These caramel apple cinnamon rolls are a warm, gooey treat that everyone will love! With soft dough, sweet cinnamon, and juicy apple bits, they’re simply irresistible.
And let’s be real, the caramel drizzled on top? It’s like a hug for your taste buds! 🍏 I always make them for special breakfasts, and they disappear in no time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Milk: Whole milk gives the best flavor and richness for the dough. If lactose intolerant, you can use almond milk or oat milk instead. Just make sure it’s warm for yeast activation!
Apples: Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well after baking. If you prefer sweeter rolls, try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. You can even mix different types for a fun twist.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and depth. If you’re short on brown sugar, use white sugar but add a little molasses (1 tbsp per cup of white sugar) to mimic that rich flavor.
Yeast: Active dry yeast is what you’ll need to make the dough rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use it, but you don’t need to let it foam before adding it to the mixture.
How Do You Make Sure Your Dough Rises Perfectly?
The key to fluffy rolls is how well your dough rises. Here are some tips:
- **Warm Environment:** Make sure your rising area is warm but not hot. An oven turned off but with the light on works great.
- **Foamy Yeast:** Ensure yeast is activated by monitoring the water temperature (about 110°F). If it doesn’t bubble, your yeast might be stale.
- **Don’t Rush:** Allow the dough to rise until it has at least doubled in size. This usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours.
Following these tips will lead to soft and airy rolls that everyone will love! Happy baking!
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
For the Filling:
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith recommended), peeled and finely diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent apples browning)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 2 hours total, including rising time. You’ll spend about 20-30 minutes prepping and assembling the rolls, and about 25-30 minutes baking them. The waiting is worth it for those warm, gooey rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
First, warm the milk in a small bowl until it’s about 110°F (warm, but not too hot). Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy. This is a sign that your yeast is active!
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, mix together the sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs. After mixing, add the foamy yeast mixture and stir until everything is combined.
3. Add Flour:
Gradually add the flour to the mixture while mixing on low speed. Once the dough starts to come together, increase the speed and knead for about 7-8 minutes or knead by hand on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic.
4. Let It Rise:
Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size—this typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours.
5. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is rising, prepare your filling! Toss the diced apples in lemon juice to prevent browning. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
6. Roll Out the Dough:
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches).
7. Add Filling Ingredients:
Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top and then scatter the diced apples all over. Drizzle vanilla extract on top of that.
8. Roll the Dough:
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Be sure to pinch the seam closed once you’ve rolled it completely.
9. Cut and Prepare For Second Rise:
Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or some dental floss. Place those pieces cut-side-up into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover and let those rolls rise again for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
10. Bake the Rolls:
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once they’ve puffed up, bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown and fully baked.
11. Make Caramel Sauce:
While the rolls are baking, prepare the caramel sauce by combining the brown sugar, butter, milk, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the mixture begins to boil. Let it boil gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
12. Drizzle and Serve:
Once the rolls are baked and golden, remove them from the oven and generously drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the top. Let it cascade down the sides for that deliciously gooey look!
13. Enjoy!
Allow the rolls to cool slightly (about 10 minutes) so the caramel sets a bit. Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, apple-cinnamon, caramel goodness! You won’t be able to resist!
Now you’re ready to indulge in your homemade Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls — soft, tender, and bursting with flavor!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness and firmness, you can also use sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter roll. Mixing different apple types can also add wonderful flavor complexity.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate overnight. Just allow them to come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking.
How Do I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until warm, or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute! For every cup of buttermilk needed, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with enough milk to make 1 cup. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
