If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the warmth of cinnamon rolls with the sweet tang of caramel apples, you’ve found it. Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fusion of flavors that evoke cozy autumn afternoons, festive gatherings, or just a comforting treat on a quiet day. The tender dough, spiced apple filling, buttery caramel, and cream cheese icing come together to create a dessert that’s simply irresistible.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe breaks down each step so you can confidently create these indulgent rolls. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

• Perfect Flavor Pairing: Sweet caramel and tart apples complement the warmth of cinnamon.
• Versatile: Enjoy them as a dessert, breakfast, or a special treat for any occasion.
• Customizable: Use the suggested ingredients or adapt to suit your tastes.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Apple Filling

Ingredient	Quantity	Details
Honeycrisp apples	4 large (1000g)	Peeled, cored, and cubed
Unsalted butter	1/2 cup (113g)	Room temperature
Light brown sugar	1 1/2 cups (300g)	Packed
Ground cinnamon	1 tsp	Adds warm, spiced flavor
Fine salt	1/4 tsp (1g)	Enhances sweetness
Water	1/4 cup (60g)	Used for cornstarch slurry
Cornstarch	1/4 cup (30g)	Thickens the filling

Cinnamon Roll Dough

Ingredient	Quantity	Details
All-purpose flour	4 1/4 cups (550g)	Provides structure
Instant dry yeast	4 1/2 tsp (14g)	Ensures dough rises
Fine salt	1 tsp (6g)	Balances flavor
Whole milk	1 cup (245g)	Adds moisture and richness
Unsweetened applesauce	1/2 cup (125g)	Natural sweetness
Unsalted butter	1/2 cup (113g)	Room temperature
Granulated sugar	1/2 cup (100g)	Sweetens the dough

Caramel Sauce

Ingredient	Quantity	Details
Granulated sugar	1 cup (200g)	Base for caramel
Unsalted butter	6 Tbsp (85g)	Adds richness
Heavy cream	1/4 cup (60g)	Balances consistency
Fine salt	1/4 tsp	Balances sweetness

Caramel Cream Cheese Icing

Ingredient	Quantity	Details
Cream cheese	1/4 cup (56g)	Room temperature
Unsalted butter	1/4 cup (56g)	Room temperature
Caramel sauce	1/4 cup (60g)	Homemade or store-bought
Vanilla extract	2 tsp (8g)	Adds depth of flavor
Fine salt	1/4 tsp	Enhances sweetness
Powdered sugar	1 1/2 cups (190g)	For smooth, sweet icing

Step 1: Make the Apple Filling

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and cube 4 large Honeycrisp apples into 1 cm pieces.
2. Cook the Filling: In a skillet, combine butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Heat over medium-high until the mixture bubbles, then reduce to medium.
3. Thicken the Mixture: Whisk water and cornstarch together to form a slurry. Add it to the apple mixture and cook for another 5–10 minutes until the apples are soft and the filling thickens.
4. Cool the Filling: Transfer the mixture to a wide tray and chill it in the fridge. Ensure it’s completely cool before using.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Dough

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, and salt.
2. Heat Wet Ingredients: Warm milk, applesauce, butter, and sugar in the microwave for about 1 minute until the butter is almost melted. Ensure it’s warm but not hot.
3. Mix and Knead: Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a dough hook or wooden spoon to mix until smooth and elastic.
4. Adjust Consistency: Add small amounts of flour if the dough is too sticky. It should be tacky but not sticky.
5. Rest the Dough: Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 10–20 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 24 x 18-inch rectangle.
2. Add Butter and Filling: Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then layer with the cooled apple filling.
3. Cut and Roll: Slice the dough into 12 strips and roll each one tightly. Place them in a greased 9×13-inch pan.

Step 4: Let the Rolls Rise

1. Overnight Option: Cover and refrigerate the rolls overnight. Bring to room temperature and let rise for 30 minutes before baking.
2. Same-Day Option: Let the rolls rise in a warm, turned-off oven for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake the Roll

1. Preheat and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 28–34 minutes until golden brown, rotating the pan halfway through.
2. Cool Slightly: Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes before icing.

Step 6: Make the Caramel Sauce

1. Dissolve Sugar: Gradually melt sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until amber-colored.
2. Incorporate Butter and Cream: Add butter in small increments, then mix in cream and salt. Cool before using.

Step 7: Prepare the Icing

1. Mix Ingredients: Combine cream cheese, butter, caramel sauce, vanilla, and salt.
2. Add Sugar: Gradually stir in powdered sugar until smooth.

Serving and Storage

• Serving: Spread the icing over the warm rolls and drizzle additional caramel sauce on top. Serve immediately for the best taste.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a few hours or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

FAQs About Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

1. Can I use a different type of apple?
   Yes! Granny Smith, Fuji, or Golden Delicious apples work well as substitutes.
2. Can I make these rolls vegan?
   Swap dairy ingredients like butter and milk for plant-based alternatives, and use vegan caramel.
3. How can I store the dough?
   Refrigerate the dough overnight or freeze it for up to a month. Thaw and rise before baking.
4. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
   Absolutely. While homemade caramel is flavorful, store-bought works if you’re short on time.
5. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
   Microwave individual rolls for 20–30 seconds or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes.
6. Can I make mini cinnamon rolls?
   Yes, cut smaller strips of dough and adjust the baking time to about 15–20 minutes.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve mastered Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls, it’s time to share this decadent treat with friends and family—or keep them all for yourself! Their warm, gooey texture and balanced sweetness make them a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of creating these heavenly rolls.

Enjoy your baking journey, and don’t forget to savor every bite!

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