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To make these delightful rolls, you will need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled - 1 large egg, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 apple, peeled and finely diced (Granny Smith is ideal) - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing) - 1 tablespoon milk (for icing) These ingredients work together to create a soft dough filled with sweet apples and rich caramel. You can add some fun touches to your rolls with these optional ingredients: - Chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for crunch - Extra spices, such as nutmeg, for warmth - Raisins or cranberries for added sweetness Feel free to mix and match based on what you like! Having the right tools makes baking easier and more fun. You will need: - A large mixing bowl - A whisk or wooden spoon - A floured surface for kneading - A rolling pin to flatten the dough - A sharp knife or dental floss for slicing - A greased baking dish for the rolls - A kitchen towel or plastic wrap for covering dough Gather these tools before you start, and you will be ready to bake! To start, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 packet of active dry yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry items until they blend well. Next, warm 1/4 cup of milk to about 110°F (43°C). In another bowl, combine this milk with 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. Pour this wet mix into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Now, transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead it gently for about 5 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, around 12x8 inches. Now, it's time to add the filling. Scatter 1 diced apple evenly over the dough. Next, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 cup of brown sugar over the apples. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 8 equal pieces. Arrange these pieces in a greased baking dish with space between each roll. Cover them with a towel and let them rise again for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the rolls are rising, prepare your caramel sauce if you are not using store-bought. After the second rise, drizzle some caramel sauce over the rolls. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and puffy. While they bake, make the icing. In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. Once you take the rolls out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes. Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls. Enjoy the gooey caramel and sweet apple flavors in every bite! To get the best rise, keep your dough warm. I find a sunny spot works well. If it's cold, turn on your oven to the lowest setting for a minute, then turn it off. Place the bowl inside to help it rise. Cover the bowl with a towel to keep the heat in. A good rise takes about one hour. Watch for it to double in size. For soft rolls, knead your dough well. Knead for about five minutes until it feels smooth. This helps develop gluten, which gives the rolls their soft texture. After shaping the rolls, let them rise again for 30 minutes. This second rise makes them fluffy. Avoid baking them too long; golden brown is the perfect color. Serve these rolls warm for the best taste. Drizzle extra caramel on top for a sweet touch. A sprinkle of powdered sugar can add beauty and flavor. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert. These rolls also go well with a warm cup of coffee or tea. They make a great treat for breakfast or brunch. {{image_4}} You can easily make these rolls vegan. Substitute the egg with a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes. Use almond milk or any plant milk instead of regular milk. Swap the butter for a plant-based option like coconut oil. The taste will still be amazing! To make gluten-free cinnamon rolls, use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that has xantham gum included. This helps the rolls hold their shape. Follow the same steps as the regular recipe, but keep an eye on baking time. The rolls may bake faster, so check for a golden color. You can play with flavors in these rolls. Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch. This adds texture and taste. Diced pears or peaches can replace apples for a fruity twist. Experiment with spices too. Adding nutmeg or ginger can create a new flavor profile. Don’t be afraid to get creative! To keep your cinnamon rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap. This keeps them soft and moist. Make sure to leave them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, the fridge works, but they may dry out. When you want to enjoy your leftover rolls, reheating them is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to prevent drying. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until warm. If you prefer, you can microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds. This keeps them soft but may not give the same warm texture. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the rolls cool completely. Then, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can use any apple you like. I suggest using a firm apple. Honeycrisp or Fuji work well too. These apples add a nice sweetness and crunch. If you want tartness, Granny Smith is perfect for balancing the sweetness. Making caramel sauce is easy! Start with these steps: - In a saucepan, add 1 cup of granulated sugar. - Heat it over medium heat. Stir gently until it melts. - Once melted, add 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir until combined. - Slowly add 1/2 cup of heavy cream, stirring constantly. - Cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Let it cool before using. If you need a milk substitute, use almond milk or oat milk. You can also use water if that’s all you have. Each option will still make a nice icing. Just mix it with powdered sugar until smooth. These cinnamon rolls stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge. They can last up to a week when chilled. Just reheat before serving for the best taste. Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time! After kneading, store it in the fridge. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It can stay fresh for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, let it come to room temperature before shaping. You learned how to make tasty caramel apple cinnamon rolls from scratch. You discovered both main and optional ingredients for fun additions. The step-by-step guide made the process simple. Plus, the tips helped improve texture and flavor. Don't forget about storage and freezing to enjoy later. Making these rolls is a joyful experience. Now, you can impress family and friends with your baking skills! Enjoy each bite of your delicious creation.

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in the sweet and gooey goodness of caramel apple cinnamon rolls! This easy recipe combines fluffy rolls with tart apples, rich caramel, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for the perfect treat. From preparing the dough to baking them to golden perfection, you'll love every step. Click to explore the full recipe and make these delightful rolls for breakfast or dessert today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

1 large egg, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 apple, peeled and finely diced (Granny Smith is ideal)

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing)

1 tablespoon milk (for icing)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt until evenly combined.

    In a separate bowl, mix the warmed milk, melted butter (cooled slightly), egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients together until smooth.

      Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough comes together.

        Transfer the dough onto a floured surface, and knead it gently for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

          Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

            Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air, then roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangular shape measuring approximately 12x8 inches.

              Evenly distribute the diced apple over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the ground cinnamon and brown sugar over the apples.

                Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the log into 8 equal pieces.

                  Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a greased baking dish, ensuring they have some space between them. Cover with a kitchen towel and allow them to rise for an additional 30 minutes.

                    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the rolls are rising, prepare the caramel sauce if not using store-bought.

                      After the second rise, drizzle a portion of the caramel sauce over the tops of the rolls, then bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and puffy.

                        Meanwhile, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk in a bowl until smooth. Adjust with extra milk for your desired consistency if needed.

                          Once the rolls are baked, allow them to cool in the dish for about 5 minutes before drizzling the icing over the warm rolls.

                            Serve the caramel apple cinnamon rolls warm, allowing the gooey caramel and sweet apple flavors to shine through for a delightful treat!

                              - Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours | Servings: 8

                                - Presentation Tips: Serve these rolls on a lovely platter, drizzled with additional caramel sauce and topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy!