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Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 365
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 medium apples (about 2 cups diced)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tbsp sugar; let stand 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add remaining ¼ cup sugar, egg, melted butter, salt, and 4 cups flour. Mix, then knead 8 to 10 minutes until smooth, adding remaining flour as needed.
  3. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 to 1½ hours.
  4. While dough rises, prepare caramel: melt 4 tbsp butter, ½ cup brown sugar, cream, and salt over medium heat; simmer 3 to 4 minutes until glossy; stir in vanilla and set aside.
  5. Sauté diced apples with 1 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and ¼ tsp cinnamon until just tender, about 5 minutes; cool slightly.
  6. Roll dough into an 18x14-inch rectangle, spread with 3 tbsp softened butter, sprinkle brown sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon mixture and apples. Roll up tightly, cut into 12 pieces, place in greased 9x13 pan and let rise 30 to 45 minutes.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake 25 to 30 minutes until deep golden. Cool 10 minutes, drizzle caramel over rolls, and serve.

Notes

The hands-on prep time is about 35 minutes. Plan for 1½ to 2 hours of total rising time. The caramel sauce can be made a day ahead and gently rewarmed before using.