Heavenly Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Sweet memories of autumn mornings dance through this caramel apple cinnamon rolls recipe that promises pure comfort.

Crisp apples meld perfectly with warm spices in every delectable bite.

Soft dough swirls with rich caramel and fragrant cinnamon, creating a breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug.

Baking these rolls fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the table.

Layers of gooey caramel and tender apples wind through each pillowy spiral, making ordinary mornings extraordinary.

Weekend brunch just got an incredible upgrade with this decadent twist on classic cinnamon rolls.

Bake these and watch how quickly they disappear from the serving plate.

Save and Reheat Caramel Apple Rolls Properly

• Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat oven to 300°F. Place rolls on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent burning, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Warm individual rolls for 15-20 seconds. Add a small damp paper towel on top to keep them moist and prevent rubbery texture.

Sweet Pairings for Caramel Apple Rolls

• Pair Creamy Vanilla Bourbon: Smooth, rich bourbon-infused vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices and caramel notes in the cinnamon rolls, creating a decadent dessert experience.
• Sip Spiced Apple Cider: Warm, slightly tangy apple cider with cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the apple filling, providing a harmonious seasonal beverage that echoes the roll's flavors.
• Match Salted Caramel Latte: A rich espresso drink topped with salted caramel sauce perfectly balances the sweetness of the rolls, while adding depth and warmth to each bite.
• Enjoy Maple Pecan Whiskey: A smooth whiskey with maple and pecan undertones adds complexity and richness, cutting through the sweetness and complementing the caramel apple profile.

Cinnamon Roll Variations and Twists

• Gluten-Free Delight: Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free blend and use xanthan gum to maintain dough structure, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Version: Replace dairy milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and substitute eggs with flax eggs, creating a plant-based alternative that doesn't compromise flavor.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce brown sugar in apple filling, use monk fruit sweetener, and choose a sugar-free caramel sauce to create a diabetic-friendly version with lower glycemic impact.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside the filling and on top of the glaze, adding texture and a rich, toasted flavor profile to the classic recipe.

FAQs

• Why use cornstarch slurry in the apple filling?

The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the apple filling and prevents it from becoming too watery, ensuring a perfect consistent texture for the cinnamon rolls.

• Can I knead the dough by hand?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand if you don’t have a stand mixer. Just mix the ingredients and knead on a flat surface until the dough becomes elastic and smooth.

• Why rest the dough for 10-20 minutes?

Resting allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out and preventing it from shrinking or becoming tough when you stretch it.

• What's the purpose of using dental floss to cut the rolls?

Dental floss helps create clean, precise cuts without squishing or compressing the dough, resulting in evenly sized and shaped cinnamon rolls.

What Makes Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls So Special

• Flexible Preparation Magic: Enjoy ultimate convenience with make-ahead options that let you prepare the rolls the night before, giving you stress-free morning baking and fresh, warm treats without early morning hassle.
• Sensory Flavor Adventure: Experience a culinary journey with layers of complex flavors – soft, buttery dough meets spicy cinnamon and rich caramel, creating a decadent dessert that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Master this recipe with clear, step-by-step instructions that guide even novice bakers through the process, ensuring beautiful, professional-looking cinnamon rolls that taste like they came from a gourmet bakery.

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Ingredients

• Flour: Soft and essential base for the cinnamon rolls.
• Instant Dry Yeast: Key ingredient for dough rising.
• Salt: Flavor enhancer for the dough.
• Milk: Helps create soft and tender texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness.
• Eggs: Binding agent for the dough.

• Apples: Fresh and crisp fruit base.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness.
• Butter: Provides richness.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and prevents browning.
• Cinnamon: Warm, classic spice.
• Salt: Balances flavors.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling.
• Water: Used with cornstarch to create slurry.

• Butter: Creamy base for glaze.
• Caramel: Sweet and rich topping.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth glaze texture.
• Whole Milk: Helps achieve desired consistency.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Apple Filling

Peel and core apples, then chop into tiny quarter-inch cubes.

• Apple pieces
• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Lemon juice
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Heat mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until bubbling.

Reduce heat and continue cooking.

Step 2: Thicken Apple Mixture

Whisk water and cornstarch in a small bowl to create a slurry.

Pour into apple mixture and cook for 5-10 minutes until apples soften but don’t turn to mush.

Transfer to container and refrigerate completely.

Step 3: Create Dough Base

• Flour
• Instant dry yeast
• Salt

• Milk
• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar

Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing thoroughly.

