These Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cups combine two classic favorites into one irresistible dessert! Soft, sweet cinnamon roll dough forms a golden little cup filled with warm apple pie filling, buttery cinnamon sugar, and a drizzle of sweet icing.

Made with refrigerated cinnamon rolls and canned apple pie filling, this easy recipe delivers all the cozy flavors of homemade apple pie without the extra work of making pastry from scratch. They’re perfect for fall gatherings, holiday brunches, family desserts, or whenever you’re craving something warm and sweet.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cups

• Quick and easy: Refrigerated cinnamon rolls and canned apple pie filling save time.
• Perfect individual portions: Each cup is a delicious, hand-held dessert.
• Classic fall flavors: Apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and buttery dough taste wonderful together.
• Soft and gooey: The centers are filled with sweet apples, while the edges bake up golden.
• Great for sharing: Serve them at brunches, potlucks, holiday parties, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 can (8 count) refrigerated cinnamon rolls
• 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
• 1 reserved icing packet from the cinnamon rolls
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cups

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease eight cups of a standard muffin pan to help prevent the cinnamon roll cups from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls

Open the cinnamon roll package and set the icing packet aside. Separate the rolls and gently flatten each one with your fingers until it’s wide enough to line a muffin cup.

Step 3: Shape the Cups

Press one flattened cinnamon roll into each prepared muffin cup. Shape the dough across the bottom and up the sides to create a little well for the apple filling.

Try to keep the dough evenly distributed so the cups bake at a similar rate.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling

Transfer the apple pie filling to a bowl. Use a knife to chop the apple pieces into smaller, bite-sized chunks so they’re easier to spoon into the cinnamon roll cups.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. Stir until the mixture is evenly blended.

Step 6: Brush the Cinnamon Roll Cups

Lightly brush the inside of each cinnamon roll cup with the cinnamon butter mixture. This adds extra buttery sweetness and enhances the warm cinnamon flavor.

Step 7: Fill with Apples

Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of chopped apple pie filling into each cup. Avoid overfilling, as the filling may bubble over while baking.

Drizzle any remaining cinnamon butter mixture over the apple filling for even more flavor.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the cinnamon roll edges are puffed and golden brown and the dough is cooked through.

If the tops begin browning too quickly, check the cups closely toward the end of baking.

Step 9: Cool Slightly

Remove the muffin pan from the oven and let the cups cool for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up slightly and makes them easier to remove.

Carefully loosen each cup with a butter knife or small spatula and lift it out of the pan.

Step 10: Add the Icing

If needed, warm the reserved icing packet briefly so the icing becomes easier to drizzle. Drizzle it generously over each apple pie cinnamon roll cup.

Step 11: Serve Warm

Serve the cups while they’re still warm, with soft cinnamon roll dough, sweet apple filling, and delicious icing in every bite.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Apple Cups

• Grease the muffin pan well: This helps the cups release more easily after baking.
• Chop the apples evenly: Smaller apple pieces fit better inside the cups and make serving easier.
• Don’t overfill: Too much filling can spill over the edges and make removal difficult.
• Press the dough evenly: Make sure the dough covers the bottom and sides of each muffin cup.
• Check for doneness: The edges should be golden, and the dough inside should be cooked through.
• Cool before removing: A few minutes of resting time helps the cups hold their shape.
• Drizzle icing while warm: Slightly warm cups make the icing soft and delicious.

Delicious Ways to Serve Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cups

These sweet little treats are delicious on their own, but you can make them extra special with a few simple additions.

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream.
• Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Dust lightly with extra cinnamon.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce.
• Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or warm apple cider.

For an extra-indulgent dessert, serve a warm cinnamon roll cup with vanilla ice cream and a little caramel drizzle. The combination of warm apples and cold ice cream is absolutely delicious.

Easy Recipe Variations

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Cups: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before baking, then add a little more after icing.

Apple Pecan Cups: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the apple filling for a crunchy texture.

Extra Cinnamon Flavor: Add a small pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon butter mixture for a warmer, spiced flavor.

Cream Cheese Topping: Serve with a simple cream cheese glaze instead of the included cinnamon roll icing.

Apple Crumble Cups: Sprinkle a little oat-and-brown-sugar crumble over the filling before baking for a crunchy topping.

Fresh Apple Version: If using fresh apples instead of canned filling, cook diced apples with a little butter, sugar, cinnamon, and a small splash of water until tender before filling the cups.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Allow the cinnamon roll cups to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

To reheat, microwave an individual cup for about 10–20 seconds, checking that it is warmed through. You can also place the cups in a 300°F (150°C) oven for several minutes until warm.

For the best texture, add any extra icing or toppings after reheating.

You can freeze the baked cups in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months for best quality. Thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade apple pie filling?

Yes! Homemade apple pie filling works wonderfully. Make sure the apples are tender and the filling isn’t excessively watery, which could make the cinnamon roll dough soggy.

Can I make these cups ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake them ahead and refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve. Reheat gently and add the icing just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Why are my cinnamon roll cups doughy in the middle?

The cups may need a little more baking time, especially if the dough is thick or the filling is very moist. Make sure the dough is pressed evenly into the muffin cups and check that the centers are cooked through before removing them from the oven.

How do I stop the cups from sticking to the pan?

Grease the muffin pan thoroughly before adding the dough. Let the cups cool for about 5 minutes after baking, then carefully loosen the edges with a butter knife or small spatula.

Can I use a different flavor of refrigerated rolls?

Cinnamon rolls are ideal because their flavor complements the apples. Other refrigerated sweet roll doughs may work, but the flavor and baking time can vary.

Can I serve these for breakfast or brunch?

Absolutely! These cups make a lovely sweet addition to a brunch spread, especially alongside fresh fruit, eggs, and coffee.

Final Thoughts

Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cups are an easy way to enjoy the comforting flavors of apple pie with very little preparation. With soft cinnamon roll dough, sweet apple filling, buttery cinnamon sugar, and a generous drizzle of icing, every cup feels like a little homemade treat.

Make them for a cozy weekend dessert, a holiday brunch, or your next family gathering. Serve them warm and watch these delicious apple-filled cups disappear!