Name: Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Icing Recipe
Prep time: PT-489306H54M55S
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: PT-489306H54M55S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to about 100°F (38°C); 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar, divided; 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons (14g) Platinum Yeast from Red Star (2 standard-size packets); 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature and cut into 4 pieces; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 4 and 1/2 cups (563g) all-purpose flour or bread flour (spoon & leveled), plus more as needed; 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon; 2 cups (250g) peeled chopped apples (about 2 medium apples); 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 Tablespoons milk; 2 Tablespoons warmed salted caramel

If you’re craving that perfect blend of cozy fall flavors, you’re in for a treat with this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Icing Recipe. I absolutely love how these rolls turn out—soft, sweet dough wrapped around tender spiced apples, all topped with a luscious caramel icing that takes every bite to the next level. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself making it on repeat for breakfasts, brunches, or whenever you need a little comfort food magic.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Fluffy Dough: The yeast and kneading technique ensures a soft, tender roll every time.
Fresh Apple Filling: Adds a lovely juicy texture that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Decadent Caramel Icing: This icing elevates the rolls beyond typical cinnamon buns, layering in rich buttery caramel flavor.
Made From Scratch With Ease: Even if you’re new to yeast baking, the step-by-step instructions will have you feeling confident.

Two bright green apples sit on a dark green cloth background, alongside two white eggs placed close together on the same cloth. Two packets of Platinum Superior Baking Yeast, white with red and black text, lie near the eggs. On the right side, there is a white bowl with a blue rim and red decorative pattern inside, holding two large blocks of pale yellow butter. The surface under the cloth is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are simple but thoughtfully chosen to work together—warm milk to activate that yeast, fresh apples for juicy bites, and a mix of cinnamon and sugar to create that signature comfort flavor. Here’s a little heads-up on sourcing a few key ingredients.

Whole milk: Warming it to about 100°F is key to activating your yeast without killing it—think warm bath temp for your baby.
Granulated sugar: Divided in the recipe to first feed the yeast, then sweeten the dough—don’t skip the division!
Platinum Yeast from Red Star: This active dry yeast gives a great rise—I’ve tried others, but this one consistently delivers fluffy dough.
Unsalted butter: Two uses here—one in the dough and one spread on top before rolling, so do use softened butter for easy spreading.
Large eggs: At room temp for even mixing; you’ll notice the dough feels richer with eggs in the mix.
Salt: Just a pinch balances all the sweetness and helps the dough structure.
All-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level to avoid dense dough; bread flour works great if you want extra chewiness.
Brown sugar: For that classic cinnamon roll sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor—light or dark both work wonderfully.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice—freshly ground if possible ups the aroma massively.
Chopped apples: Peel and chop into small pieces; I recommend tart apples like Granny Smith to contrast the sweet dough.
Confectioners’ sugar: For smooth icing with just the right texture.
Pure vanilla extract: A splash in the icing rounds out flavors beautifully.
Milk (for icing): Adds creaminess and makes the icing drizzle just right.
Salted caramel: The game changer—use warmed caramel sauce to drizzle for that irresistible finish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this recipe depending on the season or my mood, and you should totally make this your own too. Whether you want it dairy-free or a bit more decadent, there are easy swaps and add-ins that keep it fresh and exciting.

Dairy-Free Version: I’ve switched to coconut milk and vegan butter with great results, just be mindful that the flavor subtly shifts.
Adding Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and nutty contrast to the soft rolls—I sprinkle them in with the apples.
Overnight Rise: For busy mornings, give the roll a final rise in the fridge overnight; I do this often and wake up to ready-to-bake rolls.
Spice it Up: Mix in some cardamom or nutmeg with the cinnamon for a warmer spice profile, perfect for chilly days.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Icing Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix the Dough

Start by whisking warm milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and the yeast in your mixer bowl, or a large bowl if mixing by hand. Wait about 5 minutes until frothy—that’s your yeast waking up and ready to work its magic. Using a stand mixer makes life easier here, but if you’re like me and sometimes prefer elbow grease, a wooden spoon and some muscle will do the trick (just beware—it’s sticky!). Once foamy, add the remaining sugar, softened butter pieces, eggs, and salt. Mix on medium speed until combined.

Step 2: Incorporate the Flour and Knead

Slowly add the flour, one cup at a time on low speed, making sure each addition is fully mixed before adding more. After all the flour is in, mix until the dough pulls away from the bowl. It’ll be soft but that’s what you want. Give it a full 5-minute knead either in the mixer or on a floured surface. I learned early on that less flour and longer kneading yields light, fluffy rolls. A neat trick is the windowpane test: stretch a small dough bit. If it’s thin enough to see light through without tearing, you nailed it!

