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Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.1 from 4 reviews

These Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, filled with crisp Granny Smith apples, toasted pecans, and a generous swirl of cinnamon brown sugar. Topped with luscious caramel sauce, they’re perfect for a cozy breakfast or an indulgent dessert.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons melted salted butter (or ghee)
  • ¾ cup milk (dairy, almond, or preferred milk)
  • ¼ cup water
  • 3¼ - 3¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
  • 2 tablespoons powdered milk
  • 1 egg (room temperature)

Filling Ingredients

  • ⅔ cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 5 teaspoons cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 5 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
  • 1 large Granny Smith apple (cored and chopped)
  • ¼ cup toasted chopped pecans (optional)

Topping

  • ¾ cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

  1. Warm Liquid Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the milk and water for 30-45 seconds until it reaches about 105-108ºF. Let cool if too hot. Add the melted cooled butter to the warm mixture.
  2. Prepare Dough: In the bowl of an electric mixer equipped with a dough hook, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, salt, powdered milk, and yeast. Mix briefly to combine, then add the warm milk mixture and egg. Beat on medium-low speed for about 5 minutes. Add additional flour, ¼ cup at a time, if the dough is sticky until it forms a ball. Continue kneading on medium speed for another 5 minutes. Remove the dough, spray with oil, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Make Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
  4. Assemble Rolls: Turn dough onto a floured surface and roll into a 14x10 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly on the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over it, then top with chopped apples and pecans. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the filling. Roll tightly, pinch ends, and cut into 12 even slices. Place rolls in a greased or parchment-lined 13x9 inch baking pan.
  5. Allow to Rise: Cover loosely with a towel and let the rolls rise in a warm, dark place for 20-35 minutes. A trick is to heat the oven to 200ºF, turn it off, and place the pan inside to aid rising.
  6. Bake: Remove the pan from the oven. Preheat oven to 350ºF with rack in center. Bake the rolls for 16-22 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
  7. Finish and Serve: Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the warm rolls and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use room temperature egg to help with dough consistency.
  • Adjust flour quantity as needed depending on humidity and flour brand; dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
  • Letting the dough rest after initial mixing improves texture and gluten development.
  • To speed up rising, use the warm oven method as described.
  • For a vegan version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg, and ensure caramel sauce is dairy-free.
  • Optional pecans add a nice crunch but can be omitted or substituted with walnuts.
  • Homemade caramel sauce can be used for a more personalized flavor.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/caramel-apple-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/