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If you adore the warm, comforting flavors of fall baked goods, you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. It combines the tender, pillowy cinnamon rolls you know and love with juicy, finely diced Granny Smith apples and a luscious drizzle of caramel sauce that creates a perfect marriage of sweet and tart. Each bite melts in your mouth, offering a symphony of cinnamon spice, buttery dough, and rich caramel that makes breakfast or dessert feel like a special treat worth savoring any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma for your Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. From the tangy apple to the comforting cinnamon and the buttery dough, every element adds layers of deliciousness.
- Active dry yeast (1 package / 1/4 ounce): Essential for giving the dough that light, fluffy rise that cinnamon rolls are famous for.
- Warm milk (1/2 cup, 110°F): Activates the yeast and adds moisture to the dough for tenderness.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the flavors and helps with browning the rolls.
- Melted unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Adds richness and keeps the dough soft.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and gives structure to the rolls.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of the dough, giving it structure and chew.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Granny Smith apple (1 medium, peeled, cored, finely diced): Adds fresh tartness and a wonderful texture contrast.
- Light brown sugar (1/3 cup, packed): Brings deep caramel notes and moisture to the filling.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Infuses the rolls with warm spice to complement the apples perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, softened): Spread over the dough to hold the cinnamon sugar apple mixture in place.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Poured over the rolls before baking for extra richness and a tender crumb.
- Caramel sauce (1/2 cup, plus more for drizzling): The crowning glory that makes these cinnamon rolls utterly irresistible.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast
Start by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm milk (around 110°F) and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it foams. This signals the yeast is alive and ready to leaven your dough, which will ensure delightfully fluffy rolls.
Step 2: Prepare Your Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter, the large egg, and salt. Then add the foamy yeast mixture and stir until combined. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until a dough begins to form. This step creates a smooth, elastic dough that will rise beautifully.
Step 3: Knead and Rise the Dough
Turn your dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 5 to 7 minutes until soft and supple. This develops gluten, giving your cinnamon rolls structure yet keeping them tender. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about one hour. This crucial step allows the dough to ferment and become airy and light.
Step 4: Roll Out and Add Filling
Once risen, roll the dough into a 12 by 16-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface. In a small bowl, mix the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon together, then sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough. Evenly distribute the finely diced Granny Smith apple on top, ensuring every roll will have sweet and tart bites.
Step 5: Shape and Prepare for Baking
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into 12 smooth rolls. Arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour the heavy cream evenly over the top. Cover and let the rolls rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, giving them extra puff and tenderness. This second rise is essential to achieve that perfect softness inside.
Step 6: Bake and Add Caramel Drizzle
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly before drizzling generously with caramel sauce. This finishing touch blends the warmth of cinnamon with the buttery sweetness of caramel for a decadent experience.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For a visually stunning and flavor-boosting finish, try sprinkling chopped toasted pecans on top of the caramel drizzle. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a swirl of whipped cream can add elegant flair and extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy chai latte to enhance the cinnamon and caramel notes. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance sweetness with savory freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the caramel apple cinnamon rolls family-style on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper for that inviting homemade vibe. You can also plate individual rolls with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle additional warm caramel sauce tableside to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which may be tricky!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the rolls soft and moist so they’re just as delightful when enjoyed later.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolled dough or fully baked rolls. For the dough, wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month—thaw and let rise before baking. For baked rolls, let them cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm your caramel apple cinnamon rolls gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a low-temperature oven until heated through. This refreshes their soft texture and melts the caramel slightly, making them taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples bring a nice tartness, but Fuji or Honeycrisp apples work wonderfully if you prefer a sweeter, milder flavor. Just be sure to dice them finely to cook evenly inside the rolls.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute milk and butter with your favorite plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter. The rolls may be slightly different in texture but will still be delicious and moist.
Can I prepare the rolls the night before baking?
Yes! You can complete all preparation steps, cover the rolls, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise a bit before baking for fresh, fluffy rolls in the morning.
How do I make my cinnamon rolls more gooey and moist?
Pouring the heavy cream over the rolls before baking is key. It seeps into the dough during baking, creating a tender, almost custard-like texture that’s ultra-moist and irresistible.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch that complements the soft apples and caramel. You can sprinkle them over the cinnamon sugar layer or on top after baking.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a heartwarming blend of classic flavors that instantly makes your kitchen feel cozy and inviting. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, a special family occasion, or just to treat yourself, these rolls deliver pure comfort in every bite. Go ahead and gather your ingredients because once you taste these sweet, spiced, caramel-kissed rolls, they will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!
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Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these warm, gooey Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls, featuring a soft yeast dough layered with cinnamon, brown sugar, tender diced apples, and finished with a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a comforting dessert, these rolls combine classic flavors with a rich, creamy topping that bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple (peeled, cored, and finely diced)
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
Topping
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for pouring over rolls before baking)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk (110°F) and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Make Dough Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter, egg, and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture to this and mix well to integrate all ingredients.
- Add Flour and Knead: Gradually stir in all-purpose flour until a dough forms. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten and the dough’s structure.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it to prevent drying, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Prepare Roll Base: Once risen, roll the dough out into a 12 by 16-inch rectangle. Evenly spread the softened butter over the surface to create a moist base for the filling ingredients.
- Mix and Spread Filling: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Next, distribute the finely diced Granny Smith apple pieces evenly on top for a fresh and tart contrast.
- Form Rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal rolls to ensure uniform baking.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the heavy cream evenly over the rolls to add moisture and richness. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes, allowing them to puff up before baking.
- Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through, creating that perfect soft interior and slightly crisp edges.
- Cool and Drizzle: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly for a few minutes. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the warm rolls to add a sweet, decadent finish before serving.
Notes
- You can use either store-bought or homemade caramel sauce for convenience or enhanced flavor.
- For an extra crunch, add chopped pecans into the cinnamon sugar mixture before rolling.
- These rolls are best served fresh but can be reheated gently in the microwave to enjoy leftovers.
