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- 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast - ½ cup milk, warmed - ¼ cup granulated sugar - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon salt - 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - ½ cup brown sugar - 2 teaspoons cinnamon - ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened - ½ cup brown sugar - ¼ cup unsalted butter - ¼ cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2 tablespoons milk - Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) The best caramel apple cinnamon rolls start with fresh ingredients. First, we need the dough. This dough is soft and fluffy. It needs flour, yeast, and milk. The butter and eggs give it richness. Next, we prepare the filling, which makes these rolls special. Apples add a nice crunch. Toss them with lemon juice to keep them fresh. The brown sugar and cinnamon make it sweet and warm. The caramel sauce is the star. It’s smooth and sweet. We mix brown sugar, butter, and cream in a pan. This sauce will soak into the rolls. For the topping, we use powdered sugar and milk. This drizzle adds a nice finish. If you want more crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top. Each part plays a role in making these rolls a treat. With these ingredients, you can create a dessert that everyone loves. Start by mixing warmed milk, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let it sit for five minutes. This helps the yeast activate. Then, whisk in melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about five to seven minutes. The dough should be smooth and soft. Place it in an oiled bowl and cover it. Let it rise in a warm spot for one hour or until it doubles in size. While your dough rises, prepare the filling. Peel and dice two medium apples. Granny Smith apples work best for this. Toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. This mix will add flavor and sweetness to your rolls. Set the filling aside to let the flavors meld. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 16x12 inches. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough. Next, sprinkle the apple mixture evenly across the dough, covering it well. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into twelve equal rolls. Be sure to cut gently to keep the filling inside. To make the caramel sauce, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. Remove it from the heat and stir in vanilla extract for extra flavor. This sauce will add a rich sweetness to your rolls. Pour half of the caramel sauce into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Place the sliced rolls in the pan, spacing them evenly. Pour the remaining caramel sauce over the rolls. Cover the pan and let it rise for another thirty minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Once the rolls are out of the oven, it’s time for the topping. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle this mix over the warm cinnamon rolls. If you like, add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a nice crunch. Enjoy your delicious caramel apple cinnamon rolls! To get great dough, keep it warm. Yeast loves warmth. I find a cozy spot in the kitchen works best. Let the dough sit for about an hour. It should double in size. If your kitchen is cold, turn on the oven for a few minutes. Then, turn it off and place the dough inside. This trick helps the dough rise well. For the best flavor, use Granny Smith apples. They are tart and hold their shape well. If you want sweeter rolls, try Fuji or Honeycrisp apples. Just remember to peel and dice them. The lemon juice helps keep them fresh and bright. Store leftover rolls in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, wrap them well and freeze. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. They will taste fresh-baked! Serve these rolls warm for a cozy treat. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for more sweetness. Add whipped cream for a fun dessert. You can also sprinkle nuts for a nice crunch. Enjoy them with coffee or hot cider for a perfect match. {{image_2}} You can switch up the apples for other fruits. Pears add a soft, sweet taste. Cherries give a nice tartness. You can even use berries for a pop of color. Just make sure to adjust the sugar based on the fruit's sweetness. Chopped nuts add a great crunch. Pecans or walnuts work well here. They provide texture and taste. Just sprinkle them on top of the rolls before baking. You can even toss them in the filling for added flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour. Look for a blend that works cup-for-cup with regular flour. Follow the same steps for making the dough. It won’t rise as much, but it will still taste great. Spices can really change the game. Try adding nutmeg or ginger to the filling. A pinch of allspice can also enhance the flavor. Don't be afraid to experiment with what you love. To store leftover caramel apple cinnamon rolls, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This will keep them fresh for about 2-3 days. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep them at room temperature for the best taste. Freezing is an excellent way to save your rolls for later. Once the rolls are completely cool, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheating your cinnamon rolls is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them warm and soft. You can also use a microwave. Just heat one roll at a time for 15-20 seconds. Enjoy them fresh and gooey! Yes, you can make these rolls ahead of time. After you prepare the rolls, let them rise in the baking pan. Then, cover them tightly and chill in the fridge overnight. The next day, take them out and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This makes your morning easy and tasty! Absolutely! You can swap the apples for pears or berries if you like. Use almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option. You can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier dough. Just remember, changes may alter the taste and texture a bit. To check if the rolls are done, look for a golden brown color on top. You can also poke one in the middle with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they are ready. The rolls should feel soft and spring back when you touch them gently. If your dough isn’t rising, it might be due to cold temperature or old yeast. Check that your yeast is fresh and active. Make sure the warm milk isn’t too hot; it can kill the yeast. If needed, place the dough in a warm spot, like near an oven or on a sunny windowsill. Give it time, and be patient! In this post, we covered how to make delicious caramel apple cinnamon rolls. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for success. Exploring variations and storage methods can help you customize your rolls even more. Remember, baking is fun. Don't be afraid to get creative and make these rolls your own. Enjoy sharing these tasty treats with family or friends. Happy baking!

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls that are perfect for any occasion! This easy recipe guides you through making soft dough, a cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a rich caramel sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Ideal for breakfast or dessert, these rolls are a treat for everyone. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring this deliciousness to your kitchen today!
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Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

½ cup milk, warmed

¼ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

2 medium apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

½ cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Caramel Sauce:

½ cup brown sugar

¼ cup unsalted butter

¼ cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk

Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions
 

Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warmed milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until frothy.

    Whisk in the melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms.

      Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place it in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

        Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.

          Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle (approximately 16x12 inches). Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.

            Add the Filling: Sprinkle the apple mixture evenly over the dough. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls.

              Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir until sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

                Assemble and Bake: Pour half of the caramel sauce into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Arrange the sliced rolls in the pan, then pour the remaining caramel sauce over the top. Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.

                  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

                    Make the Drizzle: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls once they are out of the oven.

                      Optional: Top with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.

                        Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours (including rising) | Servings: 12 rolls