Cinnamon Apple Crescent Rolls Recipe
If you’re looking for a warm, comforting treat that’s both simple and absolutely delicious, you’re in the right place. My Cinnamon Apple Crescent Rolls Recipe has become a go-to when I want a cozy snack or a quick dessert that everyone loves. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress guests—plus, the cinnamon and baked apples inside flaky crescent rolls? Divine. Stick with me and I’ll share all my tips so you can make these perfectly every time.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Flavors: The sweet cinnamon sugar perfectly complements the tartness of crisp apples, creating a comforting flavor combo.
- Easy Prep: Using pre-made crescent rolls speeds up the process without sacrificing that homemade feel.
- Versatile & Customizable: You can tweak the type of sugar, apple, or add-ins to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Perfect Texture: Melting vegan butter before brushing makes the rolls golden and irresistibly flaky.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Apple Crescent Rolls Recipe plays a key role, from texture to flavor. Choosing the right apple and sugar combo really makes the filling pop, while the crescent rolls provide a perfect buttery base. Here’s what I use and why:
- Crisp Apple: A firm apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith gives the rolls a nice tartness and holds up well when baked.
- Sugar (Brown, Coconut & Stevia): Combining sugars adds depth and sweetness without being overpowering—feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference.
- Cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and seasonal coziness to every bite.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Crescent Rolls: Store-bought dough saves time but still produces tender, flaky layers.
- Vegan Butter: Brushing this on helps brown the rolls beautifully and adds richness without dairy.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the things I love about this Cinnamon Apple Crescent Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often change up the types of sugar or fruit to keep things fresh. You should definitely have fun making it fit your mood and pantry!
- Variation: I’ve swapped out the apple for pears on occasion, which gives a softer, sweeter bite that’s still fantastic.
- Dietary Modifications: Using vegan butter makes this recipe dairy-free, and you can also find gluten-free crescent dough if needed.
- Sweetener Swap: If you want to cut calories, try using all Stevia or monk fruit instead of sugar, but keep the cinnamon for that comforting taste.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Apple Crescent Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Apples
First thing, I set my oven to 375°F and line my baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup. Then I slice the apple thin—about 1/8 inch thick works best. Placing the sliced apples on the sheet without crowding them ensures they bake evenly and soften just right. After about 10 minutes in the oven, they’re perfect—soft but still holding shape, ready to bring that tender, juicy flavor to the crescent rolls.
Step 2: Mix Your Spiced Sugar Blend
While the apples bake, whisk together the sugars, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. This mixture is your magic dust for sweet warmth, so don’t rush it—make sure all the spices and sugars marry well. Taste it if you want to adjust the cinnamon punch or sweetness before moving on.
Step 3: Prepare and Fill the Crescent Rolls
Unroll your crescent dough sheet gently on a clean surface. I like to lightly brush each triangle with melted vegan butter first, then sprinkle a pinch of that cinnamon sugar atop. This step helps the sugar stick and makes the rolls golden as they bake. Place a cooked apple slice on each triangle, then roll them up carefully—don’t overstuff or the dough can tear. Brush the tops with more vegan butter, sprinkle a little more sugar mix, and place them spaced apart on your baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the rolls according to your crescent dough package instructions—usually about 9 minutes at 375°F is perfect. Keep an eye on the color; you want a beautiful golden-brown but not too dark. Once out of the oven, let them cool for just a minute or two—these are best eaten warm, so don’t wait too long!
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Apple Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Choose the Right Apple: I always go for firm apples because softer ones like Fuji can get too mushy when baked.
- Even Apple Slices: Cutting apples thin and uniform means they cook evenly—you don’t want some slices underdone and others mushy.
- Brush With Butter Twice: I brush once before adding sugar and again on top; it helps get that irresistible golden crust and sticky cinnamon sugar glaze.
- Avoid Overfilling: Too many apple slices can break the dough. A thin slice per roll is enough to get great flavor and keep structure intact.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Crescent Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a little powdered sugar on top right before serving—it adds a pretty snowy touch and extra sweetness without overpowering. Sometimes, I drizzle a quick maple glaze (just maple syrup mixed with a bit of plant-based milk) for a sticky finish that really ups the cozy vibes.
Side Dishes
These rolls shine on their own, but if I’m serving brunch, I pair them with creamy coconut yogurt and fresh berries, or a warm mug of chai tea for the ultimate fall-flavor combo. They also make a fun dessert alongside dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday breakfasts, I’ve arranged these rolls in a circular pattern on a big platter with apple slices fanned around—looks amazing and makes it easy to grab. Another fun twist is adding chopped nuts or raisins inside before rolling for extra texture and surprises.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’re still tasty but do lose some crispness. If storing longer, pop them in the fridge wrapped tightly to keep from drying out.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these rolls both before and after baking. If freezing unbaked, wrap them individually in plastic wrap then foil. When ready, bake from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. After baking, they freeze well for up to a month—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the rolls in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until warm and slightly crisp again. Microwaving can make them soggy, so oven reheating is worth the extra minute for that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
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Can I use other fruits besides apples in this recipe?
Yes! Pears or peaches work well, but keep in mind fruit texture—firmer fruits hold up best during baking. Also, adjust the sugar quantity if your fruit is very sweet.
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Do I have to use vegan butter, or can I use regular butter?
You can absolutely use regular butter if you aren’t avoiding dairy. I recommend melted butter either way for a rich flavor and perfect browning on the crescent rolls.
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How do I prevent the crescent rolls from getting soggy?
Pre-baking the apple slices helps reduce moisture release inside the rolls. Also, avoid overfilling with juice-heavy fruit and bake until the dough is golden for the best texture.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Look for gluten-free crescent roll dough options in some specialty stores or recipes online. Then follow the same steps to enjoy a gluten-free version.
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What’s the best apple to use in the Cinnamon Apple Crescent Rolls Recipe?
I usually pick Honeycrisp or Granny Smith because they’re crisp and flavorful, holding their shape well while baking without getting too mushy.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Cinnamon Apple Crescent Rolls Recipe is one of those simple pleasures I come back to when I want something that feels like a hug in food form. It’s quick, forgiving, and endlessly customizable, so you can make it your own without stress. Whether you’re serving it at brunch or sneaking a warm bite late at night, I promise you’ll love the cozy sweetness and flaky layers. Give it a try—I’d bet it quickly becomes one of your favorite easy desserts to share with family and friends.
Print
Cinnamon Apple Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 19 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Apple Crescent Rolls featuring crisp apples wrapped in buttery, cinnamon-sugar crescent dough. Perfect as a warm breakfast treat or a cozy dessert.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 1 crisp apple sliced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
- Stevia equivalent to 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Crescent Rolls
- 1 tube of crescent rolls
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Bake Apples: Arrange the sliced apples on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes to soften and slightly caramelize them.
- Mix Sugar Mixture: While apples bake, combine the brown sugar, coconut sugar, stevia, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl to create the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Prepare Crescent Rolls: Roll out the crescent rolls onto a clean surface. Lightly brush each piece with melted vegan butter and sprinkle evenly with the sugar-cinnamon mixture for sweetness and flavor.
- Assemble Rolls: Place a slice of baked apple on each crescent roll piece and roll it up carefully. Brush the tops with additional melted vegan butter and sprinkle more sugar mixture for a crunchy topping.
- Bake Rolls: Place the assembled crescent rolls onto the baking sheet and bake according to the crescent roll package instructions, approximately 9 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
Notes
- Choose a crisp and flavorful apple variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best results.
- Bake in the middle rack of the oven to ensure even heat distribution and consistent baking.
- Slice the apples thinly and evenly to ensure they soften uniformly during baking.
- Serve the cinnamon apple crescent rolls warm to enjoy the full burst of flavor and melty texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg