Description
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls combine the soft, gooey texture of cinnamon rolls with the sweet tang of caramelized apples and creamy caramel icing. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy treat, these rolls are bursting with warm fall flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- Apple Filling:
- 4 large Honeycrisp apples (1000g), peeled, cored, and cubed
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp fine salt
- 1/4 cup (60g) water
- 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
- Cinnamon Roll Dough:
- 4 1/4 cups (550g) all-purpose flour
- 4 1/2 tsp (14g) instant dry yeast (2 packets)
- 1 tsp (6g) fine salt
- 1 cup (245g) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (125g) unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 6 Tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (60g) heavy cream, room temperature
- 1/4 tsp fine salt
- Caramel Cream Cheese Icing:
- 1/4 cup (56g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (60g) caramel sauce (from above)
- 2 tsp (8g) vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp fine salt
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Make the Apple Filling
- Peel, core, and cube apples into 1 cm pieces.
- In a skillet, melt butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt over medium-high heat until bubbling.
- Mix water and cornstarch to form a slurry, add it to the skillet, and cook for 5–10 minutes until thickened and apples are soft.
- Cool the filling in a wide tray in the fridge.
- Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, and salt.
- Warm milk, applesauce, butter, and sugar in the microwave for 1 minute until warm (not hot).
- Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until the dough is elastic and smooth.
- Adjust with extra flour if needed to avoid stickiness. Let rest for 10–20 minutes.
- Assemble the Rolls
- Roll the dough into a 24 x 18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread softened butter evenly, then layer with the cooled apple filling.
- Slice the dough into 12 strips, roll them up, and place in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
- Let the Rolls Rise
- Overnight Option: Cover and refrigerate. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- Same-Day Option: Let rolls rise in a warm, turned-off oven for 30 minutes.
- Bake the Rolls
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 28–34 minutes, rotating halfway, until golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Make the Caramel Sauce
- Melt sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until amber-colored. Stir in butter, heavy cream, and salt until smooth. Cool before using.
- Prepare the Icing
- Mix cream cheese, butter, caramel sauce, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar.
- Serve
- Spread icing over warm rolls and drizzle with caramel sauce.
Notes
- For a tangier filling, substitute Honeycrisp apples with Granny Smith.
- Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Reheat rolls in the microwave for 20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
- This recipe can be halved for a smaller batch.
Enjoy making and indulging in these decadent Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls!
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American