I recently baked some Salted Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls using all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and fresh apples. I combined granulated and brown sugars with melted butter to form a luscious filling infused with cinnamon. Each bite delivers undeniable fall flavor in a remarkably delightful treat indeed.

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I recently whipped up a batch of caramel apple cinnamon rolls with a rich caramel glaze and I am absolutely stoked about how they turned out. I mixed 4 cups of all-purpose flour with a packet of active dry yeast and 1/3 cup granulated sugar to get the dough just right.

Adding 1/2 cup of warm whole milk along with 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter and 2 large eggs helped make the dough soft and chewy. I then folded in freshly chopped apples with 1/2 cup packed brown sugar and 2 tsp ground cinnamon, plus a bit of melted butter for that extra burst of flavor.

Drizzling caramel sauce into the filling and later over the top with a mix of caramel sauce and 2 tbsp heavy cream created a magnificent glaze. This recipe is perfectly unique in its take on a homemade sweet roll that elevates classic flavors into something so memorable.

Enjoy exploring this fall inspired treat!

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how these rolls pack such an amazing mix of sweet caramel, tart apples, and cinnamon—it just feels like an explosion of fall flavor in each bite.
2. I really appreciate that the dough comes out so soft and fluffy every time, making each bite feel like a warm, comforting hug.
3. I enjoy how easy the recipe is to follow even when I’m in a rush, which means I can always whip up a batch for my friends and family.
4. I feel like these rolls remind me of cozy family moments during fall, and that makes me look forward to baking them every time.

I made these caramel apple cinnamon rolls from scratch and they turned out super soft, fluffy and packed with all the flavors of fall. The apple and cinnamon mix with the gooey caramel glaze makes it taste so comforting and yummy. The recipe is really simple to follow and even when I mess up a couple of steps, they still come out tasting great. It’s one of those treats that just makes any day feel a bit more special.

Ingredients

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4 cups all-purpose flour: Offers carbs and proteins for structure and a little nutty taste.
3 medium apples: Loads of fibre and natural sweetness that boost moisture and texture.
1/2 cup caramel sauce: Gives rich, sugary depth that make the rolls super decadent.
2 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy notes to elevate and balance the flavors.
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides a lush richness that helps soften and brown the dough.
2 large eggs, at room temperature: Adds protein, acts as a binder, and boost flavor alot.

Ingredient Quantities

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F)

1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1/2 tsp salt

3 medium apples, peeled, cored and chopped

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

2 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tbsp unsalted butter (for the filling), melted

1/2 cup caramel sauce (divided for filling and glaze)

2 tbsp heavy cream (for the caramel glaze)

How to Make this

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1. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup warm whole milk, 1/3 cup granulated sugar and the packet of yeast, then let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets frothy.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/3 cup melted butter and 2 eggs, then pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth, then cover it and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

4. For the filling, combine the 3 chopped apples, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tbsp melted butter and 1/2 cup caramel sauce in a bowl.

5. Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface, trying to keep it even.

6. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border all around.

7. Roll the dough tightly from one of the longer sides into a log, then cut it into roughly 1 inch thick slices.

8. Place the rolls in a greased baking pan, leaving room for them to expand, and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes.

9. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes until the rolls are lightly browned.

10. While they bake, mix 1/2 cup caramel sauce with 2 tbsp heavy cream to make the glaze. Drizzle it over the warm rolls and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Small mixing bowl for combining warm milk, sugar and yeast
2. Large mixing bowl to mix flour, salt, melted butter and eggs before adding the yeast mixture
3. Measuring cups and spoons for accurately portioning out ingredients
4. Whisk to combine the dry ingredients in the large bowl
5. Clean countertop or a separate bowl dusted with flour for kneading and rolling out the dough
6. Dough scraper or spatula for handling and shifting the dough
7. Cover such as a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap to cover the dough while it rises
8. Cutting board and knife for chopping the apples
9. Additional bowl for mixing all the filling ingredients together
10. Rolling pin to roll the risen dough into an even rectangle
11. Greased baking pan for placing the cut rolls during their second rise
12. Oven preheated to 375°F for baking the rolls
13. Small bowl for blending caramel sauce and heavy cream into the glaze
14. Knife or pizza cutter for cutting the rolled dough into 1 inch slices

FAQ

Question: Can I use a different type of apple?

Answer: Yeah, you can use different apples like Granny Smiths or even Honeycrisp; they might change the flavor a bit but still come out yummy.

Question: Do I really need to use warm milk at about 110°F?

Answer: Yup, it's important that the milk is warm and not hot or cold because it helps the yeast wake up, making the dough light and fluffy.

Question: Can I swap whole milk with almond or soy milk?

Answer: You can try it but keep in mind that it might alter the taste and texture of the dough, so make sure to check the consistency as you mix.

Question: How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

Answer: The dough should double in size which usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. If it's really warm in your kitchen it might take less time.

Question: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for both the filling and the glaze?

Answer: Yeah, you can use store-bought caramel sauce for both parts but make sure it's a good quality one that you really like the taste of.

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls With Caramel Glaze Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have all-purpose flour, try a gluten free flour blend or whole wheat flour, the dough texture might change a bit but it will still turn out yummy
You can switch active dry yeast for instant yeast. If using instant yeast, reduce the amount slightly and mix it directly into the flour
If warm whole milk isn’t an option, any plant based milk like almond or soy milk can work just as well in the recipe
Unsalted butter can be swapped with salted butter, just hold back a pinch of salt in the dough to balance it out, or use coconut oil for a slight twist
For the heavy cream in the caramel glaze, you can use half and half or mix a little melted butter with whole milk if the glaze needs a richer shine

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your milk is at the right temperature (around 110°F) for the yeast to work, cause if its too hot it can kill the yeast and too cold wont let it get frothy enough.
2. When you knead the dough be careful not to overdo it, but at the same time try to work it enough so it becomes smooth and elastic, else your rolls might turn out too dense.
3. As you spread the apple and caramel filling, leave a little border so the filling doesn’t leak out when you roll it up, it really helps keep the flavors balanced.
4. Let the rolls cool just a bit before drizzling on the glaze, this helps the glaze stick and gives a better flavor overall.