Breakfast & Brunch > Baked Goods (Sweet) > Sweet Rolls & Buns > Sticky Buns Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Sticky Buns

Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall with these Apple Cinnamon Sticky Buns. Soft, fluffy dough filled with a sweet apple cinnamon filling and topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch treat!

Prep Time
45 minutes + 1.5 hours for rising
Cook Time
25-30 minutes
Servings
12 buns
Ingredients
  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons Instant Yeast
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 1/4 cup Butter
  • 1 large Egg
  • 2 medium Apples
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup Butter
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons Milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 6 tablespoons Butter
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar

Preparing the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.

First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Making the Apple Cinnamon Filling

In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir to coat the apples evenly. Set aside.

Assembling the Sticky Buns

Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 12x18 inch rectangle. Brush the dough with melted butter. Sprinkle the apple cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Melt 6 tablespoons butter and combine with the 1/2 cup packed brown sugar for the bottom of the pan.

Cutting and Placing the Buns

Spread the butter and sugar mixture evenly into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cut the log into 12 equal slices. Place the buns, cut side up, in the prepared baking dish.

Second Rise

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

Baking

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before inverting onto a serving platter.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the buns are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until combined. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Stir in vanilla extract.

Frosting the Buns

Once the sticky buns have cooled slightly, drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!

← Apple Cinnamon Crumble Coffee Cake Berry Raisin Scones →

FAQ

  • Can I use different types of apples?

    Yes, feel free to use your favorite baking apples, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn.
  • Can I make these ahead of time?

    You can assemble the buns up to the second rise and refrigerate them overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the buns and frost them just before serving.
  • Can I freeze these sticky buns?

    Yes, you can freeze the baked sticky buns. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a low oven before frosting.