Step 3: First Rise

Grease a large bowl and place your dough inside, flipping once to coat all sides with oil. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled—usually about 2 hours. I often set mine near a sunny window or on top of the fridge. This slow ferment develops flavor and texture worth waiting for.

Step 4: Roll Out and Fill

Punch down the dough to release air, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a 12×18 inch rectangle. If it’s stubborn and bounces back, cover it and let it rest for 10 minutes—that rest period lets the gluten relax, making rolling easier. Spread butter all over the surface, then sprinkle the brown sugar mixed with cinnamon evenly. Top with chopped apples—don’t skip this fresh piece; it adds juicy texture and freshness.

Step 5: Roll, Cut & Proof

Roll the dough tightly from the long side into an 18-inch log. Challenge yourself to get it snug but not tight enough to squish the apples out! Cut into 12 equal rolls and place them in your greased pan. Cover tightly with foil and let rise for another 45-60 minutes till puffy. Side note: I sometimes do this final rise overnight in the fridge for an easy morning bake.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C). Bake for about 25 minutes, making sure to tent the pan with foil halfway through so the tops don’t brown too fast. When the rolls are a light golden brown on top, pull them out and let them cool for 10 minutes—you’ll want a little heat left to melt that icing perfectly.

Step 7: Whip Up the Caramel Icing and Serve

While the rolls cool, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, milk, and warm salted caramel until smooth and drizzle-able. Pour generously over the warm rolls—you don’t want to wait, but you also don’t want to burn yourself! Serve immediately for the best gooey, sticky, heavenly experience.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Icing Recipe

Milk Temperature Matters: I used to rush this step and kill my yeast by adding milk that’s too hot—warm, not hot, is key.
Don’t Over-Flour: Adding too much flour during kneading makes rolls dense; stick to a soft, slightly tacky dough for fluffiness.
Rest the Dough if Tight: If your dough snaps back while rolling, giving it a 10-minute rest helps relax the gluten so it stretches easily.
Tent the Rolls While Baking: Covering with foil prevents early browning and ensures even baking without dry tops.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Icing Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a group of cinnamon rolls in a white dish, each roll having two main visible layers: a golden-brown, slightly crispy outer dough layer and a soft inner dough layer with swirls of cinnamon and small soft apple pieces that add texture. On top of each roll, there is a thick, shiny layer of white icing, creamy and smooth, draping over the edges and filling the swirled spaces. A dark brown knife is placed in the top right corner, partially inserted into one of the rolls, and the whole setup is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of keeping it simple here: sometimes I just add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the caramel icing. Fresh apple slices on the side make for a pretty presentation, and a pinch of flaky sea salt on the icing takes the caramel to a whole new level. These little touches bring that homemade vibe right to your table.

Side Dishes

We usually pair these rolls with a side of fresh fruit salad or a simple scrambled egg to add some protein and round out the meal. Another favorite pairing is a hot coffee or chai latte, perfectly complementing the cinnamon and caramel flavors. It’s like a mini Sunday morning celebration every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked these rolls in mini muffin tins for bite-sized treats that look adorable on a brunch spread. You can also make a pull-apart loaf by arranging the rolls stacked in a bundt pan for dramatic presentation. Lastly, serving them with whipped cream or a drizzle of extra caramel on the side is a fun way to jazz things up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I find these rolls best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, I refrigerate them to keep the apples fresh. When stored properly, they stay soft and delicious but can start to dry out if left uncovered, so be sure to seal them well!

Freezing

I’ve frozen these rolls both before and after baking. If freezing unbaked rolls (after the first rise and shaping), wrap the pan tightly and freeze for up to 3 months—then thaw and bake fresh. Baked and iced rolls freeze well too, but I recommend freezing without the caramel icing and adding it fresh after reheating.

Reheating

For leftovers, I warm a roll in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes wrapped loosely in foil. This revives that just-baked softness. If you froze rolls without icing, add the caramel drizzle after reheating for best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for the filling?

While fresh apples give you the best texture, you can use thawed frozen apples if fresh aren’t available—just be sure to drain excess moisture well to avoid soggy rolls. Toss them with the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture dry before spreading to keep things balanced.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries! This Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Icing Recipe is totally doable by hand. Mixing the dough with a sturdy wooden spoon or silicone spatula takes some effort but is very rewarding. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size and look puffier and softer. A simple test is to poke it gently with your finger: if the indentation springs back slowly but not completely, it’s ready for the next step.
Can I make the caramel icing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the caramel icing in advance and store it in the fridge. Before using, simply warm it slightly so it is pourable. This saves time on busy mornings and ensures the perfect drizzle.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Icing Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s the one I turn to when I want to impress friends or treat my family to something cozy and unforgettable. The fresh apples paired with that rich caramel icing make these rolls truly stand out, and I know once you try making them yourself, you’ll want to keep this recipe close. So grab your ingredients, dust off your rolling pin, and let’s bake some magic happen!