If you adore the cozy, comforting flavors of autumn desserts, then this Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine soft, buttery crescent rolls wrapped around tender, cinnamon-spiced apples, all drizzled with a luscious homemade caramel frosting that melts delightfully with every bite. It’s a dessert that brings together the best of fall in a sweet, irresistible package that’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe are simple staples, yet each one plays a vital role in delivering the perfect balance of texture, sweetness, and warm spice. From the crisp Granny Smith apples that bring a refreshing tartness, to the buttery dough that bakes up golden and fluffy, every item is essential.
- Unsalted butter (28g + 28g): Used for sautéing apples and creating that rich caramel glaze, butter adds depth and smoothness.
- Granny Smith apples (2 cups diced, about 200g): Their tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the caramel and sugar.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Helps to caramelize the apples and enhance their natural sweetness.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and spice, the classic partner to apples in desserts.
- Crescent rolls (1 can, 8 rolls): The quick and easy dough base that bakes into perfectly soft, golden rolls.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup packed, 50g): Adds a deep molasses flavor essential for the caramel frosting.
- Heavy whipping cream (2–3 tablespoons): Gives the caramel frosting a creamy, luscious texture.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup, 57g): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect drizzle consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of warm vanilla elevates the flavor of the frosting for a well-rounded sweetness.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Apple Filling
Start by heating the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced Granny Smith apples, granulated sugar, and cinnamon, then cook until the apples are tender and caramelized—in about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is where the magic begins, infusing the apples with sweetness and that classic cinnamon warmth. Once done, let the mixture cool slightly so it won’t melt the dough during assembly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Open your can of crescent rolls and gently unroll the dough onto a flat surface. Separate the dough into eight triangles, which will become your individual rolls. These pre-made rolls make this recipe a fantastic quick option without compromising on that fresh-baked feel.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Place a spoonful of the apple filling onto the wide end of each triangle. Carefully roll each one starting from the wider edge and rolling towards the point, encasing the apples inside the dough. This process seals in the delicious filling and creates that perfect spiral look once baked.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Slide them into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is just heavenly!
Step 5: Make the Caramel Frosting
While the rolls are baking, get started on your caramel frosting. Melt butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once melted, add heavy cream and bring it all to a gentle simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened just right. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy—ready to drizzle over warm rolls.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once the rolls are out of the oven, generously drizzle the warm caramel frosting over each one. Serve these beauties warm for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience that perfectly complements the spiced apple filling.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra wow factor, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the caramel drizzle. A light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar also adds a charming finishing touch. Fresh apple slices on the side not only look pretty but enhance the apple theme beautifully.
Side Dishes
While these rolls can stand on their own as a delightful treat, serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes things to the next level. For breakfast or brunch, pair with a warm cup of spiced chai or fresh brewed coffee for cozy vibes all around.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the rolls in individual ramekins for a cute, personalized touch. You could also cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve as finger food at holiday parties. Wrapping each roll in parchment and tying with twine makes a lovely gift or take-along treat for friends and neighbors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain their soft texture, avoid refrigeration unless your kitchen is very warm, as the dough can dry out.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the rolls, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. For freezing after baking, cool completely, store in a sealed container or freezer bag, and freeze.
Reheating
Reheat thawed or leftover rolls in a microwave for about 30 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 7 to 10 minutes until warmed through. For the best texture, reheat uncovered in the oven to keep the rolls soft but slightly crisp on top.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer a nice tart contrast, you can swap in Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter, juicier bite. Just adjust the sugar slightly if you use a naturally sweeter apple.
Do I need to make homemade dough for this recipe?
Not at all. Using canned crescent rolls saves time and effort while still delivering soft, fluffy rolls. However, if you prefer homemade dough, feel free to use that instead for a more artisanal touch.
Is the frosting more of a glaze or a thick icing?
The caramel frosting in this recipe has a luscious, pourable consistency that you drizzle over the rolls while warm. It thickens as it cools but never becomes a stiff icing, making it perfectly gooey and indulgent.
How do I prevent the apple filling from making the rolls soggy?
Cooking the apples until tender and caramelized reduces excess moisture, which helps keep the dough from getting soggy. Also, allowing the filling to cool slightly before assembling prevents the dough from becoming too soft during rolling.
Can I prepare these for a crowd or special occasion?
Definitely! This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for gatherings. You can easily multiply the ingredients to make a larger batch and keep the prep stress-free with store-bought dough.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and cheerful about baking Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, especially as the scents of cinnamon and caramel fill the kitchen. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast treat or a dessert to impress guests, these rolls bring warmth and happiness with every bite. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself reaching for seconds, just like I do!
Print
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls combine tender, flaky crescent dough with a beautifully caramelized apple and cinnamon filling, topped with a luscious caramel frosting. Perfectly spiced and sweet, these rolls make a delightful brunch or dessert treat that’s warm, comforting, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups diced Granny Smith apples (about 2 medium apples or 200g)
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Dough
- 1 can crescent rolls (8 rolls)
Caramel Frosting
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup (57g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the rolls.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add diced Granny Smith apples, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Sauté the mixture for about 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender and caramelized. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
- Prepare Crescents: Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a flat surface and separate it into 8 individual triangles.
- Assemble Rolls: Evenly spoon the caramelized apple filling onto each triangle. Starting from the wide end, carefully roll up each triangle to form individual rolls.
- Bake Rolls: Place the assembled rolls in a greased baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the rolls turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Caramel Frosting: While the rolls bake, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir continuously. Then add 2-3 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm caramel frosting generously over the baked cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately while warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness that caramelizes well.
- Let the apple filling cool slightly before spreading it on the dough to prevent it from becoming too soggy.
- You can adjust the amount of cinnamon to your liking for more or less spice.
- For thicker frosting, increase the powdered sugar slightly or reduce the cream.
- These rolls are best served fresh and warm but can be reheated gently in the oven.
