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To make the best caramel apple cinnamon rolls, you need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C) - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the dough) - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for filling) - 1 large apple (preferably Granny Smith), peeled and diced - 1/4 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling - 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) - 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened (for frosting) - 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting) - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon milk (for frosting) These ingredients create a delightful mix of flavors. Each item plays a role. The flour gives structure, while the apples add sweetness. The caramel sauce brings a rich, gooey finish. I always opt for Granny Smith apples. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the rolls perfectly. When you gather these items, think about quality. Fresh apples and real butter make a huge difference. You can use pecans for a nice crunch, but it's totally fine to skip them. Get ready to enjoy a warm, sweet treat that fills your home with delicious scents! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and melted butter. 2. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes. This helps the yeast activate. You'll know it's ready when it becomes frothy. 3. In another bowl, whisk the flour, salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon together. 4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the milk mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. 1. Transfer the dough to a floured surface. 2. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it feels smooth. 3. Shape it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. 1. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface. Aim for a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. 2. For the filling, mix the packed brown sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Evenly sprinkle this over the rolled dough. 3. Next, add the diced apples and drizzle half of the caramel sauce on top. If you want, sprinkle some chopped pecans for extra crunch. 4. Starting at one long edge, roll the dough into a log. Make sure to keep the filling inside. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces. 1. Arrange the cinnamon roll slices in a greased baking dish. Cover them and let them rise for another 30 minutes. 2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 3. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes. They should be golden brown on top. 1. While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy. 2. Once the rolls are done, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over them. Spread the cream cheese frosting on top to finish. To make the best caramel apple cinnamon rolls, kneading is key. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes. This helps develop the gluten, making it smooth and elastic. The dough should not be too sticky. If it is, add a little more flour. Activating the yeast is also important. Use warm milk, not hot. The yeast needs warmth to wake up. After mixing, let it sit for 5 minutes. You should see bubbles form. This shows the yeast is alive and ready to work. Add extra spices to boost flavor. Nutmeg and allspice are great options. Just a pinch of each can elevate your rolls. You can also experiment with different apple varieties. Granny Smith gives a tart bite, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. Mixing these apples creates a nice balance. When serving, presentation matters. Place warm rolls on a nice platter. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for a sweet touch. Chopped pecans add crunch and color. They make your rolls look more inviting. Pair these rolls with coffee or hot cider. The warm drinks contrast nicely with the sweet rolls. Enjoying them together creates a cozy treat for breakfast or dessert. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor and texture, use tart apples like Granny Smith. They balance the sweetness of the caramel and keep their shape during baking. Let the Dough Rise Properly: Ensure that your dough rises in a warm, draft-free area. This helps in developing the flavor and texture of the rolls. Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients like raisins or dried cranberries for added flavor and texture in the filling. Serving Temperature Matters: These cinnamon rolls are best served warm. If making ahead, reheat them slightly before serving to enhance their gooeyness. {{image_4}} You can mix things up with your cinnamon rolls. Try adding chocolate chips. They melt and create a rich, gooey center. Raisins also work well if you enjoy a fruity bite. If you want some crunch, consider using different types of nuts. Chopped walnuts or almonds can add a nice texture. Be creative! While the cream cheese frosting is delicious, there are other options. A simple vanilla frosting can brighten the rolls. You can also use caramel frosting for extra sweetness. For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a non-dairy alternative. Use almond or coconut milk for the frosting. This way, everyone can enjoy your treats. If you need a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the right texture. You may need to adjust the liquid a little. Gluten-free flours can absorb more moisture, so keep an eye on the dough. This way, everyone can indulge in these tasty rolls! To keep your caramel apple cinnamon rolls fresh, you have two options. You can store them at room temperature or in the fridge. If you choose room temperature, place them in an airtight container. They will stay good for about two days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. They can stay fresh for up to a week. The best storage container is one that seals tightly. This helps keep the rolls soft and moist. Reheating your cinnamon rolls can help bring back their fresh taste. The best way to reheat them is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes. This method helps keep them from getting soggy. You can also use a microwave. Heat them for about 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat; this can make them tough. If you want to keep your cinnamon rolls for longer, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat them, remove the rolls and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, follow the same instructions as before. Enjoy your homemade treat whenever you want! You can tell the rolls are done by their color and firmness. Look for a golden-brown top. Gently press the center; it should feel firm and spring back. If it feels soft and sinks, give it a few more minutes. Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead. After kneading, cover it and place it in the fridge overnight. Let it rise for about an hour before rolling it out. This saves time and adds flavor. I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Granny Smith adds a tart flavor that balances the sweetness. Honeycrisp offers a nice crunch and sweetness. Both will work well in your cinnamon rolls. Absolutely! You can replace the milk with almond or oat milk. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter. For the cream cheese frosting, try a vegan cream cheese alternative. These swaps keep the flavor delicious and fun! You can create delicious caramel apple cinnamon rolls with simple steps. We went over all the ingredients and instructions needed to make your rolls perfect. We shared tips on dough, flavor, and storage options. You can also explore fun variations and alternatives for your rolls. Trust me, baking these will impress everyone. Enjoy your homemade treats with family and friends. Happy baking!

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Delicious cinnamon rolls filled with caramel, apples, and a hint of cinnamon, topped with cream cheese frosting.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • 1 4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
  • 1 2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for filling)
  • 1 large apple (preferably Granny Smith), peeled and diced into small pieces
  • 1 4 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
  • 1 2 cup chopped pecans (optional for an added crunch)
  • 1 4 cup cream cheese, softened (for the frosting)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for the frosting)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk (for the frosting)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warmed milk, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Sprinkle the instant yeast evenly over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon until evenly mixed.
  • Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the milk mixture, stirring until a soft dough begins to form.
  • Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Form it into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  • Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
  • For the filling, combine the packed brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the rolled dough. Follow with an even distribution of the diced apples and drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the filling. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans for extra texture.
  • Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log shape, ensuring the filling remains inside. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife.
  • Arrange the cinnamon roll slices in a greased baking dish, cover them, and allow them to rise for an additional 30 minutes.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
  • While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • Once the rolls are baked to perfection, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top and generously spread the cream cheese frosting on each roll.

Notes

Serve warm and drizzle with extra caramel sauce for a delightful finish.
Keyword apple, caramel, cinnamon rolls, dessert