Sheet Pan Apple Fritter-Style Cinnamon Rolls

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-13 · Updated 2026-06-13

Soft cinnamon rolls baked on a sheet pan with apple fritter flavors, featuring tender chunks of apple and crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, whole milk into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 cup, warmed to 110°F whole milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large, diced into 1/4-inch cubes peeled apple
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp whole milk (for glaze)

The stand mixer we’d knead this with → Best Stand Mixers for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in 1 cup warmed whole milk at 110°F. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: Add 2 large eggs, 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter, and 1 tsp salt to the yeast mixture, whisking to combine.
3. Step 3: Gradually add 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Step 4: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.
5. Step 5: Roll dough into a 12x16-inch rectangle, spread 1/2 cup brown sugar mixed with 2 tbsp cinnamon evenly over it, then sprinkle 1 large diced peeled apple (1/4-inch cubes) across the surface.
6. Step 6: Roll dough tightly from the long edge, then cut into 12 equal rolls and arrange in a greased 9x13-inch sheet pan.
7. Step 7: Cover and let rise an additional 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F.
8. Step 8: Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
9. Step 9: For the glaze, whisk 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 3 tbsp whole milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.