Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

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Imagine warm, gooey cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven—but now picture them studded with soft, caramelized apples and drenched in a velvety caramel glaze. That’s exactly what you get with Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls—a decadent twist on the classic breakfast treat. These rolls blend the comforting spice of cinnamon with the juicy sweetness of baked apples and the rich indulgence of golden caramel sauce.

Perfect for chilly mornings, weekend brunches, or a show-stopping dessert, these rolls are a sweet hug in edible form. The tender dough wraps around cinnamon-sugar apples, creating soft, swirled layers that melt in your mouth. As the warm caramel drizzle seeps into every crevice, the flavors become even more irresistible. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this dish promises to become your new favorite comfort bake.

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Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp lemon juice

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 4 tbsp softened butter

For the Caramel Glaze:

• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

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Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy—this means the yeast is activated. Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

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Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While the dough rises, prepare the caramel apple mixture. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter, then add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for 6–8 minutes until the apples are tender and the mixture is thickened slightly. Set aside to cool.

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Step 3: Roll Out and Fill the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a 16×12-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly across the surface, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Spoon the cooled apple filling evenly over the top.

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Step 4: Roll, Slice, and Rise Again

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for about 30–40 minutes, until puffy.

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Step 5: Bake the Rolls

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Check around 20 minutes—if the tops are browning too fast, loosely tent with foil for the remaining bake time.

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Step 6: Make the Caramel Glaze

While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, cream, butter, and salt over medium heat. Stir constantly until it starts to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

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Step 7: Drizzle and Serve

Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for 10 minutes. Drizzle the warm caramel glaze generously over the top and serve immediately. Enjoy them warm for the ultimate gooey indulgence!

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for up to 5 days—just warm them slightly in the microwave before serving to bring back that gooey softness.

For longer storage, these rolls freeze well. Place cooled, unglazed rolls in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10–15 minutes. Add freshly warmed caramel glaze right before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per roll (based on 12 servings)

• Calories: ~310
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Sugars: 25g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 170mg

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on exact ingredients and portions used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

### 1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the rolls the night before, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking the next morning.

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### 2. What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect—they hold their shape during cooking and balance the sweetness of the caramel.

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### 3. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Absolutely. While homemade caramel glaze tastes amazing, using a high-quality store-bought version can save time and still taste delicious.

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### 4. How do I keep the rolls soft and not dry?

Avoid overbaking. Check for doneness at the 25-minute mark. Also, covering the dish with foil for the final minutes helps retain moisture.

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### 5. Is it okay to skip the second rise?

The second rise is essential for soft, fluffy rolls. Skipping it will result in denser, less tender buns.

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### 6. Can I add nuts to the filling?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts make a great addition to the filling for a delightful crunch and extra flavor.

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### 7. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Microwave a roll for 15–20 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven for about 8–10 minutes. Add extra caramel if desired!

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### 8. Can I use a bread machine for the dough?

Yes, you can use the dough setting on a bread machine to prepare the dough, then proceed with rolling, filling, and baking as directed.

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