This Easy Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll recipe is a cozy treat for any day! With warm, fluffy rolls filled with sweet apples and sprinkled with cinnamon, it’s a hug in dessert form.
Oh, and that sticky caramel sauce? It’s like icing on the cake! I love to drizzle extra right before serving—because who can have too much caramel? 😋
Making these is a breeze! Just roll, fill, bake, and enjoy the yummy smell filling your kitchen. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack anytime!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use the same amount and mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing first.
Milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast. You can substitute with almond milk or oat milk if you’re dairy-free; just make sure they’re unsweetened.
Apples: I love Granny Smith for a nice tart contrast, but Honeycrisp or Fuji works beautifully too. If fresh apples aren’t available, consider using canned apple pie filling instead.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is key for flavor. Feel free to experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a more complex taste.
Caramel Sauce: The homemade caramel is a treat, but store-bought sauce is a great shortcut if you’re short on time.
How Do I Ensure My Dough Rises Properly?
To get that perfect dough rise, keeping the right temperature is key! Here are my tips:
- Make sure the milk is warm but not hot (about 110°F). Too hot can kill the yeast.
- Let the dough rise in a warm spot, like an oven turned off but with the light on, or cover it with a towel for warmth.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can put the dough near a warm stovetop, but don’t let it get too hot!
Following these steps will ensure your dough turns out light, fluffy, and ready to roll!
Easy Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus around 2 hours for rising (1 hour for the first rise and 30-45 minutes for the second rise). The baking time is 25-30 minutes. So, in total, expect about 2 hours and 50 minutes before you can savor these delicious rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. This shows the yeast is active! Then, whisk in the sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs until combined. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 6-8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is rising, in a bowl, mix the diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon together. This will create a wonderful filling for your rolls!
3. Assemble the Rolls:
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the apple cinnamon filling generously over the top. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 evenly sized rolls. Place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish with some space between each roll. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed.
4. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
5. Make the Caramel Sauce:
While the rolls are baking, prepare the caramel sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir constantly until it comes to a gentle boil. Reduce to low heat and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for that perfect flavor.
6. Serve:
Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over the top. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious homemade caramel apple cinnamon rolls! They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet treat any time of day!
Enjoy every sticky, sweet, and fluffy bite of this delightful dessert!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought cinnamon roll dough. Just follow the package instructions for baking and fill it with the apple-cinnamon mixture before baking. The caramel sauce will still be a delicious added touch!
What Can I Substitute for Apples?
If you don’t have apples on hand, you can use other fruits like pears or peaches for a different flavor profile. Canned apple pie filling is also a great shortcut if you’re looking for convenience.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place the rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven to enjoy them warm again. If you have extra caramel sauce, keep it in a separate container for easy drizzling!
Can I Freeze These Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes, you can! After assembling the rolls and before the second rise, place them in a greased baking dish and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then allow them to rise in a warm place before baking as directed.
