Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’re ready to bring the ultimate taste of fall into your kitchen, these Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls are simply irresistible. Picture gooey, spiraled buns loaded with warming cinnamon, juicy, tart apples nestled throughout, and a luscious homemade caramel sauce that soaks the rolls in buttery sweetness. They’re soft, pillowy, and perfect for sharing—though fair warning, you might not want to share once you try your first bite! Whether you’re planning a cozy breakfast, a brunch treat, or a dessert showstopper, Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls deliver pure comfort and fun in every swirled, sticky layer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of everyday ingredients can create something so spectacular. Every item on this list has a special role, from the structure of the dough to the creamy caramel sauce that ties everything together. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each one matters:

• All-purpose flour: Forms the backbone of the dough for that soft, classic cinnamon roll texture.
• Instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons or 1 packet): Kicks off the rise so your rolls turn out wonderfully fluffy.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering the caramel and apple filling.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Highlights and balances the sweetness throughout the rolls.
• Warm milk (3/4 cup, 110°F): Helps activate the yeast and keeps the dough soft and rich.
• Unsalted butter (1/4 cup melted for dough; 2 tablespoons softened for filling; 1/2 cup for caramel): Adds rich flavor and an irresistibly tender crumb, plus the caramel’s buttery magic.
• Egg (1 large): Binds the dough and adds extra richness.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup for filling, 1/2 cup for caramel): Provides deep, molasses flavor in both the filling and caramel sauce.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Brings all the warm, fragrant fall vibes right into your rolls.
• Apples (1 ½ cups peeled and finely chopped, best are Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): Adds sweet-tart bursts of fresh flavor and juicy texture.
• Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Creates rich, silky caramel that clings beautifully to the tops of the rolls.
• Pinch of salt: For that necessary balance in your homemade caramel sauce.
• Optional topping: Additional caramel drizzle and chopped pecans: For crunch and extra decadence if you want to go all out!

How to Make Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast. In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and egg, whisking until fully incorporated. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring until a soft dough forms. Transfer to a floured work surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This dough is the foundation of your Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls, giving them that signature fluffy center and delicate golden swirl.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While your dough rises, it’s the perfect time to whip up the magical filling. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Peel and finely chop your apples—choose a variety like Honeycrisp for sweetness or Granny Smith for tartness, or use both! The combination will create bright apple flavor in every bite. Set aside so you’re ready to assemble soon.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter, then add the brown sugar, stirring until fully dissolved. Pour in the heavy cream and add a pinch of salt. Let everything simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened and smells like pure caramel bliss. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly—this homemade caramel will become the star of your Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls both inside and out.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Punch the risen dough down, then roll out onto a floured surface into a 10×15-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar butter evenly all the way to the edges—don’t be shy! Evenly sprinkle the chopped apples over the surface. Starting from one long side, gently roll the dough into a tight log, then slice into 12 even rolls. You’ll see gorgeous swirls of apple and cinnamon just waiting to become golden and gooey in the oven.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in half of your caramel sauce, spreading it across the bottom. This trick ensures every Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll soaks up that sticky sweetness as it bakes. Arrange the rolls, cut side up, into the dish. Cover loosely and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes while your oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). The anticipation builds but is so worth it!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Once the rolls have puffed up and your oven is ready, bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and bubbling with caramel around the edges. The smell alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen! Let the rolls cool just slightly in the pan, so the caramel stays thick and gooey.

Step 7: Finish with Caramel & Pecans

While still warm, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce generously over the tops of the rolls. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with chopped pecans or even a touch more sea salt. Your Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls are now a feast for both your eyes and your taste buds!

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

A generous drizzle of caramel sauce is a dreamy finishing touch, but don’t stop there! Sprinkle on some toasted chopped pecans, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a little sea salt for added flair. The combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy transforms your homemade Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls into bakery-worthy showpieces.

Side Dishes

Serve these rolls as the star attraction at breakfast or brunch alongside fresh seasonal fruit, crisp apple slices, or a simple mixed berry salad. For extra indulgence, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream turns your Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls into dessert heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

For a memorable morning, try serving the rolls warm and gooey straight from the baking dish to evoke that “fresh from grandma’s oven” vibe. If you’re entertaining, arrange them on a pretty platter with extra caramel on the side for dipping. Individual ramekins for single-serve rolls feel special and make breakfast celebrations even more fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls are at their peak warm from the oven, but leftovers are a treat too! Cover any extras tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. This keeps the rolls soft and prevents the caramel from hardening.

Freezing

If you want to save the magic for later, these rolls freeze beautifully. Allow the baked rolls to cool completely, then wrap each one well in plastic wrap and place in a ziptop freezer bag. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Warm leftover Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds per roll, or heat a tray in a 300°F oven, covered in foil, for 10–15 minutes. This brings back their irresistible gooeyness—don’t forget to add a little extra caramel drizzle just before serving!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of homemade?

Yes! If you want to save time, store-bought caramel sauce is a fast and tasty shortcut. Homemade caramel sauce definitely brings more buttery depth, but your Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls will still be delicious with a good quality store-bought version.

What’s the best type Breakfast, Dessert

Both Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples work beautifully. Honeycrisp adds sweetness and juiciness, while Granny Smith brings a tart, bright flavor. You can also mix the two for the best of both worlds!

Can I make Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the rolls up to the second rise, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature while you preheat the oven and bake as directed for fresh, hot rolls with no stress.

How do I keep the rolls soft and gooey after baking?

For maximum softness, avoid overbaking—remove the rolls as soon as they turn golden and the centers are set. Storing them tightly covered adds extra insurance against dryness, and a quick reheat just before serving brings back that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Can I make these rolls nut-free?

Definitely! Just skip the pecan topping. The Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls are just as indulgent and flavorful on their own, with all that rich caramel, sweet apple, and cinnamon magic swirled into every bite.

Final Thoughts

If you love fall baking or just crave something extra special for brunch or dessert, Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls are pure happiness in every swirl. Give them a try—they’re easier to make than you think, and they’re guaranteed to make your kitchen smell (and taste!) like a cozy bakery. Gather your loved ones and dig in—you’ll be making these all season long!

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 14 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the deliciousness of these homemade Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls, perfect for breakfast or dessert. Soft, gooey rolls filled with sweet apples and topped with a decadent caramel sauce.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg

For the filling:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ cups peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)

For the caramel sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• pinch of salt

Optional topping:

• Additional caramel drizzle and chopped pecans

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.

In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.

2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. While the dough rises, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the filling in a small bowl.

Prepare the caramel sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Stir in heavy cream and a pinch of salt.

5. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a 10×15-inch rectangle.

Spread the cinnamon-sugar butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the chopped apples on top.

7. Roll the dough up tightly from the long side and cut into 12 even rolls.
8. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour half of the caramel sauce into the bottom.

Place the rolls on top of the caramel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

9. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Let the rolls cool slightly, then drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce. Top with chopped pecans if desired.

Notes

• These rolls are best served warm.
• To make ahead, assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight before baking the next morning.
• Use store-bought caramel if short on time.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 55mg