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Cozy Salted Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Easy Homemade Recipe

salted caramel apple cinnamon rolls - featured image
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Soft, gooey cinnamon rolls swirled with tart apples and a salted caramel glaze, topped with tangy cream cheese icing. A cozy, comforting treat perfect for chilly mornings or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (one packet)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm whole milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
  • 3 tbsp (43g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (for caramel)
  • 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, cubed (for caramel)
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream, warmed (for caramel)
  • 1 tsp sea salt (flaky, e.g. Maldon) (for caramel)
  • 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, softened (for icing)
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt (for icing)

Instructions

  1. Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C). Stir in the sugar and yeast, let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour and salt. Add melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Mix until dough forms.
  3. Knead dough by hand for 8-10 minutes or 5 minutes in mixer with dough hook until smooth and slightly tacky.
  4. Lightly oil a large bowl, place dough inside, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled.
  5. Toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
  6. Punch down risen dough and roll out on floured surface into a 15×10-inch rectangle.
  7. Spread softened butter evenly over dough, then sprinkle apple mixture on top, pressing gently.
  8. Roll dough tightly from long edge into a log. Pinch seam to seal and slice into 12 equal rolls (~1 ½ inches wide).
  9. Arrange rolls cut-side up in greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving space between. Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Tent with foil if tops brown too quickly.
  11. While baking, melt sugar in medium saucepan over medium heat without stirring until deep amber. Add butter carefully, stir until melted.
  12. Slowly whisk in warm cream until smooth. Remove from heat, stir in sea salt, and let cool slightly.
  13. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until creamy.
  14. After rolls cool about 10 minutes, drizzle with salted caramel and spread cream cheese icing on top or serve on side.

Notes

Do not rush the rises to ensure tender, fluffy dough. Drain excess juice from apples if too wet to avoid soggy rolls. Use room temperature ingredients for best texture. Watch caramel closely to prevent burning. Hand kneading works but takes longer. For gluten-free, use 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend; for dairy-free, substitute plant milk and coconut cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, salted caramel, apple cinnamon rolls, cream cheese icing, homemade cinnamon rolls, cozy breakfast, dessert, baking

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/cozy-salted-caramel-apple-cinnamon-rolls-easy-homemade-recipe/