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To make these tasty rolls, gather the following ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup milk, warmed - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Extra caramel sauce for drizzling If you need alternatives, here are some options: - Flour: Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. - Milk: Almond milk or oat milk works well too. - Butter: Coconut oil can replace the butter for a dairy-free option. - Apples: Try Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a tart flavor. - Caramel Sauce: Make your own using sugar, butter, and cream for a fresh taste. To create these rolls, you will need: - Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients - Whisk for mixing wet ingredients - Rolling pin to shape the dough - Baking dish to bake the rolls - Sharp knife to slice the rolls evenly - Clean cloth to cover the dough while rising {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Pour in warm milk, granulated sugar, and instant yeast. Allow this mix to sit for about 5 minutes. You want it to become frothy. This shows the yeast is active. Next, add melted butter, a large egg, and salt. Mix everything until you see a smooth blend. Now, slowly add the all-purpose flour. Stir until a soft dough forms. Sprinkle some flour on your surface and knead the dough for about 5 minutes. Aim for a smooth texture. When that's done, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. It should double in size. While the dough rises, it’s time to make the filling. Take a medium bowl and add diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix gently to coat the apples. The sugar will draw out some juice, making it sweet and tasty. Set this apple mixture aside. The flavors will blend nicely while the dough continues to rise. After the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread caramel sauce evenly over the dough. Leave a small border at the edges. Sprinkle the apple mixture on top. Start rolling the dough from one long side. Roll it tightly into a log shape. Pinch the seam to seal it. Slice the log into 1-inch thick pieces. Place these rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover them and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Now it's time to bake! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, place them in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want them golden brown. After baking, let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce before serving. Enjoy this sweet morning treat! To make great cinnamon rolls, your dough needs the right feel. Start by mixing warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it bubble for five minutes. This step wakes up the yeast. Next, add melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix well. Gradually add flour until the dough is soft and a bit sticky. Knead it for five minutes on a floured surface. This builds the gluten, making your rolls fluffy. If the dough sticks too much, sprinkle in a bit more flour. When making the filling, use firm apples. Peel and core them before dicing. Mix them with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will bring out their sweet flavor. Roll your dough into a rectangle. Spread caramel sauce over it, leaving a border. This caramel adds sweetness and moisture. Then, sprinkle the apple mix evenly. Start rolling from one long side. Tightly roll to keep the filling inside. Pinch the seam to seal it. Use a sharp knife to slice into one-inch pieces. This ensures even baking. Serve your rolls warm for the best taste. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for a treat. You can also sprinkle a bit of cinnamon for added flavor. For a fun twist, try serving them on a wooden board. This adds a rustic feel. You can pair them with a cup of coffee or tea. This makes for a perfect morning or afternoon snack. Pro Tips Use Fresh Apples: For the best flavor and texture, opt for tart apples like Granny Smith that hold up well during baking. Warm Ingredients: Ensure your milk is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast effectively, which helps the dough rise properly. Let Dough Rise: Allowing the dough to rise until doubled in size is crucial for fluffy rolls. It’s worth the wait! Drizzle at the End: For a beautiful finish, drizzle the caramel sauce over the rolls right before serving while they are still warm. {{image_2}} You can add nuts or raisins to your caramel apple cinnamon rolls. Nuts give a nice crunch. Walnuts and pecans work well. Chop them up and mix them with the apples. You can also add raisins for a sweet chewiness. Just toss a half cup of either into the apple mixture. This step adds more flavor and texture to every bite. While caramel sauce is a sweet treat, you might want to try different frostings. Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy touch. Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a bit of vanilla together. You can also use a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk. Drizzle it over the warm rolls for a lovely finish. Each frosting gives a new twist to the rolls. Get creative with your fruit choices! Instead of apples, you can use pears or peaches. Just chop them finely and mix them with sugar and spices. The flavors will change, but they will still taste delicious. You can even combine different fruits for a fun mix. Think about adding berries or cherries for a fruity surprise. Each fruit brings its own charm to the rolls. To keep your leftover caramel apple cinnamon rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Keep the container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, move them to the fridge. They will stay good there for five days. If you want to save your rolls for later, freezing is easy. First, let the rolls cool completely. Then, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to eat them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To enjoy your rolls warm again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave a roll for 20-30 seconds for a quick warm-up. Drizzle with fresh caramel sauce before serving for that extra touch! Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Prepare the dough as directed, then place it in the fridge. This slows down the rising process. You can keep it there for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. For baking, I recommend using firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These apples hold their shape well and add a nice tart flavor to balance the sweetness of caramel. Always peel and core the apples before dicing them for the best texture. Caramel apple cinnamon rolls stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them soft. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. They last about 3 months in the freezer. Just reheat them in the oven for a warm treat. You now have a complete guide to making caramel apple cinnamon rolls. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. You learned about fun variations to try and how to store your rolls properly. Baking is all about experimenting and enjoying flavors. Don't hesitate to mix in new ideas or ask questions. With these tools and tips, you can create delicious rolls every time. Enjoy your baking journey!

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Delicious cinnamon rolls filled with caramel and diced apples, perfect for a sweet breakfast or dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup milk, warmed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Extra caramel sauce for drizzling

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  • Once frothy, add the melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
  • Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  • While the dough is rising, prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix gently and set aside.
  • After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a rectangular shape about 1/4 inch thick.
  • Spread caramel sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the apple mixture on top.
  • Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal and slice the roll into 1-inch thick pieces.
  • Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Let the rolls cool for a few minutes, then drizzle with additional caramel sauce before serving.

Notes

Serve warm on a wooden cutting board, drizzled with caramel and garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Keyword apple, caramel, cinnamon rolls, dessert