Peach Pie Cinnamon Rolls – A Sweet Twist on a Classic Favorite

There’s something irresistible about the scent of fresh cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. That unmistakable aroma of warm dough, sugar, and spice is enough to make anyone linger a little longer in the kitchen. But what if we took this beloved breakfast classic and infused it with the essence of peach pie—ripe, juicy peaches wrapped in cinnamon, sugar, and butter, all nestled in soft, pillowy dough and finished with a luscious cream cheese glaze? That’s exactly what these Peach Pie Cinnamon Rolls are all about.

Combining the indulgence of a traditional cinnamon roll with the cozy, fruit-forward charm of peach pie, these rolls bring together the best of both worlds. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe delivers comfort, flavor, and visual appeal. And don’t be surprised if these cinnamon rolls become the star of your baking lineup.

Let’s dive into the full process, from mixing the perfect yeasted dough to spooning over that glossy glaze.

Why Peach Pie Cinnamon Rolls?

Classic cinnamon rolls are adored for their sweet spirals of brown sugar and cinnamon nestled in fluffy dough. Peach pie, on the other hand, is cherished for its juicy, golden fruit filling, warm spices, and nostalgic flavor. By combining the two, you get:

Sweet, jammy peaches that bring moisture and fruitiness
Traditional cinnamon sugar filling for depth and warmth
Soft, enriched dough that holds everything together beautifully
A tangy-sweet cream cheese glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch

These rolls are a little extra effort—but the payoff is absolutely worth it.

Ingredients – The Heart of the Recipe

For the Dough

1 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C): The warmth activates the yeast. Use whole milk for richness.
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): Ensures the dough rises light and fluffy.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and lightly sweetens the dough.
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and softness to the final roll.
2 large eggs: Helps bind the dough and enrich the flavor.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed): The structural base of the dough.

For the Peach Pie Filling

2 cups fresh or canned peaches, diced: If using canned, make sure to drain well. Fresh peaches work beautifully in season.
1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds depth and sweetness.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and flavor that mirrors peach pie.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the filling to prevent soggy rolls.
1 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the peach flavor and aroma.

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling

1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a rich layer that holds the cinnamon sugar in place.
1/2 cup brown sugar: Melts into gooey goodness inside the roll.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: A traditional, warming spice that ties everything together.

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

4 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy, tangy base for the glaze.
1 cup powdered sugar: Provides structure and sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: For flavor depth.
2–3 tablespoons milk: Thins the glaze to a pourable consistency.

Equipment Checklist

Large mixing bowl
Saucepan (for peach filling)
Rolling pin
Measuring cups and spoons
9×13-inch baking dish
Electric mixer or whisk
Spatula and sharp knife or bench scraper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by activating the yeast. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let this sit for 5–10 minutes. It should become foamy—this means the yeast is active and ready to work.

Once foamy, stir in the granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Whisk to combine. Then, gradually begin adding the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook. Once the dough comes together, knead it by hand on a lightly floured surface (or continue with a stand mixer) for 5–7 minutes until smooth, elastic, and just slightly tacky.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size. This takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the room temperature.

Baker’s Tip: If your kitchen is chilly, preheat your oven to 200°F, then turn it off. Let the dough rise inside the warm oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Peach Filling

While the dough rises, make the filling. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced peaches, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir frequently until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken—about 5 minutes.

The goal is a thick, jammy peach mixture that will stay in place inside the rolls. Set aside and let it cool completely before using.

Flavor Note: The lemon juice balances the richness, and the vanilla adds a hint of warmth. The cornstarch is key to avoid sogginess later.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, roughly 12 by 18 inches. The thickness should be even—about 1/4 inch.

Spread the softened butter over the entire surface using a spatula or back of a spoon.

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Then, spoon the cooled peach filling over the cinnamon sugar layer, distributing it evenly but leaving a small border on all sides to prevent overflow.

Step 4: Roll, Slice, and Rise Again

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use gentle, consistent pressure to keep the filling inside.

Once rolled, use a sharp knife or bench scraper to slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls cut-side up into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30–45 minutes, until puffy and slightly touching.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have completed their second rise, bake them for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through in the center.

If the tops brown too quickly before the centers are done, tent the pan lightly with foil during the last 10 minutes.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the rolls cool slightly, prepare the glaze. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, and beat again until you reach a pourable consistency.

Adjust texture: Use less milk for a thicker frosting or more milk for a thinner drizzle.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the still-warm rolls, allowing it to melt slightly into the swirls. Serve immediately while gooey, warm, and full of peachy goodness.

These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but they’re still soft and tasty the next day when gently reheated.

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast treat: Serve with coffee or fresh juice.
Dessert option: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent end to any meal.
Brunch centerpiece: These rolls look beautiful on a platter dusted with powdered sugar or garnished with thin peach slices.

Storage and Reheating

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days. Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed rolls in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven, then glaze fresh.

Tips and Variations

Add crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or sliced almonds over the filling.
Extra fruit: Mix in a handful of raspberries or blueberries with the peaches for a flavor twist.
No cream cheese? Use a simple powdered sugar glaze made with milk and vanilla.
Make ahead: Assemble the rolls the night before and refrigerate them overnight. Bring to room temperature and let rise for 45 minutes before baking.

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Servings: 12 rolls
Calories: ~410 kcal per roll
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 2 hours
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~3 hours

Final Thoughts

Peach Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a celebration of everything we love about home baking—comfort, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re making these for a holiday breakfast, summer brunch, or just a quiet Sunday morning, they bring a little sunshine to the table. The contrast between the warm cinnamon spice and the juicy peaches is both familiar and unexpected, and the glaze brings it all together in a silky finish that’s hard to resist.

If you’ve never tried combining fruit filling with your cinnamon rolls, this is the place to start. One bite of these gooey, golden rolls and you’ll understand why this recipe has the potential to become a family favorite.