Print

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls combine soft and fluffy dough with juicy apples, warm cinnamon, and gooey caramel for an irresistible homemade treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. These rolls offer a comforting, sweet flavor with tender apple pieces and rich caramel drizzled inside and on top, creating a delightful balance of texture and taste that’s easy to make and customize.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

Filling Ingredients

  • 2 medium fresh apples, peeled and diced
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)
  • ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), plus extra for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk slightly and mix it with yeast and a pinch of sugar; let it activate until frothy, about 5-10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, eggs, and softened butter. Add the yeast mixture and knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Cover the dough and allow it to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
  2. Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, peel and dice the apples into small pieces. In a bowl, toss the apples with brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated, creating a sweet and aromatic filling.
  3. Roll and Fill the Dough: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 16×12 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the apple-cinnamon mixture over the buttered dough, then drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the apples. Roll up the dough tightly from the long edge into a log.
  4. Slice and Bake: Cut the rolled log into 12 equal slices and arrange them in a greased baking dish, leaving some space for expansion. Let the rolls proof briefly for 15-20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
  5. Finish with More Caramel: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately drizzle additional warm caramel sauce over the top. Allow to cool slightly before serving for the best gooey texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh, active yeast proofed in warm milk for reliable dough rising.
  • Don’t overfill the rolls to prevent sogginess; balance apple and caramel quantities.
  • Roll the dough tightly to create neat spirals and even filling distribution.
  • Bake at a consistent 350°F (175°C) to avoid burning the caramel.
  • Let rolls cool briefly before slicing to achieve cleaner, neater cuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caramel apple cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls with apples, homemade cinnamon rolls, breakfast rolls, caramel apple pastries