braeburn
  • Jonagold

HOW TO FLAVOR APPLE CINNAMON ROLL MUFFINS

Although you could simply add plain diced apples to the muffins, this recipe uses a few common ingredients to add even more incredible flavor. Once the apple is peeled and diced sprinkle a little cinnamon on top.

Yes, there is already cinnamon in the rolls, but adding more cinnamon on the apples will keep the flavor consistent with every bite. However, there are a few more ingredients that make this dish even better.

Brown sugar is also added to the apples to give it a sweet, rich and caramel flavor. Then add in pure vanilla extract to give the apples a slight warm vanilla flavor.

Finally to add a little freshness to the recipe, and to keep the apples from browning, a little lemon juice is added. Toss everything together and the apples are ready for the muffin tin.

SHORT CUT INGREDIENTS

Using store-bought refrigerator cinnamon rolls is a game-changer and why this recipe is so easy to make. They are ready to use, saving you the hassle of making the rolls from scratch and they are the perfect size to line a standard muffin cup.

cinnamon rolls in a muffin tin before being cooked.
Be sure to spray your muffin tin with non-stick spray before adding the dough.

In addition, you will also use the packet of icing that comes with the tube of cinnamon rolls as well. This again will prevent you from making your own or the need to purchasing another product.

However, there is one other short cut ingredient that you can use in this cinnamon apple roll muffins recipe. Instead of peeling and dicing a whole apple you can use pre-sliced apples instead.

The apples are already peeled and sliced into even thickness. Then all you have to do is cut the apples into smaller pieces so that they fit inside the muffins.

SUGGESTED TOPPINGS

While the apple cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, you can take them to a whole new level by adding a topping or two. The packet of icing that comes with the refrigerated cinnamon rolls provides a sweet and creamy glaze, making the rolls irresistibly good.

However, if you’re looking to add a bit more flavor drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top. The caramel complements the baked apples and adds an extra layer of sweetness.

Although you can also sprinkle a few chopped nuts or even a dusting of powdered sugar on top to give them a extra flavor and texture. The choice is totally up to you.

cinnamon rolls, topped with diced apples, ready to be put in the oven
Adding apples with a mixture of cinnamon, brown sugar & vanilla take these Apple Cinnamon Roll Muffins to a whole new level.

Apple Cinnamon Roll Muffin Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

  • 12.4 ounce tube refrigerated cinnamon rolls
  • 1 large Granny Smith apple
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside

Peel and dice the apple and place in a medium size mixing bowl. Add the cinnamon, brown sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice to the bowl and toss to coat.

Open the tube of cinnamon rolls and separate. Flatten each cinnamon roll into a flat disc, pinching the seams together. Be sure to save the packet of icing for later. Place a cinnamon roll into each cup, pressing around the sides and bottom to form a cup.

Fill each cinnamon roll lined muffin cup with the apple mixture.

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes or until rolls are golden brown and the apples are tender.

apple muffin on cooling rack
The icing packet that comes with the cinnamon rolls is the perfect topping for these Apple Cinnamon Roll Muffins.

Remove the baking dish from the oven and place the muffins on a cooling rack. Then drizzle the tops with the packet of icing.

Serve warm.

ENJOY! Mary

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Apple Cinnamon Roll Muffins

apple cinnamon roll muffins

Cinnamon roll muffins filled with seasoned apples and baked until nice and tender. Drizzle the top with icing and you have the perfect breakfast, snack or dessert recipe.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 12.4 ounce tube refrigerated cinnamon rolls
  • 1 large Granny Smith apple
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside
  2. Peel and dice the apple and place in a medium size mixing bowl. Add the cinnamon, brown sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice to the bowl and toss to coat.
  3. Open the tube of cinnamon rolls and separate. Flatten each cinnamon roll into a flat disc, pinching the seams together. Be sure to save the packet of icing for later. Place a cinnamon roll into each cup, pressing around the sides and bottom to form a cup.
  4. Fill each cinnamon roll lined muffin with the apple mixture.
  5. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes or until rolls are golden brown and the apples are tender.
  6. Remove the baking dish from the oven and drizzle the tops with the packet of icing.
  7. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Another shortcut option: use pre-sliced apples and cut them into smaller pieces so that they fit inside the muffin cups.
  • Other suggested toppings: caramel sauce, powdered sugar, chopped nuts

Recipe provided by Make Your Meals

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 168Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 344mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 2gSugar: 13gProtein: 2g

Nutritional Information is to be used as a general guideline only . Nutritional calculations will vary from the types and brands of the products used.