Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted The base of our caramel apple cinnamon rolls starts with the dough. You need all-purpose flour for structure. Instant yeast helps the dough rise and become fluffy. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while unsalted butter gives it a rich taste. - 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar The filling is where the magic happens. Grab a tart apple like Granny Smith for a perfect bite. The lemon juice keeps the apples fresh and adds zing. Brown sugar gives a deep, caramel-like flavor that pairs well with the apples. - 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg For a little crunch, add chopped nuts. Pecans or walnuts work great. If you want extra warmth in flavor, sprinkle in some ground nutmeg. These add-ins elevate your rolls to another level. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Mixing dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk to combine well. - Adding wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of warm milk, 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure the mix is smooth. - Kneading the dough: Gradually pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir with a wooden spoon until a dough forms. Place the dough on a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes. It should feel smooth and elastic. - Coating the apples: Peel, core, and dice one large apple. In a bowl, toss the apple with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. If you like, add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg for extra flavor. - Combining flavors: Let the apple mixture sit for a few minutes. This step helps the flavors blend nicely before adding it to the rolls. - Rolling out the dough: After the dough rises, punch it down gently. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. - Adding caramel and apple mixture: Spread 1/4 cup of caramel sauce over the dough, leaving a small edge. Next, add the apple mixture evenly on top. If you want, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apples. - Cutting and shaping the rolls: Starting from the longer side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it. Cut the log into 8 equal pieces using a sharp knife. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and cover them. Let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking. To make great cinnamon rolls, the dough must be just right. Here are some signs of well-kneaded dough: - It feels smooth and elastic. - It springs back when pressed. - It does not stick to your hands. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes. For the rising process, keep these tips in mind: - Use a warm place for the dough to rise. A turned-off oven works well. - Cover the bowl with a clean towel to keep warmth in. - The dough should double in size in about an hour. You can change the flavor of your rolls with fun additions. Here are some ideas for spices and other flavors: - Try adding a pinch of ground ginger. - Substitute brown sugar with a mix of honey and sugar. - Use different apples, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, for a sweeter taste. For caramel application, follow these tips: - Warm the caramel sauce slightly for easy spreading. - Leave a small edge around the dough to prevent overflow. To ensure your rolls are perfectly baked, check for doneness. Here’s how: - Look for a golden-brown color on top. - Tap the bottom; a hollow sound means they are done. Avoid undercooked or burnt rolls by: - Preheating your oven fully before baking. - Keeping an eye on the rolls during the last few minutes. Following these tips will help you make the best caramel apple cinnamon rolls every time! Pro Tips Use Fresh Apples: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh, tart apples like Granny Smith. Their firmness holds up well during baking. Warm Your Ingredients: Ensure your milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly. This helps the dough rise beautifully. Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow the dough to rise in a warm environment without drafts. This step is crucial for fluffy, light cinnamon rolls. Caramel Drizzle Timing: Drizzle caramel sauce over the rolls immediately after baking for a gooey finish. The heat will help it spread evenly. {{image_4}} You can change up the fruit in these rolls. Try using pears or peaches instead of apples. Both fruits add a sweet twist. You can also switch up the spices. Instead of cinnamon, use pumpkin pie spice for a cozy fall flavor. This small change can make a big difference. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free all-purpose flour. Make sure it has xanthan gum for better texture. For a vegan version, swap the egg for a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes until it thickens. Use plant-based milk and vegan butter too. These rolls are great for any time. Pair them with vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat. The hot rolls and cold ice cream make a perfect match. If you serve them for brunch, add fresh fruit or yogurt. They also work well as dessert after dinner. Enjoy them warm for the best taste! To keep your caramel apple cinnamon rolls fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. These rolls can stay fresh in the fridge for about three days. If you want to enjoy them warm, just reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. For longer storage, freeze your cinnamon rolls. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. To keep your rolls soft, avoid leaving them out too long. Store them in a cool place when they are not in the fridge. Use parchment paper between layers if stacking. This helps air flow and keeps them soft. To avoid sogginess, do not store them in a sealed bag without letting them cool first. This will keep the outer layer nice and fluffy. To tell if your cinnamon rolls are done, look for a few signs: - They should be golden brown on top. - The rolls will puff up nicely. - A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Watch closely during the last few minutes of baking. If they brown too fast, cover them with foil. Yes, you can prepare these rolls ahead of time! Here’s how: - You can shape the rolls and place them in the baking dish. - Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and place them in the fridge. - They can sit overnight. In the morning, let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking. This method saves time and keeps your morning stress-free! If you don't have caramel sauce, here are some tasty swaps: - Use a thick chocolate sauce for a fun twist. - Try a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. - Maple syrup can give a sweet touch. Each option adds a different flavor, so feel free to experiment! You’ve learned how to make delicious caramel apple cinnamon rolls. We covered essential ingredients, filling options, and customizations. Remember, the dough needs good kneading, and rising is key. You can swap flavors or modify for diet needs. Store them properly to keep them fresh. Enjoying these rolls can bring joy to any meal. Experiment and have fun in the kitchen. Baking should be both tasty and enjoyable for everyone!$

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Delicious cinnamon rolls filled with caramel, apples, and spices, perfect for a sweet breakfast or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 2

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup warm milk (approximately 110°F)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1/4 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)
1 pinch salt

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Whisk together until fully mixed.
In a separate bowl, whisk the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Gradually pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a cohesive dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic in texture.
Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm environment for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
While the dough rises, prepare the apple filling. In a bowl, coat the diced apple with lemon juice, cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg (if using). Toss well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
Evenly spread the caramel sauce across the surface of the dough, ensuring to leave a small border around the edges.
Distribute the prepared apple mixture evenly over the caramel layer. If desired, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the apple mixture.
Starting from the longer side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut the rolled dough into 8 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean edges.
Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9x9-inch baking dish. Cover the dish and allow the rolls to rise again for approximately 30 minutes.
While the rolls are resting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed.
Once out of the oven, immediately drizzle additional caramel sauce over the warm rolls while they are still in the baking dish.
Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes before diving in. Serve them warm.

Notes

Arrange the rolls on a large serving platter, generously drizzled with extra caramel sauce and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for texture. For an indulgent touch, pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side!

Keyword apple, caramel, cinnamon rolls, dessert