Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you love the cozy flavors of fall wrapped up in soft, fluffy dough, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. The combination of sweet caramel, tart Granny Smith apples, and warm cinnamon swirled inside tender cinnamon rolls is truly magical. I love how these rolls not only fill your kitchen with that irresistible aroma but also bring everyone running to the table in no time.

What makes this Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe special to me is how it marries classic comfort with a delightful twist—using caramel sauce both inside the filling and drizzled on top. It’s perfect for weekend breakfasts, holiday brunches, or whenever you need a meaningful sweet treat to brighten your day. Plus, once you get the hang of making the dough, you’ll find it surprisingly easy and rewarding!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are simple pantry staples with a special touch of fresh apple and luscious caramel sauce. Using Granny Smith apples really adds a nice tartness balanced by the soft, sweet cinnamon sugar filling.

• Milk: 2% works great for a rich but not too heavy dough.
• Butter: Softened butter inside and melted butter for the dough gives these rolls their tender crumb.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough; you may need just a bit more or less depending on humidity.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and filling just right.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Instant yeast: Makes rising quick and easy without the fuss.
• Egg: Adds structure and richness to the dough.
• Brown sugar: Combined with cinnamon, it creates that classic cinnamon roll filling flavor.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice for warm, cozy notes.
• Granny Smith apple: Finely chopped for just the right balance of tartness and texture.
• Caramel sauce: The “secret weapon” that transforms these from ordinary to spectacular.
• Optional chopped toasted nuts: Adds a bit of crunch and nuttiness on top if you like that extra texture.

Variations

I love how flexible this Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is! You’ve got plenty of room to make it your own—whether that’s with nut mixes, apple varieties, or even swapping caramel for a maple glaze.

• Swap Apples: I’ve tried using honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter roll; they work beautifully if you prefer less tartness.
• Add Nuts: My family goes crazy when I sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top—they add a perfect crunch.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk and vegan butter for a plant-based twist that still tastes amazing.
• Spice It Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mix for extra warmth.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Warm the Milk & Butter

Start by combining your milk and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for one minute, then stir. Keep heating in short 20-second bursts until the butter is melted and the milk feels warm to the touch—but be careful not to make it hot. Let it rest to warm up evenly if needed. Trust me, getting this step right sets a perfect tone for your dough to rise nicely.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

In your mixer bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt, then whisk them together by hand. Add the egg and warm milk-butter mixture, mixing on medium-low speed till just combined. Start adding the remaining flour gradually—about 1/4 cup at a time—until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the bowl. Give it a full 5-minute knead on medium-low if your mixer has that setting, or knead by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rests, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon for a fragrant filling that’s bursting with warmth. Chop that Granny Smith apple finely—this helps it meld into the filling and cook just right during baking. Softened butter will help bind everything when it’s spread on the dough.

Step 4: Roll Out and Assemble

Turn your dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to a neat rectangle, about 14 by 9 inches. I’ve learned that using a pizza cutter helps to trim edges evenly if you want a uniform look—though this is totally optional! Spread softened butter evenly across the dough, then sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mix all over, scatter the chopped apples, and drizzle the caramel sauce across the surface. This layered treatment creates those rich pockets of flavor we’re after.

Step 5: Roll and Cut

Start at the long edge (14-inch side) and roll your dough tightly into a log. Pinch the final seam to seal the roll so it won’t unravel. Here’s a neat trick: use a piece of dental floss to slice the roll into equal sections without squashing the dough. Just slide the floss under where you want to cut, cross over the top, and pull tight for a clean cut! If floss isn’t handy, a sharp knife works fine, but floss really helped me keep my rolls fluffy.

Step 6: Rise and Bake

Place the cinnamon rolls into a greased pie plate or a rectangular baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each one. Cover with a damp towel and let them rise in a warm spot for about 25 minutes—warm enough to encourage rising, but not so hot they get mushy. My go-to trick is to turn on the oven at 200°F, turn it off quickly, then pop the covered rolls in with the oven door cracked. When risen, bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool slightly before the final caramel drizzle.

Once out of the oven, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top, and sprinkle on chopped toasted nuts if you like. Serve warm for the best gooey, melty experience.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish mine with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce and a scattering of toasted pecans. The nuts add a lovely crunch, and the caramel deepens the flavor. Sometimes, I dust a tiny bit of powdered sugar over the top just for a pretty finish, especially if I’m serving guests.

Side Dishes

For a full brunch vibe, I like pairing these rolls with a crisp green apple salad or a simple side of scrambled eggs. A hot cup of coffee or chai tea complements the sweetness perfectly. If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the warm rolls turns it into dessert heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I’ve shaped the rolls into a wreath for holiday gatherings—just arrange them in a circle on a round baking pan before the final rise. Adding a few fresh mint leaves or edible flowers around the platter makes for an eye-catching centerpiece. Individual serving-sized rolls baked in mini muffin tins also make adorable grab-and-go treats for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover caramel apple cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If I want to stretch it, I’ll refrigerate them wrapped tightly—just bring them to room temp before reheating so they soften back up nicely without drying out.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! Simply wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. When you want one, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then warm gently in the oven or microwave. I’ve found freezing before the second rise also works if you want to prep in advance.

Reheating

To reheat, I wrap a cinnamon roll in foil and warm it in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes—this keeps it moist and melty. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 20-second zap in the microwave with a damp paper towel over it does the trick, but the oven method brings back that just-baked magic.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it transforms simple ingredients into a comforting treat that’s perfect for sharing. I remember the first time I baked these—I couldn’t believe how well the flavors came together and how soft the rolls turned out. Now, it’s become a go-to when I want to impress friends or just treat my family to something sweet and homemade. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every warm, gooey bite as much as we do!

Print