Print

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Print Recipe

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious breakfast or dessert treat featuring soft, fluffy dough filled with warm cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with rich, gooey caramel sauce. Perfectly balanced flavors and inviting aromas make these rolls irresistible for cozy mornings or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 1 large egg

Filling Ingredients

  • 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Topping

  • ½ cup caramel sauce, warmed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk to about 110°F. Dissolve the active dry yeast with a pinch of sugar in the warm milk and let it activate for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, softened butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly until a soft and elastic dough forms. Knead the dough by hand or using a stand mixer for 8-10 minutes until smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  2. Make the Apple Filling: Peel and dice the apples into small chunks. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples are tender but still firm and the sugar has caramelized slightly. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely.
  3. Roll and Fill the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle approximately 16×12 inches. Spread the cooled apple filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge to form a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 even slices, each about 1.5 to 2 inches thick.
  4. Second Rise and Bake: Grease a baking dish and arrange the cinnamon rolls evenly spaced, leaving room for expansion. Cover the dish loosely with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let the rolls rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
  5. Add the Caramel Topping: Warm the caramel sauce gently to a pourable consistency, but not too hot. Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the warm cinnamon rolls so it seeps into the swirls, providing a luscious and gooey finish. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough come together smoothly and rise evenly.
  • Do not overfill with apple filling to prevent soggy rolls.
  • Knead dough well to develop gluten for tender and fluffy rolls.
  • The second rise is essential for soft rolls and beautiful layers.
  • Always drizzle caramel on warm rolls for perfect melting and gooey texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, apple pastry, breakfast rolls, caramel rolls, baked dessert

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/caramel-apple-cinnamon-rolls/