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Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Delicious Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls for Cozy Mornings

Enjoy the perfect harmony of fall flavors with these Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls that are ideal for breakfast or dessert.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 34 minutes
Rising Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 44 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Rolls
  • 4 pieces Large Honeycrisp Apples Substitution: Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Pink Lady for similar results.
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Use room temperature butter for spreading.
  • 1 1/2 cups Light Brown Sugar Substitution: Dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon No direct substitution, but can reduce to 3/4 tsp if desired.
  • 1/4 tsp Fine Salt Keep as is for best results.
  • 1/4 cup Water No substitution necessary.
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch Substitution: All-purpose flour, but use double the amount.
  • 4 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour Substitution: Bread flour for a chewier texture.
  • 4 1/2 tsp Instant Dry Yeast Substitution: Active dry yeast with pre-activation in water.
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Substitution: Almond milk for a dairy-free version.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Substitution: Coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
For the Caramel
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar for Caramel Use light brown sugar for a richer flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Heavy Whipping Cream Substitution: Half-and-half, but results will be thinner.
For the Icing
  • 1/4 cup Cream Cheese Substitution: Greek yogurt for lower fat content.
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract Use vanilla bean paste or omit if unavailable.

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • mixing bowl
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking Pan
  • whisk
  • Thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Peel and dice the large Honeycrisp apples, then melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the diced apples, 1 1/2 cups of light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until the mixture is bubbling. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the apple mixture to thicken. Cool the filling completely.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 4 1/2 teaspoons of instant dry yeast, and 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt. In a small saucepan, warm 1 cup of whole milk, 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until just warm (about 110°F), being careful not to boil. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft, tacky dough forms, then let it rest for 10–20 minutes.
  3. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangular shape, approximately 16x24 inches. Spread the remaining 1/2 cup of softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a little space around the edges. Spread the cooled caramel apple filling generously on top. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into 12 equal pieces. Place these cinnamon rolls in a greased baking pan, ensuring they fit snugly.
  4. Cover the baking pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the cinnamon rolls rise in a warm, turned-off oven for about 30 minutes. During this time, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have puffed up significantly, bake them for 28–34 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the center is fully cooked.
  5. To prepare the caramel sauce, heat 1 cup of granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until it melts and turns amber in color. Carefully whisk in 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream and 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter until smooth. For the icing, combine 1/4 cup of cream cheese, 1/4 cup of softened butter, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and a cup of powdered sugar in a bowl, blending until creamy and smooth.
  6. Once the caramel apple cinnamon rolls have cooled slightly in the pan, drizzle the creamy icing generously over the top. Pour any remaining caramel sauce atop the rolls for that extra gooey goodness. Serve warm for the ultimate experience.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Allow the apple filling to cool completely before spreading it on the dough. Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. Let the rolls rise properly for a fluffy texture.

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