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Easy Homemade Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls


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  • Author: Merry
  • Total Time: 2 hours (including rise time)
  • Yield: 12 rolls

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Prepare the Icing
    • Mix cream cheese, butter, caramel sauce, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar.
  8. 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