Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls
User Reviews
5
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Description
The Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls start with a yeast dough made from flour, yeast, sugar, milk, butter, and egg, kneaded until smooth and allowed to rest. The filling blends sautéed diced apples with sugars, cinnamon, and flour for structure, plus butter for richness, which is spread over the rolled dough along with pecans if used. The rolls are shaped, baked until golden, and topped with a salted caramel sauce made by cooking sugar, butter, cream, and salt to a glossy finish.
This combination results in tender, pull-apart rolls with spiced apple pieces embedded inside and a balance of sweet and salty notes from the caramel sauce. The pecans add texture contrasting the softness. The classic cinnamon and apple pairing is complemented by the buttery caramel glaze, making these cinnamon rolls a cozy, flavorful baked good.
Serve warm to enjoy the gooey caramel and soft dough best. They work well for a weekend brunch or as a dessert. The recipe suggests using Granny Smith apples for tartness to contrast the sweetness and recommends chilling cooked apples before spreading to prevent sogginess.
If store-bought caramel is preferred, it saves preparation time and still provides a luscious topping. The rolls can be prepared ahead to allow dough rising times and then baked fresh when desired.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast or rapid-rise yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup milk whole
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup pecans (optional)
Filling:
- 1/2 cup butter (divided)
- 2 cups apple such as Granny Smith, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar or golden brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 Tablespoons flour
- 1 to 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the sugar, butter, water, and milk. Microwave in 20-second intervals until the mixture reaches 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit (very warm to the touch). Be careful it is warm!
- In a large bowl, stir together flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually stir the liquid mixture and egg into the flour mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, if using a Bosch or KitchenAid, mix on the lowest setting for about 4 minutes. If you are making these by hand, knead on a light-floured surface for at least 5 minutes. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and allow it to rest for 10 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 Tablespoon of Butter. Add apples and cook for about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and place in a bowl and cool in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Filling:
- In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add remaining 7 Tablespoons of softened butter and mix together.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 16 x 9-inch rectangle. Evenly spread the filling over the dough. Sprinkle the diced apples all over the filling. Tightly roll the dough into a 16-inch long log. Cut into 12 pieces.
- Place the rolls on a lightly greased 9 x 13 baking pan, spaced out about 1/2 inch apart, 3 rolls per row. Loosely cover the rolls with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and allow to rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
- Bake the rolls for 14 to 16 minutes, or until a light golden color.
Caramel Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat the sugar and water over medium-low heat. Allow the sugar to dissolve without stirring. Increase the heat and bring to a boil, allowing the sugar to caramelize without stirring to a warm amber color, about 5-7 minutes, between 320-350 degrees.
- Remove the sugar from the heat. Slowly and carefully whisk in the heavy cream. The mixture will bubble so be extra careful. Whisk in the butter and salt. Allow the caramel to cool at room temperature.
- Drizzle the rolls with caramel sauce and top with chopped pecans, if so desired.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples peeled and diced for a balanced tart flavor that complements the sweet caramel.
- Cook the apples before adding to the filling and chill them to prevent making the dough soggy.
- Pecans are optional but add a nice crunch to the rolls.
- Salted caramel sauce can be homemade as described or substituted with a quality store-bought caramel for convenience.
- Ensure the liquid mixture for the dough is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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