Description
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls combine soft, fluffy dough with a perfectly spiced apple filling and are topped with a rich, gooey caramel sauce. This comforting treat balances the warmth of cinnamon, tartness of apples, and sweetness of caramel, making it ideal for breakfasts, brunches, or cozy snacks any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (plus extra for spreading)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling Ingredients
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Topping
- 1 cup caramel sauce or melted caramel candies
- Optional: Flaky sea salt or chopped toasted walnuts for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until lukewarm and whisk in the active dry yeast and a pinch of granulated sugar. Let it sit until bubbly (about 5-10 minutes). In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and softened butter. Add the yeast mixture and egg, mixing until a soft, elastic dough forms. Knead gently for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: Peel, core, and finely dice the apples. Toss them with ground cinnamon and brown sugar until evenly coated. If desired, stir in chopped nuts for added texture.
- Roll Out and Fill: After the dough has doubled, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture, then evenly scatter the diced apple filling on top. Roll the dough up tightly from one long side, pinching the seam closed to seal.
- Slice and Arrange: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish with some space between them to allow for expansion. Cover and let them rise again until puffy, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. The aroma of caramel and cinnamon will fill your kitchen.
- Add the Caramel Topping: While the rolls are still warm, drizzle caramel sauce generously over the top, allowing it to seep into the crevices. For extra indulgence, sprinkle flaky sea salt or chopped toasted walnuts on top.
Notes
- Don’t rush rising: Give your dough enough time to rise fully for the softest, fluffiest rolls.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith to hold texture and provide balanced sweetness.
- Keep caramel sauce warm before drizzling to ensure it flows smoothly and melts into the rolls.
- Roll the dough tightly to keep filling inside and form beautiful cinnamon spirals.
- Cover dough while rising to prevent crust formation and maintain softness.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg