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Cinnamon roll on a plate with extra caramel glaze dripping

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls: 3-Step, Epic, Easy, Wow!


  • Author: cookbycook
  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, fluffy dough filled with cozy apple-cinnamon flavors and topped with a rich caramel glaze.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ cup caramel sauce (for glaze)
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 12 tbsp milk (as needed for glaze)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add egg, yolk, and melted butter, then mix in flour and salt. Knead until dough is soft and elastic (about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a mixer). Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled.
  3. Roll dough into a rectangle (about 14×9 inches). Spread softened butter over dough.
  4. Mix diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then sprinkle evenly over dough.
  5. Roll tightly into a log, slice into 12 rolls, and place in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise 30–40 minutes.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.
  7. For glaze, whisk caramel sauce, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls and serve.

Notes

  • For a softer glaze, drizzle over rolls while warm.
  • Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for tartness or sweetness to taste.
  • Make-ahead: assemble rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight; bake the next morning.
  • To freeze before baking, wrap and freeze; thaw before baking.
  • If dough is sticky, add flour in small increments until manageable.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking, Yeast-Raised
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll (approx 95 g)
  • Calories: 270
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 38 mg

Keywords: Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls, Caramel Glaze, cinnamon rolls, apple cinnamon rolls, fall dessert, breakfast