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Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Prep Time2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time3 hours
Servings: 12 cinnamon rolls
Author: Taylor Ellingson

Ingredients

For the dough:

  • 1 cup warm whole milk 100-110 degrees F
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

For the filling:

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter softened, divided use
  • 4 tablespoons brown sugar divided use
  • 1 large apple shredded
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

For the caramel cream cheese frosting:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons butter at room temperature
  • ¼ cup caramel sauce

Instructions

  • Place the warm milk and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes, until it starts to get foamy.
  • Add the sugar, butter, egg, egg yolk, and whisk to combine.
  • Add the flour and knead with electric mixer for 8 minutes. At this point, you should have a soft dough ball. If it is still quite sticky, add more flour, approximately 2 tablespoons at a time.
  • Transfer to a well-greased bowl and cover with a towel. Place in a warm area and let rise until doubled, about 1 ½ hours. I usually turn my oven on for a few minutes until it's warm, turn it off, and stick my dough in the slightly warm oven.
  • Once it has doubled in size, place it on a well-floured surface. Roll into a large rectangle that is approximately 10"x18".
  • Spread 3 tablespoons of the softened butter onto the rectangle, and then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons o brown sugar.
  • In a small skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, shredded apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Saute until the apple is softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Sprinkle the apple over the dough.
  • Roll the dough tightly so you have one long roll. Cut the roll into half, then into quarters. Cut each quarter into 3 even cinnamon rolls so you have 12 rolls total.
  • Place the cinnamon rolls into a greased 9x13" baking dish.
  • Cover with a towel and let it sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, until rolls have risen.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, until golden on top.
  • Make the caramel cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese, butter, and caramel sauce in a bowl with electric mixer until combined.
  • Spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls.
  • Serve and enjoy!