Cozy Apple Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes Recipe: Sweet Morning Joy

Warm, gooey, and packed with comforting spices, these apple cinnamon roll cupcakes blend the best of breakfast pastries and dessert magic.

Sweet apples mingle with swirls of cinnamon in every delectable bite.

The soft, tender crumb creates a perfect canvas for rich, buttery flavors.

Delicate frosting adds a creamy crown to these irresistible treats.

Each cupcake promises a delightful escape into pure indulgence.

Bakers of all skill levels can easily master this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Prepare to be the star of any gathering with these mouthwatering cupcakes that celebrate classic fall flavors.

Apple Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes: Sweet Reasons to Try Them

• Dive into a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls with these apple-packed cupcake treats.
• Whip up these delectable rolls using ready-made crescent dough, making baking a breeze for both novice and experienced home cooks.
• Enjoy the perfect balance of warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and a luscious maple glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Transform your morning or afternoon with these irresistible cupcakes that bring together the best of breakfast pastries and dessert in one adorable package.

All the Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes

• Crescent Dough Sheet or Crescent Rolls: A versatile pastry base that provides a soft and flaky foundation for the cupcakes.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, crispy exterior.
• Cinnamon, Sugar: A classic sweet and warming spice combination that enhances the apple flavor.
• Apples: Fresh fruit that brings natural sweetness and moisture to the cupcakes.

• Powdered Sugar, Maple Syrup, Milk: A smooth and sweet topping that adds a delightful finishing touch to the cupcakes.

Cupcake Tools for Home Bakers

• Cupcake Pan: Standard 12-cup pan for baking cupcakes.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps with rolling dough.
• Pastry Brush: Essential for evenly spreading melted butter on dough.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for cleanly slicing the dough log into rolls.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining sugar, cinnamon, and glaze ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
• Aluminum Foil: Optional for covering rolls if browning too quickly.

Baking Apple Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a cupcake pan and line it with paper cupcake liners.

Step 2: Smooth Out The Dough

Take the crescent dough sheet and spread it onto a parchment paper surface.

If you’re using crescent rolls, gently press the perforations together to create a smooth rectangular shape.

Step 3: Butter The Canvas

Grab a pastry brush and coat the dough surface with melted butter.

Save a little bit for later use.

Step 4: Sprinkle Flavor Boosters

• Cinnamon
• Sugar
• Diced apples

Mix the cinnamon and sugar together.

Dust this sweet mixture evenly across the buttered dough.

Scatter the diced apples on top, creating a delicious layer.

Step 5: Roll Into Perfection

Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, ensuring the apples and cinnamon sugar stay tucked inside.

Step 6: Slice And Arrange

Cut the log into 8 equal pieces, each about 1½ inches thick.

Nestle these rolls into the prepared cupcake liners.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Goodness

Brush the tops with the remaining melted butter.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown.

If the tops start browning too quickly, create a loose aluminum foil tent to prevent burning.

Step 8: Drizzle With Sweet Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup
• Milk

Whisk the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.

Once the cupcakes have cooled slightly, generously drizzle the glaze over the top.

Tips for Soft, Moist Cinnamon Cupcakes

• Brush dough evenly with melted butter to ensure rich, golden flavor and prevent dry spots.
• Dice apples uniformly for consistent texture and even distribution throughout the rolls.
• Keep aluminum foil handy to prevent over-browning, covering cupcakes if they darken too quickly during baking.
• Adjust glaze thickness by adding more milk or powdered sugar until you reach a smooth, drizzle-friendly texture.
• Let cupcakes cool slightly before glazing to prevent runny, absorbed topping and maintain a beautiful drizzle effect.

Cupcake Variations for Creative Bakers

• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace crescent dough with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour dough for celiac-friendly rolls.
• Vegan Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, and replace eggs with applesauce or flax eggs.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use sugar-free maple syrup in the glaze.
• Nutty Crunch Version: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the dough before rolling for added texture and rich flavor.

Plating and Serving Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes

• Cozy Morning Companion: Pair these warm cupcakes with a steaming mug of coffee or chai tea for a delightful breakfast treat.
• Sweet Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange the cupcakes on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
• Dessert Transformation: Serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent after-dinner indulgence that melts perfectly on top of the soft, spiced rolls.
• Party Pleaser Platter: Create a mini dessert station with these cupcakes, offering small forks and letting guests grab a sweet bite during gatherings or holiday celebrations.

Storing Cupcakes for Freshness

• Store cooled cupcakes in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring freshness and preventing staleness.
• Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months, maintaining texture and flavor for later enjoyment.
• Keep cupcakes at room temperature in a sealed container for 1-2 days if consuming quickly. Avoid direct sunlight and warm areas to prevent spoiling.
• Warm refrigerated cupcakes in microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore soft texture and slightly crisp edges.

FAQs

• What type of dough works best for these cupcakes?

Crescent roll dough is ideal. You can use either a pre-rolled sheet or individual crescent rolls, just press the perforations together to create a solid rectangle.

• Can I use different apples for this recipe?

Yes! Choose firm baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These varieties hold their shape well and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.

• How do I prevent the cupcakes from burning?

Watch them closely while baking and cover the tops with aluminum foil if they start browning too quickly. This helps ensure even cooking without over-browning.

Apple Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful apple cinnamon roll cupcakes merge classic pastry techniques with modern dessert creativity. Warm spices and sweet apple chunks create a comforting treat that connects home bakers with cherished culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) tube of refrigerated crescent rolls or crescent dough sheet
• 1 medium apple, diced into small pieces

Spices and Sweeteners:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (divided)
• 1/3 cup sugar (half light brown sugar, half white granulated sugar)
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon milk (or more to achieve desired consistency)

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Instructions

1. Activate the oven to 350F (175C) and arrange paper liners in a cupcake pan for 8 rolls.
2. Spread the crescent dough sheet onto parchment paper, pressing sealed perforations to create a uniform rectangle.
3. Generously coat the dough surface with melted butter, preserving some for later application.
4. Combine cinnamon and sugar, then uniformly distribute across the buttered dough. Scatter diced apples evenly over the surface.
5. Carefully roll the dough from the long edge, creating a compact cylindrical log.
6. Divide the log into 8 equal segments approximately 1½ inches thick, positioning each piece within the prepared paper liners.
7. Lightly brush the roll tops with remaining melted butter. Bake for 15 minutes until achieving a golden-brown color, utilizing aluminum foil to shield from excessive browning if necessary.
8. Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until achieving a smooth glaze consistency. Delicately drizzle over slightly cooled cupcake rolls.

Notes

• Choose quality crescent dough or make homemade pastry for better flavor and texture, ensuring a flaky and tender base for the cupcakes.
• Dice apples uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent sweetness throughout each roll, preventing soggy or undercooked fruit sections.
• Adjust butter quantity carefully to prevent greasy cupcakes, using just enough to create a golden, crispy exterior without saturating the dough.
• Consider dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk in the glaze for lactose-intolerant individuals, maintaining the recipe’s rich, sweet profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg