Name: Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 12 rolls
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 1/2 cup warm milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 2 medium apples, peeled and finely chopped; 1/3 cup light brown sugar; 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup caramel sauce, plus more for topping; 1/4 tsp salt

Hey y’all! If you adore soft, sweet, gooey treats, these Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls will be your new favorite indulgence. Imagine pillowy rolls stuffed with tender caramelized apples and a swirl of sweet cinnamon, all smothered with a luscious caramel sauce. They’re absolutely irresistible for weekend brunch, lazy breakfasts, festive holidays, or anytime you crave a cozy, homemade baked good. Ready to fill your kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of caramel and cinnamon? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

Each bite is packed with melt-in-your-mouth softness and gooey caramel goodness.
Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a crowd-pleasing breakfast treat.
Combines the comforting warmth of Cinnamon Rolls with tart, tender apples and rich caramel.
Easy-to-follow recipe that’s great for beginner and experienced bakers alike.
Makes your kitchen smell absolutely amazing!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, room temperature

For the Apple Filling:

2 medium tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For Assembly:

2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
1/4 cup light brown sugar mixed with 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Caramel Topping:

1/2 cup caramel sauce
Optional: flaky sea salt for finishing

Directions

Step 1: Make and Rise the Dough

In a large bowl, mix warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top, stir gently, and let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Add melted butter, eggs, and salt. Stir in flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
Knead on a floured surface for 7–8 minutes, or use a stand mixer with dough hook for 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1–1.5 hours.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

While the dough rises, melt 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring, until apples are tender and coated, 5–7 minutes. Cool to room temperature. Stir in caramel sauce.

Step 3: Assemble and Roll

Punch down dough and turn onto a floured surface. Roll into a rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
Brush with 2 tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Evenly distribute apple-caramel filling.
Carefully roll up, starting at the long side, to create a log. Slice into 12 even rolls.

Step 4: Second Rise and Bake

Arrange rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each.
Cover and let rise again until puffy, about 30–45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Add the Caramel Topping

Remove rolls from oven. While warm, drizzle generously with remaining caramel sauce. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired. Serve warm!

Notes

Ensure your milk is warm (not hot) to properly activate the yeast.
You can prepare the dough the night before; chill after the first rise, then shape and bake the next morning.
For the best flavor, use tart-sweet apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

Variations

Nuts: Add 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch.
Glaze: Swap caramel for a classic vanilla cream cheese glaze.
Spiced: Add a pinch of nutmeg and ginger to the apple filling for extra warmth.

Required Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Medium skillet
Rolling pin
9×13 inch baking dish
Stand mixer (optional)
Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or reheat, covered with foil, in a 325°F oven until soft and gooey. Rolls can be frozen (without caramel sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and add fresh caramel before serving.

Serving Recommendations

Serve warm with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce and a dusting of flaky sea salt.
Pair with hot coffee, chai latte, or a tall glass of cold milk.
Try as a festive brunch centerpiece or sweet ending to a fall dinner.

Pro Tips for the Best Rolls

Let your dough rise in a slightly warm (not hot) oven for faster results on chilly days.
For even, gooey swirls, roll the dough tightly and use unflavored dental floss to slice the log neatly.
Don’t over-stuff the filling or it may leak out during rolling—spread in an even, thin layer.