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Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls
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These Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a warm, sweet, and delightful treat featuring soft, fluffy rolls filled with tender fresh apples, fragrant cinnamon, and generously topped with rich, buttery caramel sauce. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they combine the perfect balance of tart apples, spicy cinnamon, and luscious caramel for a comforting and irresistible indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ¾ cup warm milk (around 110°F / 43°C)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg, room temperature

Filling Ingredients

  • 2 medium fresh apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Caramel Topping

  • ½ cup caramel sauce, warmed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Start by activating your yeast in warm milk combined with a hint of sugar. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and softened butter, then whisk in the eggs and yeast mixture. Knead until you have a smooth, elastic dough, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size—about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  2. Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, peel, core, and finely dice the fresh apples. Toss them with ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and melted butter to coat evenly. This mixture will infuse the rolls with juicy sweetness and warming spice.
  3. Shape and Fill the Rolls: Roll the risen dough out into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the apple-cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, then carefully roll it up from the long edge to form a log. Slice into about 12 even rolls and place them in a greased baking pan with plenty of space to expand.
  4. Proof and Bake: Cover the rolls loosely with a towel and let them proof for another 30-45 minutes until puffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top and aromatic.
  5. Add the Caramel Topping: Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle warm caramel sauce generously over the top. This finishing touch provides a gooey, sticky sweetness that makes these cinnamon rolls unforgettable.

Notes

  • Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother dough.
  • Avoid overkneading; knead until dough is elastic but still soft.
  • Dice apples evenly for consistent texture inside the rolls.
  • Allow the dough to proof twice for maximum softness and fluffiness.
  • Warm the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling for better flow and coverage.
  • You can substitute with plant-based milk and coconut oil for a vegan version.
  • Add walnuts or pecans for a nutty twist.
  • Try including nutmeg or ground cloves with cinnamon for extra warmth.
  • Maple syrup or honey can replace caramel sauce for alternative sweetness.
  • Use Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp apples depending on taste preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, apple cinnamon rolls, caramel rolls, breakfast rolls, sweet rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls

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