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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup warm milk - 1 large apple, peeled and diced To make these rolls tasty, you need a few main items. The flour gives the rolls their structure. The warm milk helps the dough rise and stay soft. The apple adds sweetness and flavor. - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup caramel sauce Sweeteners bring out the flavors in the rolls. Granulated sugar helps the dough rise. Brown sugar adds a rich taste, while caramel sauce makes everything better. You can drizzle extra caramel on top for a treat. - Chopped pecans or walnuts - Nutmeg Optional items can add special touches. Nuts give a nice crunch, and nutmeg adds warmth. You can mix these in for extra flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your dry ingredients. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 packet of instant yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure it is well mixed. Next, combine your wet ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of warm milk, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough begins to form. Kneading is next. Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to feel smooth and elastic. Time to let the dough rise. Place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a towel and let it sit in a warm spot. Wait for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. While the dough rises, prepare the apple filling. Take 1 large apple, peel and dice it. Toss the apple in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar. If you like, add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor. Set this mixture aside. Once the dough has risen, punch it down. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Now, spread 1/4 cup of caramel sauce over the dough. Leave a small border around the edges. Evenly distribute the apple mixture on top of the caramel. If you want some crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apples. Start rolling the dough tightly from the longer side. Pinch the seam to seal it. Cut the log into 8 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased 9x9-inch baking dish. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 minutes. To get smooth and elastic dough, start with the right flour. Use all-purpose flour, as it gives the best texture. When mixing, add the wet ingredients slowly. This helps the dough come together evenly. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes. You want it soft and stretchy, not sticky. For rising, find a warm spot in your kitchen. A sunny window or a cozy oven works well. Cover the dough with a towel to keep it warm. Let it rise until it doubles in size. This usually takes about an hour. Choosing the right apple is key. I recommend using Granny Smith apples. They add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the caramel. You can also try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor. For an extra kick, you can add spices like nutmeg or cardamom. They pair well with cinnamon and make your rolls even tastier. Don’t forget optional toppings! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. When serving, presentation matters. Place the rolls on a large platter. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top. A sprinkle of chopped nuts adds a nice touch. For drinks, consider serving with a warm cup of cider or coffee. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes it an indulgent treat. Enjoy every bite! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your milk, butter, and egg are at room temperature for a smoother dough that rises better. Choose the Right Apples: Granny Smith apples are ideal for this recipe due to their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the caramel. Allow for Proper Rising: Give your dough enough time to rise; this is key for achieving fluffy and soft rolls. Drizzle with Warm Caramel: For a gooey finish, warm your caramel sauce slightly before drizzling over the rolls after baking. {{image_2}} You can mix things up with different fruits. Try pears or peaches for a new twist. They add a juicy flavor that pairs well with caramel. If you like a chewy texture, add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. They bring a sweet surprise in every bite. You can change the taste of your rolls by adding flavored extracts. Almond or maple extracts give a warm, rich note. You can also use nuts for a crunch. Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch and flavor. They complement the soft rolls and sweet filling perfectly. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour. It will still taste great! For a vegan version, swap the egg for applesauce. Use almond milk instead of regular milk. These changes keep the rolls soft and yummy while meeting dietary needs. To keep your caramel apple cinnamon rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will help keep them soft. If you have leftover rolls, you can keep them at room temperature for up to three days. Just make sure they are covered well. For longer storage, freeze the rolls. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This helps to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can heat your rolls in the microwave or the oven. If using the microwave, place a roll on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave it for about 15-20 seconds. This keeps the roll moist. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes. This method helps the rolls stay soft and fluffy. Enjoy your warm treats! How do I know when the dough has risen enough? Look for the dough to double in size. This usually takes about one hour. It should feel soft and puffy when you touch it. If you poke it with your finger, the dough should spring back slowly. Can I make the rolls ahead of time? Yes, you can! Prepare the rolls up to the second rise. Cover and chill in the fridge overnight. In the morning, let them warm up for about 30 minutes before baking. What are the best ways to serve caramel apple cinnamon rolls? Serve these rolls warm on a large platter. Drizzle them with extra caramel sauce. You can also top them with chopped nuts or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a treat. How can I make them more caramel-y? Add more caramel sauce in the filling. You can also drizzle extra on top after baking. For a rich flavor, use a thicker sauce or even make your own. Can I add other spices to the filling? Absolutely! You can add nutmeg or allspice for more depth. A pinch of ginger can also give a nice twist. Just remember to balance the flavors so they don’t overpower the apples. How can I adjust the sweetness? To lower the sweetness, reduce the brown sugar or caramel sauce. You can also use tart apples like Granny Smith. If you want it sweeter, add more caramel or sugar in the filling. In this article, we covered the key ingredients and steps to make delicious caramel apple cinnamon rolls. You learned how to prepare the dough, fill it with apples, and roll it up perfectly. I also shared tips for enhancing flavors and suggested variations to try. Remember, enjoy experimenting with different fruits and spices. Proper storage keeps your rolls fresh and tasty. Baking is all about creativity, so have fun with it!

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Delicious cinnamon rolls filled with caramel, apples, and spices, perfect for a sweet treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 1 4 unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced (such as Granny Smith)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 2 cinnamon
  • 1 4 brown sugar
  • 1 4 caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
  • 1 4 nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 4 pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
  • Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
  • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • While the dough is rising, prepare the apple filling. In a bowl, toss the diced apple with lemon juice, cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg (if using). Set aside.
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
  • Spread the caramel sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  • Distribute the apple mixture evenly on top of the caramel. If using, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts evenly over the apples.
  • Starting from the longer side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it, then cut the log into 8 equal pieces.
  • Place the rolls in a greased 9x9-inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising.
  • Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Once baked, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the warm rolls while still in the pan.
  • Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving warm.

Notes

Serve the rolls on a large platter, drizzled with extra caramel and topped with a sprinkle of chopped nuts. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent treat!
Keyword apple, caramel, cinnamon rolls, dessert