Name: Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Icing Recipe
Prep time: PT-489306H47M30S
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: PT-489306H47M30S
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 love cozy, comforting baked treats as much as I do, then you are going to absolutely adore this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Icing Recipe. These rolls are soft, warmly spiced, and filled with tender chunks of apple, all topped off with a luscious caramel icing that takes them to the next level. I’m telling you—every bite feels like a hug on a plate! If you’re ready to wow your family or guests with a luscious homemade treat, keep reading because I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make these rolls irresistible.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The fresh apples combined with cinnamon and buttery dough make each bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Decadent Caramel Icing: The warm caramel drizzle on top adds that ultimate sweet finish that will keep you coming back for more.
Made From Scratch: This recipe uses simple ingredients and techniques, giving you that homemade vibe without stress.
Fun and Cozy Baking Experience: It’s a great weekend project that’s just as rewarding as the scrumptious results.

The image shows two green apples at the top left and two white eggs below them, all placed on a dark green cloth. Next to the eggs are two white packets of platinum baking yeast with red and blue text. On the bottom right, there is a white bowl with a red floral pattern inside, holding two thick blocks of pale yellow butter. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Icing Recipe come together beautifully to create that soft, tender dough along with a flavorful filling and that irresistible icing. Don’t worry if you’re new to yeast baking—I’ll share tips to make this as approachable as possible!

Whole Milk: Make sure it’s warmed to about 100°F; this wakes up the yeast without killing it.
Granulated Sugar: Divided use lets the rolls rise well and sweeten the dough gently.
Platinum Yeast from Red Star: I use this yeast because it’s reliable, but any active dry yeast will also work—just check packaging instructions.
Unsalted Butter: Softened so it blends easily; using unsalted lets you control the salt level perfectly.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs help create a tender dough texture.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
All-Purpose or Bread Flour: Spoon and level for accuracy; bread flour gives a chewier texture, but all-purpose works great too.
Light or Dark Brown Sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for a gooey filling that caramelizes during baking.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice here—don’t skimp on it!
Chopped Apples: Fresh and peeled, about two medium-sized; they add moisture and freshness.
Confectioners’ Sugar: For the smooth icing that perfectly balances the caramel’s richness.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the icing.
Milk (for icing): Thins out the icing so it drizzles beautifully over the rolls.
Salted Caramel: The finishing touch—use warmed caramel so it blends easily with the icing and adds that dreamy flavor burst.

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 mixing things up with this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Icing Recipe because it feels so versatile. Whether you want to tweak sweetness, add a nutty crunch, or swap fruit, it’s super forgiving and fun to experiment.

Nutty Twist: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling gives the rolls a delightful crunch that my family goes crazy for.
Spiced Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger along with cinnamon for a more robust fall flavor.
Apple Alternatives: Pears or peaches work beautifully too if you want to change things seasonally.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter for a plant-based spread and milk for almond or oat milk; keep in mind it might change the texture slightly but still tasty!
Overnight Rise: For busy mornings, let the rolled and cut rolls rise in the fridge overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Icing Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast and Build the Dough

Start by whisking the warm milk with 2 tablespoons of sugar and your yeast in your mixer bowl or a large bowl if mixing by hand. Cover it and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it looks foamy on top — this means the yeast is happy and ready! I remember the first time this mixture didn’t foam, and I panicked, only to find out the milk was too hot — so definitely check the temp! After that, add the remaining sugar and the softened butter and beat until the butter starts to break up but doesn’t fully melt into the mixture. Then mix in your eggs and salt until everything’s combined.

Step 2: Incorporate the Flour and Knead the Dough

Switch your mixer to low speed and gradually add in the flour, one cup at a time, making sure each cup is incorporated before adding the next. When you hit about 4 1/2 cups total, beat the dough until it pulls away from the bowl sides and has a soft, tender feel—about three minutes. Then keep kneading, either with the mixer or by hand, for an additional five minutes. I discovered the “windowpane test” is a fantastic way to check if the dough has been kneaded enough: gently stretch a piece of the dough until it’s thin enough to see light through without tearing. If it tears, knead a little longer. This ensures perfect gluten development for tender rolls.

Step 3: First Rise – Let the Dough Get All Puffy

Grease a large bowl with a little oil and place your dough in it, turning it so all sides are coated. Cover with a clean towel or foil and leave it somewhere warm to rise for about 2 hours or until doubled in size. I usually leave mine right on the kitchen counter; it’s amazing watching this dough triple in size and get that perfect, airy texture.

Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Shape Your Rolls

Punch down your dough to release the air and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll it out carefully into a 12×18 inch rectangle. If the dough resists and shrinks back, cover it and let it rest for 10 minutes until it relaxes—this tip really helped me when I was starting out! Next, spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, sprinkle with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture, then scatter the chopped apples on top. Roll the dough tightly into an 18-inch log, then cut into 12 equal rolls and arrange them snugly in your greased 9×13 baking dish.

