Cinnamon Roll Apple Cobbler – Cozy, Comforting, and Easy

Picture warm cinnamon rolls baked into tender apples, bubbling with buttery brown sugar and a hint of vanilla. That’s this Cinnamon Roll Apple Cobbler—part classic cobbler, part gooey cinnamon bun, and completely irresistible. It’s the kind of dessert that makes your kitchen smell like a bakery and your table feel a little cozier.

You don’t need special skills or equipment, just a few pantry staples and a baking dish. Serve it warm with ice cream, and watch it disappear.

Print Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Apple Cobbler - Cozy, Comforting, and Easy

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Total Time35 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

• Apples (6–7 medium; Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
• Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (2 cans, 8 rolls each, with icing packets)
• Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons)
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed)
• Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons)
• All-purpose flour or cornstarch (1 tablespoon, for thickening)
• Ground cinnamon (1–2 teaspoons, to taste)
• Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon, optional)
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
• Pinch of salt
• Optional for serving: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Instructions

• Prep the oven and pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or similar casserole with butter or nonstick spray.
• Peel and slice apples: Peel, core, and slice apples about 1/4-inch thick.Keep slices uniform so they cook evenly.
• Make the apple filling: In a large bowl, toss apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour or cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
• Start the butter base: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter and stir it into the apples. Spread the apple mixture in the prepared dish.
• Par-bake the apples: Bake uncovered for 15 minutes to soften the fruit. This helps the rolls bake through without overbrowning.
• Prepare the cinnamon rolls: While apples par-bake, open the cinnamon roll cans.Cut each roll into quarters for bite-sized pieces that bake evenly.
• Add the topping: Remove the dish from the oven. Arrange the cinnamon roll pieces over the hot apples in a single layer. Dot the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, cut into small cubes.
• Bake until golden: Return to the oven and bake 22–28 minutes, until the rolls are puffed, golden, and cooked through in the center.The filling should be bubbling.
• Finish with icing: Let the cobbler rest 5–10 minutes. Warm the icing packets slightly and drizzle over the top. For extra shine, add a splash of milk to thin the icing if needed.
• Serve: Spoon into bowls and serve warm.Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for contrast.

Why This Recipe Works

This cobbler uses store-bought cinnamon rolls for a shortcut that still tastes homemade. The apples cook down into a soft, saucy filling while the rolls puff up into golden, cinnamon-swirled biscuits on top.

A quick brown sugar and butter mixture ties everything together and creates a caramel-like syrup. It’s reliable, budget-friendly, and easy to scale for a crowd.

Shopping List

• Apples (6–7 medium; Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
• Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (2 cans, 8 rolls each, with icing packets)
• Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons)
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed)
• Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons)
• All-purpose flour or cornstarch (1 tablespoon, for thickening)
• Ground cinnamon (1–2 teaspoons, to taste)
• Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon, optional)
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
• Pinch of salt
• Optional for serving: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the oven and pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Peel and slice apples: Peel, core, and slice apples about 1/4-inch thick.

   Keep slices uniform so they cook evenly.

3. Make the apple filling: In a large bowl, toss apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour or cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
4. Start the butter base: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter and stir it into the apples. Spread the apple mixture in the prepared dish.
5. Par-bake the apples: Bake uncovered for 15 minutes to soften the fruit. This helps the rolls bake through without overbrowning.
6. Prepare the cinnamon rolls: While apples par-bake, open the cinnamon roll cans.

   Cut each roll into quarters for bite-sized pieces that bake evenly.

7. Add the topping: Remove the dish from the oven. Arrange the cinnamon roll pieces over the hot apples in a single layer. Dot the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, cut into small cubes.
8. Bake until golden: Return to the oven and bake 22–28 minutes, until the rolls are puffed, golden, and cooked through in the center.

   The filling should be bubbling.

9. Finish with icing: Let the cobbler rest 5–10 minutes. Warm the icing packets slightly and drizzle over the top. For extra shine, add a splash of milk to thin the icing if needed.
10. Serve: Spoon into bowls and serve warm.

    Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for contrast.

Keeping It Fresh

Let leftovers cool completely. Cover and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the oven at 325°F for 10–12 minutes to re-crisp the rolls, or microwave gently for quick comfort.

For make-ahead, prep the apple filling up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate; add the cinnamon rolls just before baking.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Quick and approachable: Store-bought dough saves time without sacrificing flavor.
• Family-friendly: Familiar flavors and soft texture appeal to all ages.
• Flexible: Works with different apple varieties and spice levels.
• Scalable: Double for gatherings or bake in smaller dishes for date night.
• Budget-conscious: Everyday ingredients, big payoff.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the par-bake: Raw apples can leave the rolls overcooked on top and underdone inside.
• Thick apple slices: Too chunky and they won’t soften in time. Aim for even, thin slices.
• Overcrowding rolls: Give them space to puff so they bake through and brown.
• Overbaking: Dry rolls happen fast. Pull the cobbler when the centers are set and lightly springy.
• Forgetting the acid: A touch of lemon brightens the sweetness and keeps flavors balanced.

Variations You Can Try

• Caramel apple cobbler: Drizzle 1/3 cup caramel sauce over the apples before adding the rolls.
• Pecan crunch: Sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans over the topping before baking.
• Maple twist: Replace vanilla with 1 teaspoon maple extract; finish with a maple-icing drizzle.
• Apple-berry blend: Fold in 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries for a tart pop.
• From-scratch option: Use homemade cinnamon roll dough if you prefer—just cut into pieces and proceed.

FAQ

What are the best apples for this cobbler?

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for depth of flavor and good texture.

All Granny Smith works well if you prefer a less sweet filling.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free cinnamon rolls if available and swap the flour for cornstarch or a gluten-free blend. Check labels on all packaged items.

Do I have to peel the apples?

No, but peeled apples give a softer, more classic cobbler texture.

If leaving skins on, slice thinly so they soften well.

How do I know the rolls are done?

The tops should be golden and the centers set, not doughy. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last few minutes.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Assemble the apple filling and refrigerate. Add the roll pieces and bake just before serving for the best texture.

Baked leftovers reheat well but won’t be as crisp.

What can I use instead of the icing packets?

Make a quick glaze with 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tablespoons milk, and a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Roll Apple Cobbler delivers big comfort with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dessert you can pull together on a weeknight and still feel like you treated everyone to something special. Keep it simple, or dress it up with caramel and nuts.

Either way, warm bowls and happy faces are guaranteed.