Easy Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something absolutely magical about the aroma of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. That sweet, spicy scent wafting through the kitchen is enough to bring the whole family running. But today, I’m taking classic cinnamon rolls to a whole new level with these Easy Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls. They combine the comfort of traditional cinnamon rolls with the irresistible flavors of caramel apples – a match made in autumn heaven!

I discovered this recipe by accident one fall weekend when I had a surplus of apples from our apple-picking adventure. Looking for something beyond the usual apple pie, I decided to incorporate them into my weekend cinnamon roll tradition. The result was so spectacular that it’s now become our family’s most requested breakfast treat from September through November.

These rolls feature pillowy soft dough wrapped around a cinnamon-sugar filling that’s studded with tender spiced apples. But the crowning glory is the rich, buttery caramel sauce that gets drizzled over the top, creating pools of sweet goodness in every bite. Trust me, these aren’t your ordinary cinnamon rolls!

The best part? Despite their impressive appearance and complex flavors, these Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls are surprisingly easy to make. I’ve simplified the process so you can enjoy homemade rolls without spending your entire day in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a special brunch, planning a holiday breakfast, or simply treating yourself on a cozy weekend morning, these rolls are guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 medium-sized apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn work best)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

For the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:

• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
2. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F (slightly warm to the touch, not hot).
3. Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the warm milk and whisk to combine.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with the dough hook on low speed until combined.
5. Gradually add the remaining cup of flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. You might not need all the flour.
6. Increase the speed to medium and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
7. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a large, lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
8. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

I find that turning the oven on for about 1 minute, then turning it off and placing the dough inside (with the door closed) creates the perfect warm environment for rising, especially during colder months.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

While the dough is rising, let’s prepare the apple filling:

1. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small 1/4-inch pieces.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir to combine.
4. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the apples begin to soften but still maintain some firmness.
5. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
6. Pour the slurry into the apple mixture and stir continuously as the mixture thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

The apple filling should be thick and not too runny, which prevents it from leaking out of the rolls during baking. If your mixture seems too wet, cook it a bit longer to evaporate excess moisture.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough and Add Fillings

1. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release air bubbles.
2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle approximately 18×14 inches.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the cinnamon sugar mixture.
4. Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border along the top edge.
5. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the butter.
6. Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the cinnamon sugar layer.

A pastry brush works perfectly for spreading the butter evenly. Make sure your butter is very soft but not melted – I sometimes leave it out overnight to reach the perfect consistency.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Starting from the long edge closest to you, tightly roll the dough away from you into a log, pinching the seam to seal.
2. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces (about 1.5 inches each).
3. Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving some space between each roll.
4. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are on their second rise.

Here’s my secret for perfectly even cinnamon rolls: I use dental floss instead of a knife! Simply slide the floss under the roll, cross it over the top, and pull – you’ll get clean cuts without squishing the rolls.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

1. Once the rolls have completed their second rise, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. If the rolls are browning too quickly, tent them with aluminum foil halfway through baking.

You’ll know the rolls are done when they’re golden on top and when you tap them, they sound hollow. The internal temperature should register around 190°F if you have a food thermometer.

Step 6: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

While the rolls are baking, prepare the caramel sauce:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and salt.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly.
3. Once simmering, continue to cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. Let the sauce cool slightly before using – it will continue to thicken as it cools.

The key to perfect caramel sauce is patience and constant whisking. Don’t rush the process by turning up the heat – this can lead to a grainy or burnt sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. When the rolls come out of the oven, immediately pour about half of the caramel sauce over them, reserving the rest for serving.
2. Allow the rolls to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
3. Serve warm with extra caramel sauce drizzled on top.

Make-Ahead Options

One of the things I love about these Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls is that they can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for busy mornings or holiday breakfasts. Here are some make-ahead options:

Overnight Method

1. Follow the recipe through placing the cut rolls in the baking dish.
2. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (up to 12 hours).
3. In the morning, remove from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking.
4. Bake as directed in the recipe.

Freezer Method

1. Follow the recipe through placing the cut rolls in the baking dish.
2. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
3. Freeze for up to 1 month.
4. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
5. Let stand at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, then bake as directed.

The caramel sauce can also be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Gently reheat before using.

Nutrition Information

*Nutrition information based on one roll with caramel sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

While these Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls are absolutely perfect as is, I’ve experimented with several variations over the years. Here are some of my favorites:

Apple Varieties

Different apple varieties will provide different flavor profiles:

• Granny Smith: Tart and firm, creates a nice contrast with the sweet caramel
• Honeycrisp: Sweet-tart balance with a crisp texture
• Braeburn: Spicy-sweet flavor that complements the cinnamon
• Pink Lady: Sweet-tart balance that holds up well to baking

Dairy-Free Option

• Replace butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute
• Substitute milk with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk
• For the caramel sauce, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream

Gluten-Free Option

• Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour
• Add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it
• Note that gluten-free rolls may not rise as high, but will still be delicious

Spice Variations

• Add 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom for a Swedish-inspired twist
• Include 1/4 teaspoon of ginger for a spicier roll
• Add a pinch of black pepper for a surprising depth of flavor

Nuts and Extras

• Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling
• Sprinkle 1/4 cup of raisins or dried cranberries along with the apple filling
• Include 2 tablespoons of orange zest in the dough for a citrusy twist

Serving Suggestions

These Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a meal in themselves, but here are some serving suggestions to make your breakfast or brunch complete:

• Fresh fruit platter with seasonal berries and sliced citrus
• Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a sweet-savory contrast
• Scrambled eggs for added protein
• Yogurt parfaits with granola and fresh fruit
• Hot apple cider or spiced tea
• Rich coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness
• Freshly squeezed orange juice

For special occasions, set up a cinnamon roll bar with different toppings like chopped nuts, additional caramel sauce, whipped cream, or even a cream cheese drizzle.

Troubleshooting Tips

Even with a straightforward recipe, things can sometimes go awry. Here are solutions to common issues:

Storage and Reheating Instructions

These rolls are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but if you have leftovers:

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze baked and cooled rolls for up to 3 months.

To reheat:

• Individual roll in microwave: 20-30 seconds on medium power
• Multiple rolls in oven: Cover with foil and heat at 300°F for 10-15 minutes
• From frozen: Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then reheat as above

Store any leftover caramel sauce in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It makes a fantastic ice cream topping or dip for fresh apple slices!

Why This Recipe Works

I’ve made these Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls dozens of times, and here’s why this recipe consistently produces amazing results:

1. Pre-cooking the apples ensures they’re tender but not mushy, and prevents excess moisture from making the rolls soggy.
2. The cornstarch slurry thickens the apple filling, keeping it in place during rolling and baking.
3. Using both butter and eggs in the dough creates a rich, tender texture that stays soft even when stored.
4. The brown sugar in both the filling and caramel sauce adds depth with its molasses notes.
5. Allowing two rises develops complex flavor and ensures light, fluffy rolls.
6. Pouring warm caramel sauce over hot rolls allows some to soak in while leaving pools of sauce on top.

The combination of these techniques results in rolls that are decadent without being overly complicated to make.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of making my own? Yes, you can use canned apple pie filling as a shortcut. Drain excess liquid and chop the apples smaller if they’re in large slices. You’ll need about 2 cups of filling.

Can I make these without a stand mixer? Absolutely! You can mix the dough by hand with a wooden spoon and then knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Why did my caramel sauce crystallize? Crystallization usually happens when sugar crystals form on the side of the pan. To prevent this, don’t stir the mixture once it begins to boil and use a wet pastry brush to wash down any crystals on the sides of the pan.

Can I add cream cheese frosting instead of caramel sauce? Yes! A cream cheese frosting is a delicious alternative. Blend 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.

My dough feels too sticky. What should I do? Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough is manageable. Remember that the dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not so sticky that it coats your fingers.

Can I halve this recipe? Yes, you can halve all ingredients and bake in an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan. The baking time will be slightly shorter, so start checking around 20 minutes.

What’s the best way to cut the rolls evenly? I mark the log with a knife first – finding the middle, then dividing each half into 6 equal pieces. Dental floss gives the cleanest cuts, but a sharp serrated knife works well too.

Why are my rolls dense instead of fluffy? Dense rolls can result from not allowing enough rising time, using too much flour, or from the dough being too cold. Make sure your dough doubles in size during both rises.

Final Thoughts

These Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls have become a cornerstone recipe in my household. There’s something so comforting about the combination of tender apples, warm cinnamon, and buttery caramel that makes these rolls special enough for holidays but easy enough for weekend mornings.

What I love most about baking these rolls is how the house fills with an irresistible aroma that brings everyone to the kitchen. It’s not just about the delicious end result – it’s about the experience of creating something with your hands that nurtures those you love.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying homemade cinnamon rolls for the first time, this recipe is foolproof if you follow the steps carefully. The extra effort of making the apple filling and caramel sauce from scratch elevates these rolls to something truly memorable.

I hope these Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls become a favorite in your home as they have in mine. They’re perfect for creating those cozy weekend memories or starting a new holiday tradition. And remember – there’s nothing quite like the proud feeling of pulling a perfect batch of homemade cinnamon rolls from the oven and watching the delighted faces of those lucky enough to enjoy them!