Easy Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese and Salted Caramel Icing

I've made these easy apple cinnamon rolls enough times to know that the salted caramel is non-negotiable. It's made with condensed milk and dark brown sugar, which gives it this deep, buttery richness that store-bought caramel just doesn't have. Add tart Granny Smith apples and cream cheese frosting and you've got a roll that tastes like apple pie and a classic cinnamon roll had the best possible combination.

This recipe was inspired by my popular Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls , Cookies and Cream Rolls and Ube Rolls recipes. I wanted to add a unique twist and make something that is equally indulgent and comforting for fall season, but with a fresh and fruity kick. That's how the apple and caramel combo came to life in this roll recipe!

If you're as obsessed with salted caramel as I am, you have to try my Salted Caramel Basque Burnt Cheesecake. It's rich, creamy, and beautifully caramelized on top—like the ultimate cross between a flan and cheesecake, with that same sweet-salty magic that makes these rolls so addictive.

Ingredients

Here’s what you will need:

Dough:

• Whole Milk: Provides richness and moisture to the dough. For a non-dairy option, substitute with almond or oat milk.
• Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise. You can also use instant dry yeast for a quicker rise.
• Eggs: Adds structure and richness to the dough.
• Butter: Melted butter gives the dough a rich flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens the dough.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough, making sure it’s not too sweet.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough. You can substitute with bread flour for a slightly chewier texture.

Filling:

• Butter: Makes the filling rich and spreadable.
• Cinnamon Powder: The signature spice that makes cinnamon rolls so irresistible. Adjust the amount depending on your preference for spice. I used Saigon cinnamon powder.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness to the filling. Light or dark brown sugar works; dark brown sugar gives a deeper flavor.
• White Sugar: Balances the sweetness of the filling and helps form a slight crust on the rolls as they bake.
• Granny Smith Apples: These tart apples balance the sweetness of the filling perfectly and hold their shape when baked. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples can be used for a sweeter flavor.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds creaminess to the filling mixture, making it extra indulgent.

Salted Caramel Drizzle:

• Condensed Milk: This is the base of the caramel sauce and adds sweetness and creaminess.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Deepens the flavor of the caramel. Light brown sugar can also be used, but dark brown sugar provides a more intense caramel taste.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness of the caramel, giving it that addictive salted caramel flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the caramel sauce.

Frosting:

• Confectioner's Sugar: The base of the frosting, adding sweetness and structure.
• Butter: Softened butter makes the frosting creamy and smooth. You can substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a tangy flavor to balance out the sweetness of the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting with a touch of warmth.
• Salt: A pinch of salt in the frosting enhances the other flavors.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls

1. Make the Dough: Warm the milk and add the yeast. Let it sit until foamy. In a large bowl, mix the eggs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Slowly add the flour, kneading until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let rise until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix softened butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and white sugar. Set aside. Peel and chop the apples into small cubes.

3. Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the cinnamon butter mixture evenly over the dough and sprinkle the apples on top.

4. Form Rolls: Roll the dough into a log, slice into individual rolls, and place them in a parchment paper lined baking dish. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes.

5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 325°F (175°C). While waiting, pour heavy cream on top of each roll and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Check internal temperature should be 180-190 degrees.

6. Make the Salted Caramel Drizzle: In a small saucepan, heat the condensed milk, dark brown sugar, salt, and butter until thick and caramelized. Set aside to cool. Put it in a piping bag to make it easier to drizzle.

7. Prepare the Frosting: Beat together the butter, cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

8. Assemble: Once the rolls are done baking, spread the cream cheese frosting on top and drizzle them with the salted caramel. Serve warm and enjoy!

Can you Freeze The Dough?

Freeze the dough before starting the second proofing. When you're ready, thaw it and allow it to rise. Pour in room temperature heavy cream and let it sit for 5 minutes before baking.

Variations

• Pecan Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans or to the filling for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Maple Glazed Rolls: Replace the salted caramel drizzle with a simple maple syrup glaze for a sweeter, more breakfast-friendly option. I used this for my Pumpkin Spice Rolls.
• Pumpkin Spice Rolls: Replace the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice to give these rolls a fall twist.
• Raisin Cinnamon Rolls: Add raisins to the filling for a chewy, fruity addition.

Not a fan of cream cheese frosting? Use my easy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting for a sweet, simple topping under the salted caramel drizzle.

What to Serve with This?

• Coffee: A rich cup of coffee pairs perfectly with the sweetness of these cinnamon rolls. The bitter notes of coffee help balance the rich flavors of caramel and cream cheese.
• Hot Chocolate: For a decadent combination, serve with a mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. The chocolate complements the caramel and apple flavors.
• Bacon: The salty crispiness of bacon contrasts with the sweet, soft cinnamon rolls.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving to enjoy them warm.
• Refrigerator: Keep the cinnamon rolls in the fridge for up to 5 days. Store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. Reheat in the oven

Recipe FAQ

More Cinnamon Rolls Recipe To Try

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