Step 5: Second Rise and Bake Away

Cover your rolls tightly with foil and let them rise again until puffy, about 45 to 60 minutes. This second rise is key to those soft, tender layers you want! Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F. Once risen, bake the rolls for about 25 minutes. About halfway through baking, tent a piece of foil over the pan to prevent excessive browning. I’ve learned this little trick preserves that beautiful golden top without burning. When they’re done, let them cool on a rack for about 10 minutes before icing.

Step 6: Whip up the Caramel Icing and Drizzle

Mix together the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and warmed salted caramel until smooth. The caramel in the icing is what makes these rolls incredibly special; I love that little drizzle of sweet decadence. Pour it generously over the warm rolls while they’re still just out of the oven, so it melts into all those nooks and crannies. Serve warm and get ready for compliments!

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Icing Recipe

Warm Milk Properly: I learned the hard way to test the milk’s temperature with a thermometer so your yeast blooms successfully every time.
Don’t Over-flour Your Dough: It’s tempting to add extra flour when it’s sticky, but a softer dough yields the most tender rolls.
Rest the Dough When Rolling: Let the dough relax if it springs back while rolling—this avoids frustration and keeps rolls nice and even.
Tent Foil During Baking: Protect the tops from burning by tenting foil halfway through baking—it keeps the color just right.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Icing Recipe

A close-up view of soft cinnamon rolls showing one being lifted by a wooden spatula, each roll has a golden brown dough base layered with swirls of dark cinnamon sugar filling. On top, there is a thick, creamy white icing that melts and drips over the edges, giving it a smooth and glossy texture. The rolls are neatly placed in a glass baking dish, and the background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love keeping garnishes simple to not overwhelm this sweet treat. Sometimes a light dusting of extra cinnamon or a few chopped toasted pecans on top of the caramel icing adds a nice touch, plus a bit of texture contrast. Fresh apple slices on the side make for a pretty presentation, especially if you’re serving guests.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a spiced chai tea for a warm autumn vibe. If you want to turn it into a brunch spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special occasions, I’ve tried placing these rolls in a circular bundt pan to create a pull-apart wreath shape—everyone loved that festive feel. You can also drizzle extra caramel over individual rolls just before serving or sprinkle some flaky sea salt on the icing for a salty-sweet surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover rolls tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. At room temperature, they stay fresh for up to two days, but refrigerating will keep them good for up to five days. They maintain their softness best when kept covered well—nothing worse than dry cinnamon rolls!

Freezing

To freeze, I wrap individual unbaked rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to three months. When I want a fresh batch, I thaw them overnight in the fridge, let them rise the next day, and then bake. Freezing the dough pre-bake is a fabulous time saver.

Reheating

For reheating, I pop leftover rolls covered in foil into a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to bring back their softness and warmth. A quick zap in the microwave also works but can dry them out if you’re not careful. I like to add a tiny drizzle of milk or more caramel icing after reheating—makes them taste freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I make Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Icing Recipe without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer speeds things up, you can mix and knead the dough by hand with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for the initial mixing, then knead the dough on a lightly floured surface. It takes a bit more muscle but totally doable and rewarding!
How do I know if my yeast is still good?

If your yeast mixture doesn’t get foamy after mixing with warm milk and sugar within 5-10 minutes, it might be old or dead. Always check the expiration date, and store yeast in a cool, dry place or the fridge for longer shelf life.
Can I prepare these rolls the night before?

Yes! After shaping and cutting the rolls, cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. The slow cold rise enhances flavor and makes your morning bake a breeze. Just add extra baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What type of apples work best in this recipe?

I recommend crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith because they hold their shape and add a nice balance to the sweet cinnamon sugar. Fuji and Honeycrisp are also delicious choices for a sweeter apple flavor.
Is the caramel icing necessary?

The caramel icing really elevates these rolls by adding a rich, buttery sweetness that traditional icing doesn’t provide. But if you’re short on time or prefer a simple glaze, you can make a basic vanilla glaze instead. While I personally adore the caramel touch, the rolls are delicious even without it.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Icing Recipe turns out every single time—the soft dough, the warm apples, that cinnamon-spiced sweetness all wrapped in gooey caramel icing just hits all the right homey flavor notes. When I first tried making cinnamon rolls at home, I used to struggle with getting the dough just right, but these clear steps and tips really helped me master it, and now it’s a family favorite breakfast treat. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be looking for excuses to bake them again and again. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to fill your kitchen with the most wonderful homemade aromas—your taste buds will thank you!