Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Glaze
Delicious caramel apple cinnamon rolls filled with sweet apple goodness and drizzled with rich caramel, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 4 large Honeycrisp apples Crisp texture, sweet flavor
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature Adds richness
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar Sweetness and moisture
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon Warm flavor
- 1/4 tsp fine salt Enhances flavors
- 1/4 cup water Helps dissolve ingredients
- 1/4 cup cornstarch Thickens the filling
For the Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Adds moisture
- 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour Structure for rolls
- 4 1/2 tsp instant dry yeast Helps dough rise
- 1 tsp fine salt Balances flavors
- 1 cup whole milk Adds moisture
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce Moisture and flavor
For the Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar Sweet flavor
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature Richness
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream Adds creaminess
- 1/4 tsp fine salt Enhances flavors
For the Icing
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, room temperature Adds richness
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature Adds creaminess
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce Sweetness
- 2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste Flavor
- 1/4 tsp fine salt Balances flavors
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar Sweetness and texture
Instructions
Preparing the Apple Filling
- Peel and cube the Honeycrisp apples.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, then add the cubed apples, 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt.
- Stir and cook until the mixture becomes bubbly and the apples are tender.
Thickening the Filling
- Mix 1/4 cup of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water until smooth.
- Gradually incorporate this slurry into the apple mixture until the filling thickens.
- Allow the mixture to cool before using it in the rolls.
Making the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine 4 1/4 cups flour, 4 1/2 teaspoons yeast, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- In another bowl, warm 1 cup of whole milk and add 1/2 cup applesauce, 1/2 cup butter, and 1/2 cup sugar.
- Mix until combined and melted.
- Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until elastic.
Rising the Dough
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise until doubled in size.
Assembling the Rolls
- Once risen, turn out onto a floured surface and roll into a rectangle, 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread softened butter over the dough.
- Evenly spread the cooled caramel apple filling across the dough.
- Roll tightly from one end to the other and cut into 1 to 1 1/2 inch strips.
- Place the rolls in a greased pan, arranging them close together, and cover to rise until puffy.
Baking the Rolls
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake the rolls for 28 to 34 minutes, or until golden brown.
Making the Caramel Sauce
- Melt 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once melted and amber, add 6 tablespoons butter and 1/4 cup cream, stirring until smooth.
Preparing the Icing
- Mix 1/4 cup cream cheese and 1/4 cup butter until creamy.
- Add 1/4 cup caramel sauce, 2 teaspoons vanilla, and 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, whisking until smooth.
Final Touches
- Let the cinnamon rolls cool slightly before icing.
- Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and serve warm.
Notes
Ensure yeast is fresh for best results. Consider adding nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture.