Cinnamon Roll Apple Roses — tart apple slices tucked into sweet, gooey cinnamon rolls for an easy, elegant holiday treat.
There’s something about the first chill of the season that puts me in baking mode. Shorter days and the smell of warm spices are the perfect excuse to create something festive and simple. These Cinnamon Roll Apple Roses take ready-made cinnamon roll dough and a few apple slices to create a beautiful, bakery-style pastry that’s deceptively easy to assemble.
I partnered with Immaculate Baking for this idea because their refrigerated cinnamon rolls make the base so convenient. If you prefer to make dough from scratch you can, but for busy mornings and last-minute brunches, using a ready tube of cinnamon rolls saves time and yields consistently gooey, tender results.
These treats look fancy but require only a few straightforward steps: soften thin apple slices, layer them on unrolled cinnamon roll dough, roll them back up to form a rose, and bake in a muffin tin. The result is a crisp edge, soft cinnamon centers, and pretty petal shapes that make a gorgeous holiday platter.
Cinnamon Roll Apple Roses
These apple roses are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or holiday gatherings. They’re quick to prepare and impressive to serve. Use a firm, slightly tart apple for the best contrast against the sweet cinnamon dough. A light dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of icing finishes them perfectly.
Ingredients
- 1 large red apple, thinly sliced
- Juice from half a lemon
- 1 tube Immaculate Baking refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- Cinnamon roll icing (from the package or homemade)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a standard muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the apple slices in a medium microwave-safe bowl and add the lemon juice.
- Fill the bowl halfway with water and microwave for 3 minutes, or until the apple slices become pliable.
- Drain the apples and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Remove cinnamon rolls from their packaging and carefully unroll each one into a rectangle.
- Arrange the apple slices horizontally along the upper half of each unrolled cinnamon roll, overlapping the slices to create a petal effect.
- Roll the dough back up gently, pinching the edge to seal so the apple slices stay in place.
- Place each rolled “rose” into the prepared muffin tin, spacing them evenly.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving plate. Drizzle with the cinnamon roll icing while warm.
- Just before serving, dust generously with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
Additional Details
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 5 cinnamon roll apple roses (depending on the brand/size of the cinnamon roll tube)
- Category: Breakfast, brunch, holidays
Tips and Variations
Choose a firm apple such as Granny Smith or a tart red apple to balance the sweetness. Thinner apple slices bend more easily and create a nicer petal shape — use a mandoline or a very sharp knife. If you prefer a deeper caramel flavor, toss the apple slices briefly in a teaspoon of brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon before arranging them on the dough.
For a puffier rose, brush a light layer of melted butter on the dough before adding apples. To make these ahead, assemble the roses and refrigerate them in the muffin tin for up to a day; bake right from the fridge but allow an extra couple of minutes of baking time.
Storage: keep leftover apple roses in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat briefly in the oven or microwave to refresh the texture before serving.
If you enjoy seasonal baking, these apple roses are a quick way to add a festive touch without spending hours in the kitchen. They photograph beautifully and make a memorable centerpiece at any holiday table.
Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out—leave a comment or rating and share your favorite variations or serving ideas.
Make it a great day!
What’s your favorite holiday baked good — cookies or cinnamon rolls?