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Delicious Apple Cinnamon Caramel Rolls topped with caramel sauce and cinnamon

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

A comforting treat filled with tart apples and a delightful cinnamon mixture, drizzled with rich caramel sauce, perfect for family gatherings or cozy breakfasts.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 46 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 325
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 2 3/4 cups Flour All-purpose flour forms the base of the rolls.
  • 2 1/4 teaspoon Instant or Rapid-Rise Yeast Use for perfect dough rise.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavors.
  • 1/4 cup Sugar Balances flavors in the dough.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Adds creaminess to the dough.
  • 1/2 cup Water Warm for yeast activation.
  • 1/4 cup Whole Milk Provides moisture.
  • 1 large Egg For binding the dough.
Filling Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Butter Divided; used for filling.
  • 2 cups Apples Peeled and diced, such as Granny Smith.
  • 1/2 cup Dark or Golden Brown Sugar Provides caramel-like sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup Sugar For additional sweetness.
  • 3 tablespoons Flour Thickens the filling.
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons Cinnamon Aromatic spice for flavor.
Caramel Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 cup Sugar For caramelizing.
  • 1/4 cup Water To dissolve sugar.
  • 3/4 cup Heavy Cream For richness in the caramel.
  • 4 tablespoons Butter For a smooth caramel texture.
  • 3/4 teaspoon Salt Enhances caramel flavor.
Optional Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Pecans Optional; adds crunch.

Method
 

Preparing the Dough
  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the sugar, butter, water, and milk. Heat in 20-second intervals until it reaches 120-130°F.
  2. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually combine the warm mixture and the egg with the dry ingredients.
  3. Mix on low for about 4 minutes or knead for 5 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Cooking the Apples
  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter and diced apples. Cook for about 5 minutes until soft, then cool in the refrigerator.
Preparing the Filling
  1. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add the remaining 7 tablespoons of softened butter and mix until crumbly.
Assembling the Rolls
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll out dough into a 16x9 inch rectangle.
  2. Spread the filling over the dough and sprinkle with cooled diced apples. Roll into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.
  3. Place in a greased 9x13 inch pan, cover loosely, and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes until golden.
  2. Prepare caramel sauce by combining sugar and water in a saucepan and cook until caramelized.
  3. Whisk in heavy cream, butter, and salt until smooth. Let cool.
  4. Drizzle caramel over the rolls and sprinkle with pecans if desired.

Notes

For the lightest buns, ensure yeast is fresh. Allow rolls to rise in a warm area. Varieties of apples can be used for different flavor experiences.