Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Glaze: Sweet, Fruity, and Irresistibly Gooey
Autumn flavors come alive in every bite of Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Glaze. Soft, fluffy dough swirled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and finished with a rich, buttery caramel glaze creates a treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Each bite delivers the perfect combination of sweet apples, fragrant cinnamon, and decadent caramel—a dessert that doubles as a luxurious breakfast or brunch centerpiece.
These cinnamon rolls bring the magic of fall into your kitchen without the need for complicated techniques. The apples add a juicy, naturally sweet texture, while the caramel glaze provides a golden, sticky finish that turns ordinary rolls into a show-stopping treat. Whether enjoyed with morning coffee, served at a cozy brunch, or baked for holiday gatherings, these caramel apple cinnamon rolls evoke the comforting flavors and aromas of the season.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these soft, gooey cinnamon rolls with caramel apple filling, including approximate calorie counts.
Ingredients & Calorie Table
| Ingredient | Amount | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 ½ cups | 1590 |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | 390 |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup | 210 |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 0 |
| Instant yeast | 2 ¼ tsp | 21 |
| Warm milk | 1 cup | 120 |
| Unsalted butter | ¼ cup, softened | 400 |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 |
| Apples, peeled and diced | 2 medium | 190 |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 tsp | 12 |
| Caramel sauce (for glaze) | ½ cup | 430 |
| Powdered sugar (for glaze) | ½ cup | 190 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, yeast, eggs, and butter. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. Gradually mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. - First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size. - Prepare the Filling
In a small pan, sauté diced apples with 2 tbsp brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon for 5 minutes until slightly softened. Allow to cool. - Roll the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Brush lightly with melted butter. Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon over the surface, then evenly spread the sautéed apples on top. - Form the Rolls
Starting at the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 even slices and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. - Second Rise
Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy. - Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown. - Make the Caramel Glaze
Whisk together caramel sauce, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls. Serve immediately.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Use Different Apples: Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples add different sweetness and texture.
- Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch.
- Extra Gooey: Drizzle additional caramel sauce after baking for indulgence.
- Spices: Add nutmeg or allspice for a deeper fall flavor.
- Mini Rolls: Make smaller rolls for individual servings; reduce bake time to 18–20 minutes.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Roll)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 330–350 |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm for breakfast or brunch with a cup of coffee or hot cider.
- Make a dessert platter for family gatherings or holiday meals.
- Pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Wrap individual rolls in parchment for easy gifting.
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Glaze: Sweet, Fruity, and Irresistibly Gooey
12 rolls
servings30
minutes25
minutes330-350
kcalIngredients
For the Dough:
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp salt
2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
1 cup warm milk
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
For the Filling:
2 medium apples, peeled and diced
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp brown sugar
For the Caramel Glaze:
½ cup caramel sauce
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Combine warm milk, sugar, yeast, eggs, and butter in a large bowl. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. Gradually mix in flour and salt. Knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–2 hours until doubled.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Sauté diced apples with 2 tbsp brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon for 5 minutes until slightly softened. Let cool.
- Roll the Dough:
- Roll dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Brush lightly with melted butter. Sprinkle remaining brown sugar and cinnamon, then evenly spread the apples.
- Form the Rolls:
- Roll the dough into a log from the long edge. Cut into 12 slices and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Second Rise:
- Cover and let rise 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Make the Glaze:
- Whisk caramel sauce, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls. Serve immediately.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji to ensure they hold their shape while baking.
Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the rolls soft, fluffy, and tender.
For extra flavor and texture, add chopped pecans, walnuts, or toffee bits to the filling.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought dough instead of making my own?
Yes! Pre-made cinnamon roll dough works, but adding your own diced apples and caramel glaze will enhance flavor and freshness.
2. Which apples are best for these cinnamon rolls?
Firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji work best. They hold their shape while baking and complement the cinnamon and caramel perfectly.
3. Can I make the rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare and shape the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next morning for fresh, warm cinnamon rolls.
4. Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
Yes! Freeze the baked rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. For unbaked rolls, freeze after shaping and thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
5. How do I prevent the caramel glaze from being too runny?
Whisk the glaze carefully with powdered sugar and caramel sauce. If too thin, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, add a small splash of milk. Drizzle when rolls are warm but not piping hot.
Conclusion
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Glaze combine the comforting flavors of autumn into a soft, tender, and indulgently sweet treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls offer juicy apple filling, a touch of cinnamon spice, and a decadent caramel glaze that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether for a cozy weekend morning or special occasion, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of fall.
