Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls filled with spiced caramel apples and topped with a gooey caramel drizzle. This recipe is perfect for cozy fall mornings or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.Add butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.Knead for 5-7 minutes, then cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Cook the Apple Filling:In a skillet, melt butter and sauté diced apples. Add brown sugar and cinnamon, cooking until apples are tender. Let cool.
- Make the Caramel Sauce:In a saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat until golden. Stir in butter, followed by heavy cream. Add a pinch of salt, and simmer until thickened.
- Assemble the Rolls:Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, and add the cooked apples. Drizzle caramel sauce over the filling.Roll the dough into a log and slice into 12 equal rolls. Place in a greased baking dish.
- Bake:Let the rolls rise for another 20-30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Finish:Drizzle the baked rolls with caramel sauce and serve warm.
Notes
- You can prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them before the second rise.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.