Step 4: Develop Dough Texture

Add eggs one at a time, mixing until a sticky dough forms.

Continue kneading for 2-3 minutes, adding flour gradually until dough becomes tacky but not sticky.

Step 5: Rest and Roll Dough

Cover dough and let rest 10-20 minutes.

Roll out into a large rectangle about 14×18 inches and half-centimeter thick.

Step 6: Add Filling

Spread softened butter across dough, leaving a small strip uncovered.

Layer chilled apple filling evenly.

Step 7: Shape and Cut Rolls

Roll dough horizontally toward uncovered strip.

Use dental floss to cut 12 equal pieces.

Place in greased baking pan.

Step 8: Proofing Options

For overnight method, refrigerate covered.

For same-day baking, proof in warm location for 30 minutes.

Step 9: Bake Rolls

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Bake 28-32 minutes until golden brown, rotating pan midway.

Step 10: Create Caramel Glaze

Mix butter, caramel, vanilla, salt, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.

Drizzle over slightly cooled rolls and serve warm.

Pro Tips for Sweet Cinnamon Rolls

• Cook apple filling just until soft to maintain texture, avoiding applesauce-like consistency that ruins the filling's integrity.
• Rest dough 10-20 minutes after mixing to help gluten relax, making rolling easier and creating smoother, more pliable dough.
• Use dental floss instead of a knife when slicing rolls for precise, clean cuts without squishing the delicate dough.
• Create a warm, draft-free space by preheating oven to 200°F, turning it off, then placing covered rolls inside to help them rise perfectly.
• Add milk gradually to powdered sugar mixture, adjusting consistency to achieve smooth, drizzle-able caramel glaze that complements the rolls.

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet caramel apple cinnamon rolls blend nostalgic comfort with autumn’s warmest flavors. Gooey caramel and tender apples nestled in pillowy dough will transport you straight to cozy kitchen memories.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit:

• 5 large Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored and cubed (1000 grams / 35.3 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or the juice of 1 small lemon (45 grams / 1.6 ounces)

Sugars and Spices:

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed (200 grams / 7.1 ounces)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (5 grams / 0.2 ounces)
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt (1 gram / 0.035 ounces)

Butter and Thickeners:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (42 grams / 1.5 ounces)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature to be spread on the dough later (113 grams / 4 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons water (30 grams / 1.1 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (15 grams / 0.5 ounces)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the apple filling by peeling and dicing apples into small, uniform pieces.
2. Combine apples with butter, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Create a cornstarch slurry by whisking water and cornstarch, then pour into the apple mixture to thicken.
4. Cook the filling until apples soften but maintain their shape, avoiding an applesauce-like consistency.
5. Transfer the apple mixture to a container and refrigerate until completely chilled, which helps with later assembly.
6. In a mixing bowl, blend flour, instant yeast, and salt together.
7. Warm milk with butter and sugar in a separate bowl, ensuring the butter melts completely.
8. Gradually incorporate the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing thoroughly.
9. Add eggs one at a time, continuing to mix until a sticky dough forms.
10. Knead the dough, adding flour incrementally until it becomes tacky but not sticky.
11. Allow the dough to rest, covered, for 10-20 minutes to relax the gluten.
12. Roll out the dough into a large, thin rectangle on a floured surface.
13. Spread softened butter across the dough, leaving a small border on one long side.
14. Evenly distribute the chilled apple filling over the buttered section.
15. Carefully roll the dough horizontally, using the uncovered edge to seal the roll.
16. Slice the roll into 12 equal pieces using dental floss for clean cuts.
17. Place the rolls in a greased baking pan, allowing options for overnight refrigeration or same-day proofing.
18. If proofing same-day, place rolls in a warm environment for approximately 30 minutes.
19. For overnight preparation, remove from refrigerator 1-2 hours before baking to thaw and rise.
20. Preheat the oven and bake until rolls turn golden brown, rotating the pan midway.
21. Prepare the caramel glaze by mixing butter, caramel, vanilla, salt, powdered sugar, and milk.
22. Once cooled, generously drizzle the caramel glaze over the cinnamon rolls and serve warm.

Notes

• Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture in the filling.
• Use cornstarch slurry carefully to prevent the apple filling from becoming too thick or gummy.
• Maintain precise dough consistency by adding flour gradually until it’s tacky but not sticky.
• Proofing dough in a warm environment helps activate yeast and ensures soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 265
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 30mg