There’s something magical about the scent of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven.
These Apple Cinnamon Buns are my go-to when I crave a warm, nostalgic treat that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These buns bring back memories of chilly mornings and family kitchens filled with the scent of baked apples.
The buttery puff pastry paired with the juicy apple filling is just perfect.
They look impressive, but they’re secretly simple – and always vanish in minutes!
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Pirus apples – Firm and tart, perfect for baking
Puff pastry – Choose a yeast-based, buttery dough for flakiness
Demerara sugar – Adds rich, caramel-like crunch
Cinnamon & honey – Cozy, sweet, and fragrant
Cornstarch – Helps thicken the apple filling without making it too heavy
Egg yolk – Gives a golden, glossy finish
Pro Tips Before You Start
Dice the apples evenly so they cook uniformly.
Don’t skip the cornstarch – it keeps the filling from leaking.
Seal the edges well to prevent bursting.
Use a sharp knife or fork to create small slits for steam to escape.
Best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven!
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Buns
Step 1: Make the Apple Filling
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine diced apples, Demerara sugar, and cinnamon.
Stir gently until the sugar begins to melt and coat the apples.
Dissolve the cornstarch in a little water, then stir it into the apple mixture.
Let it cook until thickened, then remove from heat and let cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Lightly roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface.
Cut into even circles using a cutter or glass.
You should have an even number of rounds for pairing.
Step 3: Assemble the Buns
Place a spoonful of the cooled apple filling in the center of half the circles.
Top each with another pastry circle.
Press the edges gently with your fingers, then seal using a fork.
Optional: Make small slits on top of each bun for steam to escape.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 175°C (convection) or 180°C (non-convection).
Brush each bun with egg yolk and sprinkle with more sugar for a crackly finish.
Bake for 15–20 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the buns cool for a few minutes before serving.
Drizzle with floral acacia honey if you’d like an extra touch of sweetness.
Serve warm and enjoy the cozy comfort in every bite.
What to Serve It With
A mug of hot spiced cider or chai tea
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side
A sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch
Variations / Substitutions
Try pear or mixed berries instead of apples
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
Use store-bought pie dough for a shortcut version
Add a touch of nutmeg or ginger for deeper spice
Storage & Leftovers
Store cooled buns in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–8 minutes to re-crisp
Not freezer-friendly once baked, but you can freeze unbaked assembled buns
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Absolutely – just make sure it’s a good-quality, butter-based version.
What apples are best for baking?
Pirus, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp work well as they hold their shape.
Can I use brown sugar instead of Demerara?
Yes, brown sugar adds moisture and depth if Demerara isn’t available.
Do I have to add honey?
No, but a light drizzle enhances flavor beautifully.
Can I freeze them after baking?
They’re best fresh, but you can freeze baked buns and reheat gently.
How do I prevent them from getting soggy?
Be sure to cool the filling before assembling and don’t overfill the dough.
Final Thoughts
These Apple Cinnamon Buns are everything I love in a fall dessert – buttery, flaky, warmly spiced, and not too sweet.
They come together easily yet feel incredibly comforting and homemade.
Whether you’re baking for guests or a quiet moment with tea, this recipe never disappoints.
