Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted + extra for filling
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ tsp salt
Filling Ingredients
- 3 medium fresh apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Topping
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), warmed for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until it is about 110°F (43°C). Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let it activate for about 5 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with sugar, eggs, melted butter, and flour. Mix until a soft, elastic dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
- Make the Apple Cinnamon Filling: In a bowl, toss the diced apples with cinnamon, brown sugar, and softened butter until evenly coated. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the risen dough into a large rectangle approximately 16×12 inches. Spread the apple cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, distributing fruit and spices to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Shape and Cut Rolls: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal-sized rounds. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish or pan, leaving space between each for expansion.
- Second Rise and Bake: Cover the rolls loosely with a clean towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until puffy. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly for about 10 minutes. Generously drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top of the rolls for a sticky, sweet finish.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- Allow the dough to rise twice for a soft, fluffy roll.
- Roll the dough tightly to maintain shape and layers during baking.
- Slightly warm the caramel sauce before drizzling for an even coating.
- Keep an eye on the rolls during baking to prevent over-browning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Caramel, Apple, Cinnamon Rolls, Fall, Dessert, Breakfast, Sweet Rolls, Spiced Apples, Gooey Caramel