Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

by

The Ultimate Fall Treat

There’s something magical about the combination of soft cinnamon rolls, juicy apples, and gooey caramel. These Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls take the classic breakfast treat and give it a delicious autumn twist. Think warm, fluffy dough, swirls of cinnamon-sugar, chunks of tart apples, and a rich, buttery caramel sauce that soaks into every layer.

Perfect for cozy mornings, brunch with family, or even as a holiday breakfast centerpiece, this recipe brings the comforting flavors of fall into your kitchen. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just love a seasonal baking project, these rolls will win over everyone at the table.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 6 ½ to 7 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 envelopes (4 ½ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs

For the Filling:

  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon apple pie spice
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 ½ cups tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled and diced small

For the Caramel Syrup:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup light corn syrup

Instructions

1. Make the Dough:

  1. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine 2 cups of flour with the sugar, salt, and yeast.
  2. In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture reaches about 110°F. Do not boil.
  3. Pour the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Add eggs.
  4. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed.
  5. Gradually add remaining flour, 1 cup at a time, until the dough is soft and elastic.
  6. Knead for about 5 minutes by hand or with a dough hook, until smooth.
  7. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).

2. Prepare the Filling:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, apple pie spice, and cinnamon.
  2. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Set aside. Dice and peel the apples, and set them aside as well.

3. Make the Caramel Syrup:

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt.
  2. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and bubbling.
  3. Divide the caramel mixture between two greased pans (a 9×13-inch and a 9-inch round or square pan), spreading it over the bottom of each.

4. Assemble the Rolls:

  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal parts.
  2. Roll out one portion into a 15×10-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
  3. Sprinkle half the filling over the dough and top with half the diced apples.
  4. Roll the dough up tightly from the long side, pinching the seam to seal.
  5. Cut into 9 even rolls and place them, cut side down, in the larger prepared pan.
  6. Repeat with the second half of the dough, filling, and apples, placing those rolls in the smaller pan.
  7. Cover both pans with a towel and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes, or until nearly doubled.

5. Bake:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake the rolls for 35 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes.
  4. Invert the pans carefully onto serving platters, allowing the caramel to coat the tops of the rolls.
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Nutrition Information (approx. per roll):

  • Calories: 330 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Protein: 4 g

Additional Notes:

  • Make Ahead: You can prep these the night before! Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature while the oven preheats.
  • Apple Tips: Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firmness, but Honeycrisp or Braeburn also work well.
  • Add Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling or after baking for added texture.
  • Caramel Shortcut: You can use store-bought caramel sauce if you’re short on time, though homemade yields the richest flavor.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

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