Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup milk, warmed - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 apple, peeled and finely diced (preferably Granny Smith) - 1 tablespoon cinnamon - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing) - 1 tablespoon milk (for icing) To make caramel apple cinnamon rolls, you need a few key ingredients. First, flour gives the rolls structure. Sugar adds sweetness to the dough and the filling. Yeast helps the dough rise, creating a light texture. Salt balances the flavors. Warmed milk and melted butter make the dough rich and soft. The egg adds moisture and helps bind the dough. Vanilla extract gives a lovely aroma. The diced apple brings a fresh taste and a bit of crunch. Cinnamon and brown sugar create a warm, comforting flavor. Caramel sauce is the star, bringing sweetness and gooeyness. Finally, powdered sugar and milk combine for a sweet icing that ties everything together. You can use these ingredients to create a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the fun of baking these rolls, and your home will smell amazing! - In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons of yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir until everything blends well. - In a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup of warmed milk, 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. - Gradually add the wet mix to the dry mix. Stir until you have a dough. - Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. It should feel smooth and elastic. - Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. It should double in size. - After it rises, punch down the dough. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 12x8 inches. - Evenly spread 1 diced apple, a sprinkle of 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar over the dough. - Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Cut it into 8 equal pieces using a sharp knife. - Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 30 minutes. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drizzle some caramel sauce over the rolls. - Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. - While they bake, mix 1/2 cup of powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk for icing. - Once baked, let the rolls cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle the icing over them. To create the best dough, knead it well. Kneading helps develop gluten, which gives the rolls their soft texture. Use your palms to push the dough away, then fold it back. Repeat this for about 5 minutes. The dough should feel smooth and elastic when done. For rising, find a warm spot. A cozy kitchen or a sunny window works well. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel. This keeps the warmth in and helps the dough rise. It should double in size in about 1 hour. If your dough does not rise, the yeast may be old. Choosing the right apples is key. I prefer Granny Smith apples. They are tart and balance the sweetness of the caramel. Make sure to peel and dice them finely for even distribution. You can also mix in chopped nuts or raisins for added flavor. Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. Raisins give a sweet burst in each bite. Serve these rolls warm to enjoy their gooey goodness. They are best right out of the oven. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for a special treat. Pair these rolls with a warm drink. Hot cider or coffee complements the flavors perfectly. You can also enjoy them with milk for a cozy breakfast. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavor of these caramel apple cinnamon rolls easily. A pumpkin spice version is perfect for fall. Simply add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to your filling. This will give your rolls a warm, cozy flavor. Another fun twist is a chocolate caramel version. Add chocolate chips to your roll filling. You can mix them in with the apples and cinnamon. This will create a rich, decadent treat that combines sweet caramel and chocolate. If you need a gluten-free option, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. These blends are made to replace regular flour cup for cup. They work well in this recipe. Just make sure to check that the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture. To make this recipe vegan, swap out a few ingredients. Use plant-based milk instead of regular milk. Replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. For the egg, use a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. These changes will keep your rolls delicious and friendly for a vegan diet. To store leftovers, let the rolls cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This will avoid drying out. Store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can freeze these rolls both before and after baking. To freeze before baking, shape the rolls and place them in a greased dish. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, let them thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, let them rise for 30 minutes before baking. To freeze after baking, let the rolls cool completely. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them well. For the best warm rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat for about 20-30 seconds. Just make sure to check often, so they don’t get too hot. Enjoy them warm for the best taste! How do I know when the dough has risen enough? You will know the dough has risen enough when it doubles in size. It should feel light and airy. A good test is to gently poke the dough. If it springs back slowly, it's ready. Can I use other types of apples? Yes, you can use other apples. I suggest using tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji. They add a nice flavor and balance the sweetness of the caramel. What can I substitute for caramel sauce? If you don’t have caramel sauce, you can use butterscotch sauce or even a mix of brown sugar and butter. Melt them together for a quick alternative. How to adjust for different servings? To adjust for servings, you can easily double or halve the recipe. Just make sure to use the right size baking dish. If you change the number of rolls, adjust the baking time slightly. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can make these ahead of time. Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then cover and chill in the fridge overnight. In the morning, let them rise at room temperature before baking. What to do if the rolls are too dry? If the rolls are too dry, they may have baked too long. To fix this, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over them after baking. It adds moisture and flavor. Fixing overly sticky dough If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour while kneading. Make sure not to add too much, though; a bit of stickiness is normal. It should be soft but manageable. You now know all the steps to make delicious apple cinnamon rolls. We discussed the ingredients you need, from flour to caramel sauce. I walked you through the dough making, rising, and baking processes. Plus, I shared tips and variations to enhance your rolls. With these skills, you can impress friends and family. Enjoy your baking adventure and don’t hesitate to make it your own.$

Indulge in the delightful taste of Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls with this easy recipe! Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat, these rolls are packed with juicy apples, warm cinnamon, and drizzled with luscious caramel. Discover the step-by-step instructions to create this gooey delight that will impress your family and friends. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking game!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup milk, warmed

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 apple, peeled and finely diced (preferably Granny Smith)

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing)

1 tablespoon milk (for icing)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.

In a separate bowl, combine the warmed milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (approximately 1 hour).

Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 12x8 inches).

Spread the diced apple evenly over the dough, followed by a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar.

Roll the dough tightly from the long end into a log. Cut into 8 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). While the rolls are rising, prepare the caramel sauce.

Once the rolls have risen, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top of the rolls and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by whisking the powdered sugar with the milk until smooth.

Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for 5 minutes, then drizzle the icing over them.

Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, delicious flavors of caramel, apple, and cinnamon!

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours | Servings: 8