Name: Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 12 rolls
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast; 1 cup warm milk; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced; ½ cup packed brown sugar; 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ⅓ cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling); 1 egg

Hey y'all! If you've been dreaming of a cozy, sweet breakfast that'll fill your kitchen with heavenly aromas, this Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is calling your name. Imagine fluffy cinnamon rolls swirled with tender caramelized apples, topped with buttery caramel sauce—absolutely irresistible for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or anytime you need a comforting treat. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Satisfies both cinnamon roll and caramel apple cravings in every bite.
Perfect balance of gooey, soft, and crunchy textures.
Ideal for brunch, entertaining, or holiday breakfasts.
Easy-to-follow, make-ahead friendly, and crowd-pleasing.
Homemade caramel sauce takes the flavor to bakery-level deliciousness.

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Ingredients

For the Dough

3 ¼ cups (410g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warm (110°F/43°C)
¼ cup (55g) unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
½ teaspoon salt

For the Apple Filling

2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
2 tablespoon unsalted butter
⅓ cup (65g) packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

⅓ cup (72g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Caramel Sauce

½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let stand until foamy, about 5–7 minutes.
Add sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined.
Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. (Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.)
Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoon butter. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and caramelized (about 6–8 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Roll and Fill

Punch down risen dough and turn onto a floured surface. Roll out into a 16x12-inch rectangle (about ¼-inch thick).
Spread softened butter evenly over the surface. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Distribute cooked apple mixture evenly over the dough.
Starting at the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch edges to seal.
Slice log into 12 even pieces and arrange in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes, until puffy.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake rolls for 25–28 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If browning too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Remove and cool slightly while preparing caramel sauce.

Step 5: Make the Caramel Sauce

While rolls are baking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add brown sugar and cream, whisking constantly. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 3–4 minutes, until thickened.
Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and salt. Let cool slightly before pouring over warm rolls.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Drizzle warm caramel sauce generously over the baked cinnamon rolls.
Serve fresh and gooey—enjoy!

Notes for Perfect Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

For best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area—an oven with just the light on works great.
Use bread flour for a slightly chewier texture if desired (see more on flour choices by King Arthur Baking).
If short on time, store-bought caramel sauce works in a pinch, but homemade brings unbeatable flavor.

Variations for Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Pecan Caramel Apple Rolls: Sprinkle toasted chopped pecans with the apple filling for extra crunch.
Cream Cheese Icing: Swap caramel sauce for a tangy cream cheese glaze for a classic twist.
Salted Caramel Twist: Add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the caramel sauce for a sweet-salty combo.

Required Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
Rolling pin
9x13-inch baking dish
Small saucepan
Skillet
Sharp knife or bench scraper

Storage Instructions for Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Store rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds for gooey freshness.
For longer storage, freeze baked rolls (without caramel sauce) for up to 2 months; thaw and warm before drizzling with sauce.

Serving Recommendations for Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Pair with hot apple cider, coffee, or chai for the coziest breakfast.
Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert version.
Serve with crisp bacon or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced brunch spread.

Pro Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Roll the dough evenly to ensure consistent baking and gooey spirals in each roll (dough rolling tips from Sally's Baking Addiction).
Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough rise more efficiently.
Allow rolls to cool for 10 minutes before adding caramel, so it soaks in without making them soggy (learn more here at Serious Eats).

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe FAQ

Can I make Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the rolls the night before, cover the pan tightly, and refrigerate overnight; let them come to room temperature and rise for 45 minutes in the morning before baking.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Spread the fillings evenly and avoid overfilling, and pinch the seam to seal the log tightly before slicing.

What apples work best for this Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?

Granny Smith apples are best because they’re tart and hold their shape, but Gala or Honeycrisp work well for sweeter rolls.

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 25–28 minutes
Total Time: 2.5 hours
Yields: 12 rolls

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe