Indulge in a taste of fall with our caramel apple cinnamon rolls – a heavenly fusion of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and decadent caramel topping.
Imagine sinking your teeth into these pillowy soft rolls, the flavors of autumn bursting in your mouth. The tart-sweetness of the apples perfectly complements the comforting cinnamon and the indulgent caramel, creating an irresistible treat that will transport you to a cozy, harvest-time bliss.
What ingredients do I need to get started?
● Granulated sugar
● Instant dry yeast
● Eggs
● All-purpose flour
● Butter – salted butter gives extra dimension but unsalted butter can be used also. If you want to cut back on the amount of salt, use unsalted butter or omit the extra added salt in the dough.
● Brown sugar
● Ground cinnamon
● Apples – Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, Gala are great choices
● Confectioners’ sugar, also known as powdered sugar
● Milk
● Vanilla extract
● Caramel sauce – store bought or homemade
● Sea salt
It’s important to properly “proof” the yeast in the first step before continuing on. For the dough to rise properly, it’s important that the milk is warmed ( 100-105°F) and some sugar is added to help the yeast grow. After a few minutes, the yeast mixture should begin to bubble. If the yeast doesn’t bubble the yeast is likely “dead” and you will need some fresh yeast.
It is important to knead the dough so the gluten will develop and the dough will be soft and “springy”. When you can stretch the dough and it doesn’t just tear apart, you have a good dough.
You can make the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the refrigerator for 2-24 hours.
How can I tell if the inside of my rolls are done?
This can be a bit tricky with a gooey apple filling. I recommend using a cooking thermometer, the inside temperature should reach 190°F and the dough should be lightly browned.
Sure, you can use the homemade version in the recipe, get a store-bought icing, or use a different icing entirely. These caramel apple cinnamon rolls are also delicious with a cream cheese icing.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Other apple recipes you’ll love: caramel apple crisp, southern fried apples, apple stuffed challah bread, and apple nachos.
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Indulge in a taste of fall with our caramel apple cinnamon rolls - a heavenly fusion of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and decadent caramel topping.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (100°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 4 1/2 teaspoons (2 packets) instant dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For Apple Filling:
- 4 large apples (Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, Gala, or your favorite variety), cored and finely chopped
- 2/3 cup salted butter, softened (divided)
- 1 cup brown sugar, divided
- 1 - 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Icing:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Caramel Topping and finishing touch
- 6 tablespoons caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm milk, HALF (1/4 cup) of the sugar, and the 2 packets of yeast. Stir and allow to sit for 3 to 4 minutes until it begins to bubble.
- Stir in the remaining sugar and the salt.
- Add the butter and eggs and beat until combined.
- Add the flour and combine using the kneading paddle. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes. Check the dough a few times to see if you press a finger into it if it starts “bouncing” back. You can also stretch the dough to see if the dough is elastic. When you pull it apart it shouldn’t just “break”, it should stretch.
- Form a ball with the dough and cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.
- Place in a warm spot and allow to rise for 1 hour or until it doubles.
- Make the filling while the dough is rising. In a skillet or cooking pan, combine the apples, ⅓ cup butter, ½ cup brown sugar, and cinnamon together.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and cool.
- When dough has finished rising, dust your counter or mat with a little bit of flour, then punch down the prepared dough and place on the counter. Roll out the dough into a large rectangular shape.
- Spread the remaining 1/2 cup of the butter over the dough, then sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar.
- Spoon the apple filling out over the dough and roll the dough up.
- Use a sharp knife or a string to cut the cinnamon rolls into 15 rolls.
- Spray a 9x13 inch pan with cooking spray and place the cinnamon rolls spaced out in the pan. Allow the rolls to rise for another 30 to 40 minutes until almost doubled.
- Heat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 35 to 40 minutes. You can test for doneness with a cooking thermometer, internal temperature should reach 190°F.
- For the icing, combine the confectioners sugar, milk and vanilla together and beat until smooth.
- You can ice the cinnamon rolls immediately, or allow the rolls to cool before icing. Before serving, top with caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
15Serving Size:
1 caramel apple cinnamon rollAmount Per Serving: Calories: 438Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 448mgCarbohydrates: 70gFiber: 3gSugar: 38gProtein: 6g
Nutrition information is calculated automatically by an online tool at Nutritionix. It is not always accurate. Please use your own tools to check if you rely on this information.
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