Gooey Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe to Indulge In

Sweet aromas of caramel apple cinnamon rolls waft through kitchens, promising cozy comfort.

Warm spices dance with buttery pastry, creating irresistible layers of deliciousness.

Soft, pillowy dough wraps around tender apple chunks and rich caramel swirls.

Memories of grandmother’s baking come flooding back with each delectable bite.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this delightful treat without stress.

Weekend mornings feel magical when these rolls emerge from the oven.

Indulge in a slice of pure happiness that transforms ordinary breakfasts into extraordinary moments.

You won’t be able to resist trying this mouthwatering recipe right now.

Top Reasons to Love Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

• Homemade caramel apple cinnamon rolls bring pure joy right to your kitchen.
• Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe guides you step-by-step through creating delectable pastries without stress.
• Impress family and friends with these stunning rolls that transform an ordinary morning into a special gathering filled with warmth and deliciousness.
• Celebrate autumn's flavors by incorporating fresh apples and warm spices that make these rolls feel like a cozy culinary hug.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

• Yeast: Crucial for bread rising and creating light, fluffy texture, active dry yeast preferred.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps activate yeast, warm temperature essential.
• Butter: Adds richness and tender texture to the dough, unsalted recommended.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness, granulated works best.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile, pure vanilla preferred.
• Salt: Balances flavors and strengthens gluten, fine sea salt ideal.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure, large room temperature egg.
• Flour: Provides structure for the dough, all-purpose flour recommended.
• Cinnamon: Optional dough enhancement, ground cinnamon adds warmth.

• Apples: Provides sweet and soft fruit element, firm baking varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
• Butter: Creates rich base for apple mixture, unsalted preferred.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel sweetness, light or dark both work.
• Cinnamon: Provides warm spice, ground cinnamon.
• Nutmeg: Complements apple flavor, freshly ground preferred.

• Butter: Creates smooth caramel base, unsalted recommended.
• Brown Sugar: Delivers rich caramel flavor, light or dark acceptable.
• Heavy Cream: Provides creamy texture, full-fat version.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances caramel complexity, pure vanilla preferred.
• Salt: Balances sweet caramel flavor, pinch of fine sea salt.

Simple Instructions for Apple-Filled Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

• Warm milk
• Sugar
• Yeast

Dissolve yeast in warm milk with a touch of sugar. Let it sit until foamy and bubbly, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Create Dough Magic

• Yeast mixture
• Melted butter
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Egg
• Flour

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until the texture feels silky and perfect.

Step 3: Let Dough Rise

Cover the dough with a kitchen towel. Place in a warm spot and allow it to double in size, typically 1-2 hours.

Step 4: Craft Apple Filling

• Butter
• Diced apples
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Melt butter in a saucepan. Add apples and spices. Cook until apples become tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Step 5: Roll and Assemble

Preheat oven to 350F. Roll out dough into a rectangular shape. Brush with melted butter. Spread apple mixture evenly. Roll from the long edge, creating a tight log. Slice into 12 even pieces.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Allow them to rise for 20-30 minutes.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 25-30 minutes until rolls turn golden brown and look irresistibly delicious.

Step 8: Whip Up Caramel Glaze

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Combine ingredients in a saucepan. Cook until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 9: Drench in Caramel

Drizzle warm glaze over freshly baked rolls. Watch as the caramel seeps into every delectable layer.

Handy Tips for Gooey, Sweet Cinnamon Rolls

• Boost Yeast Activation: Ensure warm milk is between 100-110°F to perfectly activate the yeast without killing it, creating a fluffy and light dough texture.
• Prevent Soggy Rolls: Pat apple pieces dry before cooking to remove excess moisture, preventing the filling from making the dough too wet and maintaining a perfect consistency.
• Master Rolling Technique: Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice rolls cleanly without squishing the delicate dough, ensuring uniform and beautiful cinnamon rolls.
• Temperature Matters: Let dough rise in a draft-free, warm spot around 80-85°F for optimal fermentation, like near a preheated oven or in a slightly warm oven with the light on.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version, or use plant-based milk and butter for a dairy-free alternative without compromising taste.

