Description
Homemade caramel apple cinnamon rolls deliver pure comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending sweet apples and warm spices into a delightful pastry. Drizzled with rich caramel and baked to golden perfection, you’ll savor each comforting bite of this irresistible breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
Sweeteners and Spices:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Liquid and Leavening Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Activate the yeast mixture by combining warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a spacious mixing vessel. Allow the concoction to develop a frothy texture, indicating active fermentation.
- Incorporate melted butter, egg, salt, and initial flour portions into the yeast mixture. Gradually introduce remaining flour to achieve a cohesive, supple dough consistency.
- Transform the dough through vigorous kneading on a flour-dusted surface, developing elasticity and smoothness. Alternatively, utilize a stand mixer with a specialized dough attachment.
- Transfer the dough to a generously greased container, drape with a clean cloth, and position in a warm environment. Allow the dough to expand and double in volume, approximately one hour.
- Craft the flavor profile by blending granulated sugar, brown sugar, and aromatic cinnamon in a separate mixing bowl.
- Prepare apples by carefully dicing them into uniform, petite pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the rolls.
- Deflate the risen dough and meticulously roll it into a rectangular shape on a flour-covered workspace.
- Distribute softened butter evenly across the dough’s surface, creating a rich, luxurious base for the filling.
- Liberally sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar blend over the buttered surface, then artfully scatter the diced apple pieces.
- Initiate the rolling process from the elongated edge, creating a tightly wound log. Slice the log into twelve precise segments.
- Arrange the rolled sections in a well-greased baking receptacle, allowing slight spacing between each roll.
- Shield the unbaked rolls with a lightweight cloth and permit a secondary rising period, approximately thirty minutes.
- Preheat the oven to a precise 350°F, preparing for the transformative baking process.
- Bake the rolls until they achieve a golden-brown exterior and are thoroughly cooked, approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Simultaneously craft the caramel sauce by melting butter in a compact saucepan, introducing brown sugar and stirring until completely dissolved.
- Gradually integrate heavy cream and a pinch of salt, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop a luxurious, slightly thickened consistency.
- Complete the culinary creation by generously drizzling the warm caramel sauce over the freshly baked rolls, creating a decadent finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure milk is warm (110-115°F) to activate yeast properly without killing it, guaranteeing perfect dough rise.
- Use room temperature butter and egg for smoother dough consistency and even mixing.
- Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness and texture in filling.
- Allow adequate rising time in a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven to help dough develop rich flavor and soft texture.
- For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, adding xanthan gum for better structure.
- Prevent over-browning by tenting rolls with aluminum foil halfway through baking if edges brown too quickly.
- Make ahead by preparing rolls night before, refrigerating overnight, then bringing to room temperature before final rise and baking.
- Create dairy-free version by replacing milk with almond milk and using coconut oil instead of butter.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 355
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg