Description
Indulging in the sweet, gooey goodness of Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls is an experience that elevates any breakfast or brunch gathering. These delightful treats combine the warm, comforting flavors of freshly baked cinnamon rolls with the nostalgic taste of caramelized apples, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. The layers of apples and caramel sauce make for a memorable treat, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Dough:
4 tablespoons melted salted butter (or ghee)
¾ cup milk (dairy or almond)
¼ cup water
3¼ – 3¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
2 tablespoons powdered milk
1 egg, room temperature
Caramel Apple Filling:
⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed
5 teaspoons cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
5 tablespoons salted butter, softened
1 large Granny Smith apple, cored and chopped
¼ cup toasted chopped pecans (optional)
¾ cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the melted salted butter, warm milk, and water. Sprinkle in the yeast and allow it to activate for 5 minutes.
Add the granulated sugar, kosher salt, powdered milk, and egg. Gradually incorporate 3¼ to 3¾ cups of flour until a cohesive dough forms.
Knead the dough until smooth, then cover and allow it to rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the softened butter and stir until a smooth mixture forms.
Fold in the chopped Granny Smith apple and toasted pecans (if using).
Assemble the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over it.
Spread the apple mixture on top and drizzle with caramel sauce. Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice it into 12-15 rolls.
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Let them rise for 20-30 minutes.
Bake the Rolls:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve:
Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the rolls once they’re out of the oven. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
If you prefer, you can substitute store-bought dough to save time.
For added richness, you can also add a cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: caramel, apple, cinnamon rolls, fall recipe, breakfast treat