Caramel apple cinnamon rolls

Ingredients

Dough

650 grams (5.2 cups) flour
200 milliliters (0.8 cups) milk
2 eggs
100 grams (0.5 cups) sugar
100 grams (0.44 cups) butter
12 grams (0.42 ounces) yeast
1 teaspoon salt

Apple filling

3 apples
20 grams (1.4 tablespoons) butter
1.5 tablespoons sugar

Cinnamon filling

60 grams (4.2 tablespoons) butter
150 grams (0.75 cups) sugar
10 grams (2 teaspoons) cinnamon

Icing

140 grams (4.9 ounces) cream cheese (Almette)
50 grams (0.4 cups) powdered sugar
100 grams (0.42 cups) heavy cream (33%)

Equipment

Mixing Bowls
Different sizes for combining ingredients. A large bowl for your dough and smaller ones for fillings and icing will make the process smooth.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Precision is essential in baking! Ensure accurate measurements to achieve perfect results.
Rolling Pin
Helps you roll out dough evenly. Lightly flouring your pin and surface will prevent sticking.
Baking Dish
A rectangular dish gives the rolls space to expand and bake evenly. Standard size around 9x13 inches works well.
Electric Mixer
An electric mixer makes easy work of mixing your dough and icing, ensuring they are smooth and well-combined.

Instructions

Step 1

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Set aside for a few minutes to activate the yeast. Ensure the milk is just warm and not hot to avoid killing the yeast.

Step 2

2. In another bowl, beat the room temperature eggs until they become fluffy. Room temperature ingredients mix together more easily.

Step 3

3. Add salt to the flour and stir to distribute evenly.

Step 4

4. Add the melted butter, remaining sugar, beaten eggs, and milk mixture to the flour. Knead the dough thoroughly until it is smooth and elastic. The dough should not stick to your hands; if it does, add a bit more flour.

Step 5

5. Place the dough in a warm area and let it rise for at least 1 hour, until it has increased by 1.5-2 times in size. A warm oven with the light on can help to expedite the rising process.

Step 6

6. While the dough is rising, prepare the apple filling. Peel the apples, remove the cores, and cut them into small cubes.

Step 7

7. Melt the butter in a hot pan over medium heat, then sprinkle the apple cubes over the melted butter and add the sugar. Stir and cook until the sugar has dissolved and the apples are golden.

Step 8

8. Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle, about 3-5 mm (0.15 inches) thick, measuring approximately 30×40 cm (11x15 inches). Be gentle to maintain the airy texture of the dough.

Step 9

9. Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Melting the butter slightly can make it easier to spread.

Step 10

10. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon, and stir to mix well.

Step 11

11. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered dough and distribute the cooked apple pieces uniformly.

Step 12

12. Roll up the dough tightly into a log shape and cut it into equal pieces.

Step 13

13. Arrange the buns in a baking dish, leaving a little space between each piece.

Step 14

14. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 356°F (180°C) and bake for 20 to 30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 15

15. While the buns are baking, prepare the icing by combining the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream in a bowl. Beat until completely smooth and well combined. A hand mixer can make this process easier.

Step 16

16. Once the buns are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes. Then brush them with the icing without removing them from the dish. For an extra touch, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the icing.

Servings

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous delightful ways. Start your day off right by serving a warm, iced roll with a steaming cup of coffee for the ultimate breakfast treat. If you're hosting a brunch, place these gems on a decorative platter accompanied by fresh fruit, yogurt, and maybe even a mimosa or two. The combination of crunchy apples and the warm spice of cinnamon will have your guests reaching for seconds. Need a cozy dessert for movie night? Pop a roll in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy it warm, gooey, and as comforting as a cozy blanket. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you've got a quick but indulgent dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe. For a fun twist, try offering these rolls at your next potluck gathering. They’re not too sweet, making them an ideal complement to both savory dishes and other desserts. Arrange them on a cake stand, drizzle extra icing for a touch of elegance, and watch them disappear in no time.

Variations

To make these Apple Cinnamon Rolls gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a reliable gluten-free flour blend, keeping the consistency similar to regular flour. For a vegan version, swap the butter with a plant-based alternative, use almond milk instead of dairy milk, and replace the eggs with an egg substitute or a flaxseed meal mixed with water. Be sure to use vegan cream cheese for the icing, and you've got a delicious treat everyone can enjoy.

Faq

Why is my dough not rising?
Be sure your yeast is active by proofing it in warm milk before combining with other ingredients. Also, make sure your risen dough is kept in a warm, draft-free place.
How do I know when the dough is kneaded enough?
The dough should be smooth, elastic, and not sticking to your hands. Usually, about 8-10 minutes of kneading will suffice.
Can I use a stand mixer to knead the dough?
Absolutely! Using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment will save you time and effort. Knead on medium speed until the dough is elastic.
Can I prepare the rolls the night before baking?
Yes, you can! Arrange the rolls in the baking dish, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
Why are my rolls dry?
An overbaked roll can be dry. Keep a close eye on your rolls and bake until they are golden brown, 20-30 minutes should be enough.
How can I make the icing thicker/thinner?
To thicken the icing, add a little more powdered sugar. To thin it, add a small amount of cream or milk until you reach the desired consistency.