Print

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 30 reviews

Delight in these warm, gooey Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls, featuring a soft yeast dough rolled with a spiced apple filling and topped with a luscious caramel glaze. Perfect for fall mornings or a cozy dessert, this recipe combines classic cinnamon roll flavors with the sweet tartness of fresh apples and a buttery caramel finish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

  • 1 cup Warm Milk (warm to 110°F or 45°C)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (ensure yeast is fresh)
  • 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar (plus 1/2 cup for filling)
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, melted (plus 1/2 cup softened for spreading)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (do not omit)
  • 2 large Eggs (can replace with flax eggs for vegan option)
  • 4 to 4 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour (spoon into measuring cup for accuracy)

For the Filling

  • 2 large Chopped Apples (use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar (not easily substituted)
  • 2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon (can blend with nutmeg)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg (can omit if not available)

For the Glaze

  • 2 to 3 cups Powdered Sugar (ensure sifted to prevent lumps)
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Milk

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture is frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Make the Dough: Add melted butter, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Begin mixing in 3 cups of flour until combined. Gradually incorporate additional flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and feels soft but not sticky. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
  3. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  4. Prepare Filling Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to create the spiced filling.
  5. Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick, ensuring an even thickness for uniform baking.
  6. Assemble Rolls: Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled dough. Sprinkle the prepared filling mixture on top, followed by an even layer of chopped apples.
  7. Shape Rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 to 14 equal slices. Arrange the slices upright in a greased baking pan, leaving space for expansion.
  8. Second Rise: Cover the pan with a towel and let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn golden brown on top and are cooked through.
  10. Prepare the Glaze: In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar and milk over medium heat until smooth and combined. Transfer to a bowl and whisk in sifted powdered sugar until the glaze reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
  11. Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the warm glaze generously over the hot cinnamon rolls before serving to enjoy the full caramel-apple flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure all ingredients, especially yeast and butter, are fresh and at recommended temperatures for the best dough rise and texture.
  • Use room temperature softened butter for spreading the filling to make it easier to spread evenly.
  • Choose tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness of the rolls.
  • For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives.
  • Do not skip the second rise; it’s crucial for fluffy, tender rolls.
  • Make sure to sift powdered sugar before making the glaze to avoid lumps.
  • Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container and gently reheated before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, apple cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, fall desserts, sweet rolls, yeast dough dessert

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/caramel-apple-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/