Description
These Gooey Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls take everything you love about fall desserts and wrap it into one irresistible treat. Soft, pillowy dough rolled with tender apples, warm cinnamon, and rich caramel sauce—baked until golden and sticky. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack. Easy to make ahead, fully customizable, and always a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
3½ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant or active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (not hot)
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup melted butter
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
For the Filling:
2 cups peeled and chopped Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples
¼ cup butter
½ cup brown sugar
1½ tsp cinnamon
For the Caramel Sauce (or use store-bought):
½ cup butter
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup heavy cream
Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
Chopped pecans or walnuts
Cream cheese frosting
Extra caramel for drizzling
Instructions
Make the Dough
Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it foam (5–10 mins). Add melted butter, eggs, and salt. Mix in flour a cup at a time. Knead 8 minutes. Cover and let rise 1 hour.Prepare the Filling
Cook apples, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a pan for 5 minutes. Cool slightly.Roll and Fill
Roll dough into a rectangle. Spread with butter. Add apple mixture. Drizzle caramel over it. Roll up and slice into 1.5-inch rolls.Second Rise
Place rolls in greased pan. Cover and rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden. Let cool for 10 minutes. Drizzle with more caramel or top with frosting.
Notes
Use firm apples so they don’t get mushy.
Add chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze wrapped rolls for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently to keep them soft and gooey.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American