Description
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a decadent variation of the classic cinnamon rolls. They feature a soft, fluffy dough that’s filled with a mixture of cinnamon, brown sugar, and chopped Granny Smith apples. The rolls are then baked to perfection and topped with a luscious homemade caramel sauce, making every bite a delightful blend of warm, cinnamon-sugar goodness, tart apples, and rich, buttery caramel. These rolls are perfect for any occasion, from holiday breakfasts to weekend brunches, and even as a sweet dessert.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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¾ cup warm milk
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⅓ cup softened unsalted butter
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3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
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2 tsp instant yeast
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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½ tsp salt
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1 egg
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¼ cup water
For the Filling:
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1 tbsp cinnamon
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¼ tsp nutmeg
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¾ cup packed brown sugar
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5 tbsp softened unsalted butter
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2 Granny Smith apples, chopped
For the Caramel Sauce:
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¼ cup unsalted butter
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½ cup brown sugar
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¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
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In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter until the butter is melted. Remove from heat and allow it to cool to a lukewarm temperature (about 100°F or 37°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt.
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Add the egg and water to the flour mixture. Gradually pour in the cooled milk mixture and stir until the dough begins to come together.
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Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to make it too dry.
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Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
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After the dough has rested, place it on a floured surface and roll it into a 9×15-inch rectangle, ensuring the dough is evenly thick across the entire surface.
3. Make the Filling:
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In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
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Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter.
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Evenly scatter the chopped Granny Smith apples on top of the sugar mixture.
4. Shape the Rolls:
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Starting at one long edge of the dough, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
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Once the dough is rolled, use a sharp knife to cut the log into 9-12 equal slices, depending on how large you want your rolls to be.
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Arrange the rolls in a greased baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll to allow for expansion as they rise.
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Cover the pan with a damp towel and let the rolls rise for 30 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
5. Bake the Rolls:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Once the rolls have risen, place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top and cooked through.
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Remove from the oven and let the rolls cool for a few minutes before drizzling with the caramel sauce.
6. Prepare the Caramel Sauce:
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In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Add the brown sugar and stir to combine, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until the sugar is dissolved.
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Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
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Once the caramel sauce has thickened, remove from heat and set aside.
7. Drizzle & Serve:
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Drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over the baked cinnamon rolls.
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Serve the rolls warm and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra indulgent treat, serve these cinnamon rolls warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls