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Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

 How to Make Irresistible Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls


  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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:

  • ¾ cup warm milk

  • ⅓ cup softened unsalted butter

  • 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 tsp instant yeast

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 egg

  • ¼ cup water

For the Filling:

  • 1 tbsp cinnamon

  • ¼ tsp nutmeg

  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar

  • 5 tbsp softened unsalted butter

  • 2 Granny Smith apples, chopped

For the Caramel Sauce:

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk


Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

  • 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).

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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:

  • 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:

  • In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.

  • Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter.

  • Evenly scatter the chopped Granny Smith apples on top of the sugar mixture.

4. Shape the Rolls:

  • Starting at one long edge of the dough, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.

  • 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.

  • Arrange the rolls in a greased baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll to allow for expansion as they rise.

  • 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:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  • 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.

  • Remove from the oven and let the rolls cool for a few minutes before drizzling with the caramel sauce.

6. Prepare the Caramel Sauce:

  • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

  • Add the brown sugar and stir to combine, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until the sugar is dissolved.

  • Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.

  • Once the caramel sauce has thickened, remove from heat and set aside.

7. Drizzle & Serve:

  • Drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over the baked cinnamon rolls.

  • 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