Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese and Salted Caramel

This Apple Cinnamon Roll recipe combines the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and tart Granny Smith apples, with a rich cream cheese frosting and a luxurious salted caramel drizzle. Perfect for cozy mornings or as a sweet treat to enjoy with friends and family, this irresistible recipe is surprisingly easy to make and will quickly become a family favorite!

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

I love making cinnamon rolls, but after discovering how much better they can be with the addition of apples and salted caramel, I’m hooked. I mean, who knew cinnamon rolls could be taken to the next level with just a few delicious tweaks? Plus, there’s something about caramel drizzling down a warm cinnamon roll that’s just irresistible!

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.
• Instant Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise quickly. Active dry yeast can also be used, though it will need a longer rise time.
• 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 pecans 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.
• 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.

Other Frosting Options

• Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: Add a tablespoon of maple syrup for an autumnal vibe.
• Chocolate Ganache: A rich chocolate drizzle instead of caramel for a decadent twist.
• Simple Glaze: Mix together confectioner's sugar, a splash of vanilla extract, and milk to create a quick, light glaze. This is perfect if you prefer a less rich topping than cream cheese frosting.
• Buttercream Frosting: Whip together softened butter, confectioner's sugar, vanilla extract, and a little cream to make a rich, smooth buttercream. This is great if you want a more traditional, sweeter frosting.

Topping Suggestions

• Toasted Nuts: Add a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pecans over the top for extra crunch and flavor.
• Fresh Apple Slices: Garnish with thinly sliced apples for a fresh, fruity presentation.
• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Dust the top with a mix of cinnamon and sugar for added sweetness and a slight crunch.
• Caramelized Pecans: Add caramelized pecans for extra texture and sweetness.

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

FAQ

More Cinnamon Rolls

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Recipe Card

Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese and Salted Caramel

Rose Sioson

This Apple Cinnamon Roll Recipe brings together the best of fall flavors with a perfect balance of tart Granny Smith apples, sweet cinnamon filling, and a rich cream cheese frosting finished with a luxurious salted caramel drizzle. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy weekend breakfast or treating yourself to an indulgent dessert, these rolls are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to make and uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home!

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Proofing 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 50 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 9 jumbo rolls

Calories 526 kcal

Equipment

• ▢
  1 stand mixer
• ▢
  1 11x11x2 aluminum baking pan If using 9x13 (divide your rolls to 12)

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Dough

• ▢ 1 cup Whole milk wamr 120 degrees Fahrenheit
• ▢ 2½ teaspoon instant dry yeast
• ▢ 2 large Eggs room temperature
• ▢ ½ cup Butter
• ▢ ½ cup granulated white Sugar
• ▢ 1 teaspoon Salt
• ▢ 4 cups All-purpose flour

Filling

• ▢ 6 tablespoon Butter
• ▢ 2 tablespoon Cinnamon Powder
• ▢ ½ cup Brown Sugar
• ▢ ½ cup White Sugar
• ▢ 2 medium Granny Smith Apples chopped small
• ▢ ⅔ cup Heavy Whipping Cream room temperature

Salted Caramel Drizzle

• ▢ ½ cup condensed milk
• ▢ 2 tablespoon dark brown sugar
• ▢ ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ▢ 2 tablespoon butter

Frosting

• ▢ 1½ cup Confectioner's sugar
• ▢ ¼ cup butter
• ▢ 8 ounces cream cheese
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon salt

Topping

• ▢ walnuts or pecan nuts (OPTIONAL) toasted and chopped

Instructions

 

• Make the Dough: Warm the milk to lukewarm (about 110°F), then stir in the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, mix the eggs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the flour, kneading until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
• Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix softened butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and white sugar to make a spreadable filling. Peel, core, and chop the apples into small cubes.
• Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16x12 inches).
• Add the Filling: Spread the cinnamon-sugar butter mixture evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the apple pieces evenly over the butter mixture.
• Roll the Dough: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 9 equal-sized rolls.
• Let Them Rise: Arrange the rolls in a buttered baking dish. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until puffed.
• Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through. Internal temperature should be 180-190.
• Make the Salted Caramel Drizzle: In a small saucepan, combine the condensed milk, dark brown sugar, salt, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns a deep caramel color. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
• Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter, cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth and fluffy.
• Assemble: Once the rolls are done baking, spread the cream cheese frosting on top and drizzle the caramel sauce over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 526kcalProtein: 2.9gFat: 45.7gSaturated Fat: 28.5gCholesterol: 163mgSodium: 581mgPotassium: 122mgFiber: 1.2gSugar: 28.3g

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