Warm and fluffy cinnamon rolls are kicked into high gear with rich, creamy caramel and tart apples in these Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Caramel apple cinnamon rolls are perfect for a fall dessert, lazy weekends, or a special treat. They are an upgrade to classic cinnamon rolls, with freshly diced apples and caramel frosting in this recipe.
You already know that my family and I are huge fans of pretty much every variation of classic sweet rolls. There will never be enough cinnamon rolls in our life, that’s just the truth of it.
From these unforgettable Brown Butter Peach Cinnamon Rolls to Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls and Raspberry Cream Cheese Sweet Rolls, S’mores Cinnamon Rolls to Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, I love them all.
Naturally, we needed a caramel apple version to transition to fall and winter! I took my favorite basic sweet yeast dough recipe, and these Classic Cinnamon Rolls, and added freshly diced apples, cinnamon, and sugar.
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
These taste like a cross between an apple pie and a gooey irresistible cinnamon roll. You simply can’t go wrong with this flavor combination. If you’re a fan of these two, then start preheating the oven now for apple pie cinnamon rolls.
The recipe is similar to the best ever cinnamon rolls, with the addition of sweet fresh apples and a brown sugar caramel frosting instead of the cream cheese frosting. But, if you prefer cream cheese frosting, they’re delicious either way.
In a hurry on the weekends? You can make the dough ahead of time! This post about basic sweet yeast dough has all the details you’ll need.
To make these ahead of time, follow the directions to make the dough early. Then, store it overnight in the fridge. Roll the dough out, raise, and bake them the next day. Or, you can make the dough and freeze it.
If you’ve ever made my Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns, you know how there is a sweet sticky syrup that coats the bottoms of the rolls when you take them out of the pan.
These caramel apple cinnamon rolls are similar because the juice from the apples cooks with the sugar and creates a sweet apple syrup on the bottom of the rolls. Yum!
These rolls are best served warm but are also delicious at room temperature. I like to warm any leftover rolls in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to recreate that fresh out of the oven taste.
These rolls will keep on the counter for a day or two, after that you should store them in the refrigerator. Be assured, they won’t last that long though.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe:
- basic sweet yeast dough
- butter and milk
- diced apples
- vanilla extract
- salt and cinnamon
- brown sugar and powdered sugar
Make the sweet yeast dough as directed, through the first rise. After the first rise, knead the dough several times and let it rest on the counter for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. Divide the dough in half and work with one half of the dough at a time. Roll the dough into a 12 x 18 inch rectangle.
Spread half of the butter on the rectangle. Spread it to the edges, leaving 1 inch section bare on one of the 12 inch sides. Then, sprinkle of the brown sugar filling on top with half of the finely diced apples.
Roll the rectangle up starting with the 12 inch side. Cut into 1-1.5 inch sections with dental floss or a very sharp knife. Place ¾ inch apart on a greased baking dish. Then, repeat with the remaining half of the dough.
Cover and let rise until they double in size, about 20-30 minutes. Time will vary based on how warm the room is. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Then, bake the rolls for 12-15 minutes or until lightly brown on top.
While the rolls are baking, melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat. Stir in the brown sugar and salt. Then, bring to a gentle boil for 2 minutes. Add milk and cook for 30 seconds until no longer grainy. Then, remove from heat and beat in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
Remove the rolls from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Frost the rolls while they are still warm so the frosting will melt a bit. They are best served warm.
Looking for more caramel apple desserts? These easy Caramel Apple Blondies are packed full of delicious fall apple flavors in a soft, cinnamon blonde brownie.
This copycat recipe for Pizza Hut’s Dessert Pizza is a Caramel Apple Dessert Pizza that is absolutely loaded with tart apples and a decadent caramel drizzle.
Creamy White Chocolate Fudge filled with pecans and swirled with caramel might be the ultimate treat for a holiday tray. This is a quick and easy 5 minute fudge recipe that is perfect for any occasion.
With all of the flavor of apple pie in an easy-to-make bar recipe, these Caramel Apple Crumb Bars are a surefire hit for your next gathering.
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- [1 recipe basic sweet yeast dough]
- For the Filling
- ½ cup of butter softened
- 1½ cups of brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cinnamon
- 3 cups finely diced apples
for the caramel frosting
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Make the sweet yeast dough as directed in the recipe through the first rise.
- After the first rise, knead the dough several times and let rest on the counter for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. Divide the dough in half and work with one half of the dough at a time. Roll the dough into a 12 x 18 inch rectangle. Be patient with the dough.
- Spread ½ of the butter (¼ cup) on the rectangle. Spread it to the edges, leaving 1 inch section bare on one of the 12 inch sides. Sprinkle ½ of the brown sugar filling on top and then ½ of the finely diced apples. Roll up tightly starting with the 12 inch side. Cut into 1-1.5 inch sections with dental floss or a very sharp knife. Place ¾ inch apart in a greased baking dish. Repeat with the remaining half of the dough.
- Cover and let rise until double, 20-30 minutes. Time will vary based on how warm the room is. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Bake the rolls for 12-15 minutes or until lightly brown on top.
- While the rolls are baking, make the frosting. Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat. Stir in the brown sugar and salt. Bring to a gently boil and let boil for 2 minutes. Add milk and cook for 30 seconds until no longer grainy. Remove from heat and beat in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Frost the rolls while they are still warm so the frosting will melt a bit.
- They are best served warm, but will keep a day or two on the counter.
Nutrition
{originally published 9/5/18 – recipe notes and photos updated 2/13/24}
Tara Kuczykowski says
OMG, I’m sitting here drooling on my keyboard. These are SO perfect for fall!
Jessica Burgess says
Holy cow these look amazing! It’s the perfect fall dish!
Liz says
These cinnamon rolls are a must make this Fall! I love caramel apple!
Jaide says
Holy moly!! These look amazing!!
Katerina @ diethood .com says
Wow! These look incredible!! Perfect for fall!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
These would disappear in our house!
Carthy Adams says
This looks great but can I use apple filling at the bottom.
Mary says
I haven’t tried that, Carthy.