Description
Cinnamon roll lovers will adore this caramel apple cinnamon rolls recipe that blends sweet orchards with homemade comfort. Warm spices and rich caramel sauce elevate classic breakfast pastries into a memorable morning treat you can savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2.25 tsps (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Yeast Activation: Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to foam and become frothy, signaling active yeast.
- Dough Formation: Blend melted butter, egg, salt, and initial flour into the yeast mixture. Knead thoroughly on a floured surface or using a stand mixer’s dough attachment until a smooth, elastic dough develops.
- First Rise: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in volume, approximately one hour.
- Filling Preparation: Mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Dice apples into small, uniform pieces for even distribution.
- Dough Rolling and Filling: Roll out the risen dough into a rectangular shape. Spread softened butter across the surface, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture and scattered apple pieces.
- Roll and Cut: Tightly roll the dough from the long edge, creating a compact log. Slice into twelve even sections and place in a greased baking dish with slight spacing between rolls.
- Second Rise and Baking: Cover rolls and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake until golden brown, approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Caramel Sauce Creation: In a small saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar, stirring until dissolved. Slowly add heavy cream and a pinch of salt, simmering until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finishing Touch: Drizzle warm caramel sauce generously over the freshly baked rolls, creating a decadent and inviting dessert.
Notes
- Manage Yeast Activation: Ensure milk temperature is between 100-110°F for optimal yeast performance, preventing potential killing or sluggish fermentation.
- Control Dough Elasticity: Knead dough thoroughly until smooth and stretchy, which develops gluten structure and ensures light, airy texture in final rolls.
- Prevent Apple Moisture Overflow: Gently pat diced apples with paper towel to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy or waterlogged roll interiors.
- Customize Caramel Consistency: Continuously stir caramel sauce while simmering to avoid burning and achieve silky, glossy texture perfect for drizzling over warm rolls.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg