Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Few things capture the warmth and comfort of fall quite like the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls — except, perhaps, when they’re paired with the sweet, buttery flavor of caramel and the tender bite of apples. Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls combine everything we love about cozy baking into one indulgent treat. Perfect for a crisp autumn morning, a special holiday brunch, or simply to bring the family together on a weekend, these rolls feel like a warm hug in edible form.

Inspired by the nostalgic taste of caramel apples at fall fairs and the classic homemade cinnamon roll, this recipe merges two timeless favorites into one irresistible dessert. Each fluffy roll is swirled with spiced brown sugar, apple pieces, and rich caramel sauce, then finished with a smooth caramel glaze that drips down every golden layer. These rolls don’t just satisfy your sweet tooth — they fill your kitchen with a comforting scent that feels like home.

---

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

For the Apple Filling

• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker filling)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Layer

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Caramel Sauce

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Caramel Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 3 tablespoons caramel sauce (from above)

• 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency

---

Directions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, warm the milk until it’s just slightly warmer than room temperature (around 110°F). Stir in the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, until it becomes foamy and bubbly — a sign that the yeast is alive and ready to work. This step is crucial for achieving light, fluffy rolls.

2. Make the Dough

Add the softened butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined. Gradually add in the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough begins to form. Once it starts pulling away from the sides of the bowl, transfer it onto a floured surface and knead for about 6–8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

3. Prepare the Apple Filling

While the dough rises, prepare the apple filling. In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the mixture thickens slightly. If it’s too runny, stir in the cornstarch to thicken. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.

4. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Layer

In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until you have a smooth paste. This will form the gooey cinnamon swirl inside each roll.

5. Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, roughly 16×20 inches. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the surface, then spoon the cooled apple filling across the top. Drizzle a few tablespoons of caramel sauce over the apples for an extra sweet touch.

6. Roll and Slice

Starting with the long side of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Place each roll into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them for rising.

7. Second Rise

Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rest for another 30–45 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up and nearly doubled in size again.

8. Bake the Rolls

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown on top. If they’re browning too quickly, cover them loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.

9. Make the Caramel Sauce

While the rolls bake, prepare the caramel sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Stir constantly until the mixture starts to bubble. Add the heavy cream and salt, then simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let cool slightly before using.

10. Glaze and Serve

Once the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle them generously with warm caramel sauce. Let them cool for about 10 minutes, then whisk together the powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and milk to create a smooth glaze. Pour or drizzle it over the rolls for the perfect finishing touch. Serve warm and enjoy each gooey, apple-filled bite.

---

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1½ hours rising)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2½ hours
Yield: 12 rolls

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls are the epitome of fall comfort. They’re the kind of baked good that draws people to the kitchen — the scent of caramel, cinnamon, and apples filling the air. Here’s why they’re a must-try:

• Soft and pillowy texture: The homemade dough rises to fluffy perfection, creating that tender, bakery-style bite.

• Caramel apple filling: Sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples melt right into the buttery dough layers, creating an irresistible swirl of flavor.

• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the rolls the night before and bake them fresh in the morning.

• Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or cozy weekend breakfasts.

• Better than bakery rolls: Homemade caramel sauce and fresh apples make these taste far more decadent than store-bought.

---

Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

1. Choose the right apples: Use firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp — they hold their shape and balance the sweetness.

2. Don’t skip the second rise: It ensures your rolls stay light and fluffy rather than dense.

3. Use room temperature ingredients: Cold butter or milk can prevent the yeast from activating properly.

4. Cut evenly: Use dental floss to slice rolls cleanly without flattening them.

5. Double the caramel: If you love extra sauce, make a double batch of caramel — you won’t regret it.

6. Reheat with moisture: When reheating, add a damp paper towel over the rolls and microwave for 20 seconds to keep them soft.

---

Variations to Try

• Salted Caramel Apple Rolls: Sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top of the caramel glaze for a sweet-salty contrast.

• Apple Pecan Cinnamon Rolls: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans to the apple filling for a nutty crunch.

• Cream Cheese Glaze: Swap the caramel glaze for a classic cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.

• Mini Rolls: Slice the dough thinner and bake in a muffin tin for bite-sized treats.

• Overnight Rolls: Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.

---

Serving Suggestions

These Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls are versatile enough to serve any time of day:

• Breakfast or Brunch: Pair with a hot cup of coffee, apple cider, or a creamy latte for a cozy morning.

• Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent after-dinner treat.

• Holiday Spread: Add them to your Thanksgiving or Christmas breakfast table — they’ll be the first to disappear.

• Gifting Idea: Wrap a batch in parchment and twine for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays.

---

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days, reheating gently before serving.

• Freezer: Freeze unglazed rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before adding glaze.

• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the rolls through Step 6, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them rise at room temperature for about 45 minutes before baking.

---

Bringing It All Together

There’s something deeply satisfying about baking from scratch — watching the dough rise, smelling the caramel as it thickens, and seeing those golden rolls emerge from the oven. These Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. The combination of spiced apples, rich caramel, and soft, buttery bread captures everything we love about homemade baking.

Whether you’re serving them at a family brunch, a holiday breakfast, or simply as a treat to make a weekday morning feel special, these rolls never fail to impress. Once you’ve tried them warm from the oven — with the caramel glaze melting into every swirl — you’ll understand why they’re destined to become a family favorite for years to come.

Common Questions

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, you can substitute with pre-made cinnamon roll dough for convenience. However, the homemade dough provides a softer, more flavorful texture.

What kind of apples work best?

Granny Smith apples are perfect because they stay firm and add a tart balance to the sweet caramel. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples also work beautifully if you prefer a sweeter taste.

Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?

Absolutely. You can mix and knead the dough by hand; it just takes a bit more effort. The key is to knead long enough for the dough to become smooth and elastic.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes! Swap the butter for vegan margarine, milk for plant-based milk, and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream for the caramel sauce.

Print