Tips on Storing and Rewarming Cinnamon Rolls

• Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months. Place rolls in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Warm refrigerated rolls at 300F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent over-browning. For frozen rolls, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds, adding a small damp paper towel to keep them soft and prevent rubbery texture.

Drink Pairings That Match These Cinnamon Rolls

• Brew a spiced chai tea with steamed milk and a touch of vanilla, creating a harmonious complement to the warm cinnamon and caramel apple flavors.
• Scoop rich, nutty maple pecan ice cream next to the warm rolls, offering a cool, sweet contrast to the pastry's warm, gooey texture.
• Mix bourbon, salted caramel syrup, and a dash of bitters for an adult beverage that echoes the dessert's rich caramel undertones.
• Pour a chilled, sparkling apple cider with a hint of cinnamon to enhance the apple and spice notes in the cinnamon rolls.

Creative Variations for Apple Cinnamon Rolls

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace egg with a flax egg or applesauce.
• Reduced Sugar Option: Use sugar alternatives like monk fruit sweetener or stevia in the dough and filling, and swap brown sugar for a low-glycemic coconut sugar.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel apple filling before rolling the dough for added texture and flavor complexity.

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls blend sweet memories of autumn bakeries with comfort kitchen magic. Warm spices dance through buttery dough, promising delightful moments of pure indulgence you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup warm milk (110F/45C)

Sweeteners and Sugars:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar

Fats, Spices, and Seasonings:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by blending it with warm milk and a touch of sugar, allowing it to bloom and become frothy for about 5 minutes.
2. Create a rich dough base by incorporating the activated yeast with melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and egg, mixing thoroughly until uniform.
3. Gradually fold in flour, kneading the mixture until a smooth, elastic texture develops. Ensure the dough is consistent and free of lumps.
4. Place the dough in a warm environment, covering it with a clean cloth, and let it rise until it doubles in volume, approximately 1-2 hours.
5. Craft the apple filling by sautéing diced apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg over medium heat until the fruit softens and caramelizes.
6. Remove the apple mixture from heat, incorporating vanilla extract, and allow it to cool slightly while maintaining its warm, fragrant essence.
7. Preheat the oven to 350F, preparing a baking dish with a light grease to prevent sticking.
8. Roll out the risen dough into a rectangular shape, creating a thin, even surface for filling.
9. Spread melted butter across the dough, then evenly distribute the caramelized apple mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Carefully roll the dough from the long edge, creating a tight spiral and sealing the seam to lock in the filling.
11. Slice the rolled dough into 12 uniform pieces, positioning them in the prepared baking dish with slight separation to allow for expansion.
12. Let the rolls undergo a second rise, covered, for 20-30 minutes until they appear slightly puffy and increased in volume.
13. Bake the rolls until they transform into a golden-brown delicacy, approximately 25-30 minutes.
14. Simultaneously prepare the caramel glaze by combining butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a saucepan, stirring until a smooth consistency develops.
15. Bring the glaze to a gentle boil, cooking for 2-3 minutes to achieve a thickened texture, then remove from heat and enhance with vanilla and a pinch of salt.
16. Once baked, allow the rolls to rest briefly, then generously drizzle the warm caramel glaze, ensuring it penetrates and enriches each layer.

Notes

• Activate yeast properly by ensuring milk temperature is warm (110-115°F), not hot, to prevent killing the active cultures.
• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness and texture in the filling.
• Knead dough until smooth and elastic, which develops gluten and creates soft, tender rolls with perfect rise.
• Allow sufficient rising time in a draft-free, warm environment to help dough develop complex flavors and soft texture.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a blend of gluten-free flour and xanthan gum for similar consistency.
• Create make-ahead convenience by preparing rolls the night before, refrigerating overnight, and baking fresh in the morning.
• Control caramel glaze consistency by watching carefully during cooking, aiming for a smooth, pourable texture without burning.
• Enhance nutritional profile by adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra protein and crunch.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg