Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Warm, Gooey, and Perfect for Brunch
There’s something about the combination of soft cinnamon rolls, tender baked apples, and warm caramel sauce that just feels like fall baking at its best. These caramel apple cinnamon rolls are layered with cozy spice and a rich, sticky pecan topping that makes them stand out from anything store-bought.
They are perfect for when you are hosting brunch, baking for a special weekend treat, or just need a little sweetness with your coffee. These rolls bring bakery-style comfort right to your own kitchen.
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I’ve made a lot of cinnamon rolls over the years, but this one never gets old. The dough is soft and plush without being fussy, and the apple-cinnamon filling makes every bite feel warm and fragrant. But it’s that thick, buttery caramel sauce that really seals the deal, especially once it sinks into the rolls and turns gooey around the edges.
I love watching people pull them apart, with all their sticky fingers and happy sighs. What I love most is how manageable the process actually feels. Once you get the dough going, everything builds in layers: mix, roll, fill, and bake. It’s not complicated, but it tastes and looks like something that took way more effort than it did. Perfect for mornings when you want something a little special from your kitchen.
Pro Tip: Grate the apples instead of dicing them for a smoother filling that blends right into the cinnamon sugar layer. It not only gives the rolls that saucy, caramelized texture but also makes the dough easier to roll up tightly without chunks getting in the way. This small tweak helps the apple flavor soak through every bite and keeps the layers neat and uniform.
Serving Ideas and Variations
These rolls are best served warm, right out of the oven, with that final drizzle of caramel sauce. If you’re making them for a crowd, add a bowl of whipped cream cheese or spiced maple butter on the side for spreading.
You can also prepare the rolls the night before by assembling them in the pan, covering them, and refrigerating. In the morning, bring them to room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as usual.
Not into pecans? Try chopped walnuts or leave them out altogether. A handful of dried cranberries sprinkled into the filling adds a tart twist that pairs surprisingly well with the apples and caramel. Already obsessed with caramel apple flavors? You’ll love these fall cookies that capture all that goodness in bite-sized form.
If you’re planning a seasonal menu or just want more cozy options to start the day, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in this full collection of Fall Breakfast Ideas, everything from baked goods to savory skillet recipes.
More Fall Baking Ideas
- These apple cider cookies are soft, warmly spiced, and finished with a rich brown sugar glaze that melts into every bite. They’re perfect for cozy fall weekends, bake sales, or anytime you want your kitchen to smell like cinnamon and cider.
- These apple oatmeal raisin cookies are soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced, making them a timeless favorite. With their cozy flavor and just the right amount of sweetness, they’re the kind of cookie you’ll want to bake again and again.
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are soft, moist, and packed with warm spice and melty chocolate chips. They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sharing with friends. A must-bake for any pumpkin lover.
- For a cozy fall baking, these pumpkin spice bagels hit the mark. Soft, chewy, and infused with warm spices and real pumpkin, they’re baked to golden perfection. Serve them with maple cream cheese or enjoy them fresh from the oven for a comforting breakfast that feels like a weekend treat any day of the week.
- Pumpkin Spice Donuts are soft, baked, and filled with warm fall spices. They’re easy to make and perfect for a cozy morning treat. Bring the best fall baking flavors right to your kitchen.
Baked these Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls? I’d love to hear how they turned out for you! Did you serve them with coffee, bring them to brunch, or eat one right out of the pan like I always do? Don’t forget to leave a comment and a star rating!
Equipment
- Baking dish 9×13 inches
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour plus extra for kneading
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup whole milk warmed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
For the filling:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 medium apples peeled, cored, and grated
For the caramel topping:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecans chopped
Instructions
Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for 5-7 minutes on medium speed, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the filling and shape:
- Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a paste. Set aside.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the grated apples on top.
- Roll up the dough tightly from the long side. Slice into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the cinnamon rolls in the dish. Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30–45 minutes.
Make the caramel pecan sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar, cream, and salt. Stir until smooth and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Pour half of the warm caramel sauce evenly over the tops of the rolls.
Bake and serve:
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Bake the rolls for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and baked through.
- Spoon the remaining caramel pecan sauce over the baked rolls. Let them sit for 5 minutes before serving warm and gooey.
Notes
- Apples: Grated apple works well in the filling for a more uniform texture and easier rolling.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the rolls the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking.
- Pecans: Feel free to swap with walnuts or omit entirely if needed.
- Caramel Topping: Half the caramel goes on before baking, and the rest is drizzled over the warm rolls after baking for that gooey, sticky finish.
