Easy Apple Cinnamon Roll Rosettes

 
 

If fall had a flavor, it would be this — warm cinnamon, tender apples, and a little swirl of sweetness baked to golden perfection. These Apple Cinnamon Roll Rosettes look fancy enough for brunch but are secretly made from store-bought cinnamon rolls (yep, the kind in the tube!). They come together in minutes and fill your kitchen with that cozy, apple-pie aroma that makes everyone wander in asking, “What’s baking?”

Why You’ll Love These:

  • Shortcut-friendly: No yeast, no dough rising — just open the can and roll.

  • Pretty as a picture: The thin apple slices create beautiful petal layers, so each roll looks like a little edible rose.

  • Perfectly seasonal: Ideal for fall mornings, brunches, or a quick sweet treat with coffee.

  • They are so easy to make. Here is the recipe—

Ingredients

  • 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8-count works well)

  • 1 large apple (First Kiss when in season or Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji)

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)

  • 1/2 tsp cinammon

  • Icing (from the cinnamon roll can or homemade glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a muffin tin.

  2. Core and thinly slice the apple into half-moon shapes (use a mandoline to make the job easier but watch those fingers!). Toss with lemon juice, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Microwave for about 45–60 seconds to soften slightly.

  3. On a lightly floured surface, unroll each cinnamon roll into a strip. You should have a long ribbon of dough.

  4. Lay the apple slices along the top half of the strip, overlapping slightly like flower petals. Then carefully roll from one end to the other to create a rosette shape.

  5. Place each roll in a ramekin (or muffin tin) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

  6. Cool for a few minutes, then drizzle with icing. Serve warm and enjoy the cozy flavors of fall!

Useful Tip

Try this with pear slices or add a sprinkle of chopped pecans inside the roll for an extra nutty crunch. These also make a beautiful brunch platter centerpiece — they look like bakery treats but are secretly simple!

Perfect Pairing

Serve with a steaming mug of spiced chai or a homemade caramel latte for the ultimate autumn comfort moment.