Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe | Sweet & Irresistible
I have to tell you — after making these Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, I’m officially obsessed! The moment they came out of the oven, my kitchen smelled like autumn heaven. Soft, tender dough wrapped around cinnamon sugar, juicy tart apples, and rich caramel really hit that sweet spot.
Every bite was gooey, warm, and totally irresistible. Whether it was breakfast or dessert, I couldn’t resist grabbing another! You can also enjoy similar gooey treats with Caramel Swirl Brownies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into these gooey, fall-flavored cinnamon rolls — and a few reasons why each ingredient matters.
Dough
- 1 cup milk — warm (about body temperature) so the yeast activates well.
- 1/4 cup butter — adds richness and keeps the dough soft.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided — start with most of it, then add as needed until the dough feels just right.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar — feeds the yeast and sweetens the dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt — balances flavor.
- 1 envelope instant yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp) — the rising agent that makes these rolls fluffy.
- 1 egg — gives structure and tenderness.
Caramel-Apple-Cinnamon Filling
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar — adds sweetness and crunch.
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar — deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon — classic spice for warmth and aroma.
- 6 tablespoons butter, fully softened — spreads easily and melds with the sugars.
- 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and finely chopped — tartness cuts through the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce — gooey magic in every roll.
Topping
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce — more caramel for drizzling after baking.
- Optional: 1/2 cup toasted chopped walnuts, pecans, or peanuts — adds crunch and contrast.
Note: Several servings — this recipe makes about 12 generous cinnamon rolls.
Variations to Try
Want to put your own spin on these caramel apple rolls? Try these tasty twists:
- Dairy-Free: Swap milk for oat or almond milk and use dairy-free butter so everyone can enjoy them.
- Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute that measures like sugar and a sugar-free caramel sauce for a lower-sugar version.
- Spice Boost: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for warm, extra fall flavor.
- Apple Upgrade: For sweeter rolls, substitute Fuji or Honeycrisp apples instead of tart Granny Smith.
- Nut-Free: Skip the nuts on top if serving someone with allergies. You can also pair these rolls with a savory option like Sheet Pan Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipes.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long this recipe takes from start to finish:
- Prep Time: 40 minutes — includes mixing, rolling, and filling.
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes — until golden, puffy, and delicious
- Total Time: 60 minutes — perfect for a weekend brunch treat!
Equipment You Need
Here’s what you’ll use — and how it helps:
- A stand mixer with a dough hook — makes kneading easy and quick.
- Microwave-safe bowl — to heat milk and butter.
- Rolling pin — to flatten your dough evenly.
- Knife or dental floss — to cut the rolls cleanly (floss works great for soft dough!).
- 9×13-inch baking dish or pie plate — where your rolls rise and bake.
- Wire cooling rack — so rolls stay soft and not soggy underneath.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?
Preparing the Dough
Warm the milk and melt the butter together, then let it cool until just warm on your skin. In a mixer, combine most of the flour with the yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the egg and milk mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Rolling and Filling
Turn your dough onto a floured surface and roll into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter all over, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugars, chopped apples, and drizzle with caramel sauce evenly.
Shaping the Rolls
Roll the dough snugly from the long edge until you have a big log. Use dental floss or a sharp knife to cut it into 11–12 slices, then place them into a greased baking dish.
Letting Them Rise
Cover the pan with a damp towel and let the rolls rest in a warm spot so they get fluffy and light before baking.
Baking to Perfection
Bake at 350°F until the tops are golden and the centers feel soft yet cooked through. Let cool briefly before adding that extra drizzle of caramel sauce.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Here are a few tips I learned while making this recipe that made all the difference:
- I always let the milk cool until it’s just warm — not hot — so the yeast doesn’t get shocked.
- I chop the apple pieces small so they don’t make the dough too wet.
- I warm the caramel slightly before drizzling — it flows better across the warm rolls.
- I use a pizza cutter or dental floss to cut clean, even slices.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls
These rolls are best served warm — right out of the oven. Put them on a pretty plate, drizzle extra caramel sauce, and sprinkle a few chopped nuts for texture and presentation. Pair with a cup of hot coffee or spiced latte for the perfect cozy moment.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a snapshot of what each serving roughly contains (estimates based on common nutritional info for ingredients used):
Per Cinnamon Roll Approx:
- Calories: ~330–380 (gooey caramel adds sweetness & richness)
- Protein: ~6–8g
- Carbohydrates: ~45–55g
- Fat: ~12–16g
Make Ahead and Storage
Storage
Let leftover rolls cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked rolls after shaping them. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and let them rise before popping them in the oven.
Reheating
Warm leftover baked rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to get them soft and gooey again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are just a few reasons why this version of Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls is a must-try:
- Rich, Seasonal Flavor: Tart apples and sweet caramel blend beautifully with classic cinnamon goodness.
- Comforting & Cozy: Perfect for brunches, holidays, or a weekend treat with coffee or tea.
- Customizable: Easy to make dairy-free, sugar-free, or nut-free based on your needs.
- Fun to Make Together: Rolling and cutting these is a great way to bring family or friends into the kitchen.
- Ready in About an Hour: Decadent enough for special occasions but quick enough for a weekend morning.
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Warm the milk and melt the butter together, then let it cool until just warm on your skin. In a mixer, combine most of the flour with the yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the egg and milk mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn your dough onto a floured surface and roll into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter all over, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugars, chopped apples, and drizzle with caramel sauce evenly.
- Roll the dough snugly from the long edge until you have a big log. Use dental floss or a sharp knife to cut it into 11–12 slices, then place them into a greased baking dish.
- Cover the pan with a damp towel and let the rolls rest in a warm spot so they get fluffy and light before baking.
- Bake at 350°F until the tops are golden and the centers feel soft yet cooked through. Let cool briefly before adding that extra drizzle of caramel sauce.
Notes
- I always let the milk cool until it’s just warm — not hot — so the yeast doesn’t get shocked.
- I chop the apple pieces small so they don’t make the dough too wet.
- I warm the caramel slightly before drizzling — it flows better across the warm rolls.
- I use a pizza cutter or dental floss to cut clean, even slices.