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To make the soft dough, you need: - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast - ½ cup warm milk - ¼ cup melted unsalted butter - 1 large egg - ½ teaspoon salt The dough is the base of your rolls. It should be soft and slightly sticky. Using warm milk helps activate the yeast, making your rolls fluffy. For the tasty filling, gather: - 1 large apple (peeled, cored, and diced) - ¼ cup brown sugar - 1 tablespoon cinnamon - ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional) The apple adds moisture and flavor. Brown sugar gives a nice caramel note. Cinnamon adds warmth. Pecans add crunch, but you can skip them for a simpler roll. To create the sweet caramel sauce, you will need: - ½ cup brown sugar - ¼ cup unsalted butter - ¼ cup heavy cream - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract This sauce makes your rolls extra special. It melts into the rolls as they bake, creating a gooey, sweet layer. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a mixing bowl. Pour in the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let this mix sit for about five minutes. You want it to get frothy. This shows that the yeast is alive. Next, add the melted butter, the egg, and the salt to the mix. Gradually stir in the flour one cup at a time. Keep mixing until a soft dough forms. Now it’s time to knead! On a floured surface, knead the dough for five to seven minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic. After that, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot. Allow it to rise for one hour, or until it doubles in size. While the dough rises, let’s prepare the filling. Take a medium bowl and mix the diced apple with brown sugar and cinnamon. If you like nuts, add the chopped pecans too. Set this mixture aside. The apple will soak up the sweet spices, making it delicious when baked. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the dough. Now, roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. It’s important to roll it tight for fluffy rolls. Cut the log into twelve equal slices. Next, grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish and arrange the rolls inside. Leave some space between each one. Cover them and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls rise. While waiting, let’s make the caramel sauce. In a saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Stir it over medium heat until the mix is smooth. After the rolls rise, pour the caramel sauce over them. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a golden brown color on top. Once done, let them cool slightly before serving. Drizzle any leftover caramel from the dish over the rolls for extra sweetness. To get soft and fluffy dough, start with warm milk. This helps the yeast wake up. Mix the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about five minutes. You will see bubbles forming. This means the yeast is active. When mixing, gradually add flour. Do this one cup at a time. If the dough feels sticky, add a bit more flour. Knead it for five to seven minutes. This builds gluten, which gives the rolls structure. After kneading, let the dough rise in a warm spot. Cover it with a towel. Wait until it doubles in size, about one hour. Using the right apple makes a big difference in flavor. I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith. They balance perfectly with the sweet caramel and brown sugar. Honeycrisp apples also work well. They add a sweet crunch. Avoid soft apples, as they can turn mushy when baked. Remember to peel and core your apples before dicing them. This ensures a nice bite in every roll. To drizzle caramel perfectly, start with a smooth sauce. Make it by mixing butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Heat it gently until it melts together. Let it cool slightly before drizzling. Use a spoon or squeeze bottle for control. If you want a fancy look, move your hand in a circular motion while drizzling. This adds a beautiful touch to your rolls. For extra caramel, pour any leftover sauce from the baking dish over the top. It makes the rolls even more delicious! Pro Tips Use Fresh Apples: For the best flavor and texture, choose a firm, tart apple variety such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Fresh apples will hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance with the sweetness of the caramel. Perfect Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. If it feels too dry, add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. This will ensure your rolls are fluffy and tender. Caramel Sauce Timing: For a richer flavor, make the caramel sauce ahead of time and let it cool slightly before pouring it over the rolls. This will allow the sauce to thicken a bit, creating a gooier texture when baked. Storage Tips: To keep your caramel apple cinnamon rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them and reheat in the microwave before serving. {{image_2}} You can enhance your caramel apple cinnamon rolls by adding nuts or dried fruits. Chopped pecans add a nice crunch. Walnuts work well too. If you prefer dried fruits, try raisins or cranberries. Just mix them into your apple filling. This adds flavor and texture. Nuts and dried fruits can make each bite more exciting. If you need a gluten-free option, you can still enjoy these rolls! Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure the blend has xanthan gum for better texture. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly. Keep an eye on the dough as you mix. It should feel soft and easy to handle. Short on time? No problem! You can use store-bought dough for your rolls. Look for ready-made pizza or crescent dough. Follow the same steps for filling and baking. This option saves time and effort. You still get to enjoy those warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with caramel and apples. You can store leftover rolls in an airtight container. Let them cool first. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them fresh longer, place them in the fridge. They can last about a week in the fridge. Just make sure they are sealed well to keep moisture in. To reheat the rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet. Cover them with aluminum foil to keep them soft. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat one roll at a time for about 20-30 seconds. Check to see if they are warm enough for you. You can freeze these rolls too. After baking, let them cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven or microwave as mentioned above. This keeps them tasting fresh and delicious! Yes, you can make these rolls ahead of time. Prepare the dough and filling, then assemble the rolls. Place them in the baking dish and cover. You can refrigerate them overnight. Bake them the next day. This saves time and works well for brunch. A tart apple works best for these rolls. I recommend using Granny Smith apples. They hold their shape and add a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. You can also use Honeycrisp for a sweeter option if you prefer. To thicken your caramel sauce, cook it longer over medium heat. Stir it often to prevent burning. You can also add a bit more brown sugar. A touch of cornstarch mixed with water can help thicken it as well. Yes, you can make substitutions. Use almond milk instead of regular milk. You can swap butter for coconut oil if you want a dairy-free option. For the apples, feel free to mix in pears or berries. Just keep the same quantity to maintain the texture and flavor. This blog post covered everything you need for delicious caramel apple cinnamon rolls. We explored the key ingredients, from dough and filling to the sweet caramel sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions to simplify the baking process. Plus, I offered valuable tips for your rolls’ success. Don't forget the fun variations to make it your own. Store leftovers properly and enjoy them later. With these insights, you’re ready to create a treat that your family will love! Happy baking!

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Delicious cinnamon rolls filled with apples and topped with caramel sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 0.5 cup warm milk
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 large egg
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large apple (peeled, cored, and diced)
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 0.25 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar (for caramel sauce)
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter (for caramel sauce)
  • 0.25 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  • Add melted butter, egg, and salt into the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
  • Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, mix diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans (if using). Set aside.
  • Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 12x18 inches).
  • Assemble the rolls: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the dough. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
  • Arrange in a baking dish: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and arrange the rolls inside, leaving some space in between. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C): While the rolls are rising, make the caramel sauce by combining butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth.
  • Bake the rolls: After rising, pour the caramel sauce evenly over the rolls and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Cool and serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle any remaining caramel from the baking dish over the top.

Notes

Serve warm, garnished with additional apple slices or a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance!
Keyword apple, caramel, cinnamon rolls