Gooey Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Quick Golden Gooey Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and caramel apple fill kitchens during autumn weekends.

These decadent caramel apple cinnamon rolls blend classic pastry comfort with seasonal warmth.

Soft, pillowy dough wraps around rich, spiced apple filling that melts in your mouth.

Generous drizzles of golden caramel cascade over each perfectly swirled roll, creating an irresistible treat.

Warm spices dance with sweet fruit, transforming a simple breakfast pastry into a memorable indulgence.

Every bite promises a delightful balance of tender dough, fragrant cinnamon, and luscious caramel.

Prepare to fall in love with this ultimate weekend morning companion that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Calories: 372 kcal

Servings: 13

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Ingredients Breakdown

For Dough Ingredients:
  • Active Dry Yeast: Kickstarts rising process, choose fresh and unexpired for best performance.
  • Warm Milk: Creates soft texture, select whole milk for richer flavor.
  • Butter: Adds richness and tender crumb, use unsalted for precise flavor control.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps yeast activate, opt for granulated white sugar.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile, choose pure extract for deeper taste.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and strengthens gluten structure.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure, use room temperature for smooth incorporation.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates foundational texture, select unbleached flour for better results.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Provides warm undertone to dough, use freshly ground if possible.
For Filling Ingredients:
  • Apples: Adds fruity sweetness, select firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
  • Brown Sugar: Creates deep caramel notes, choose dark brown for intense flavor.
  • Butter: Develops rich caramelization, use unsalted for controlled seasoning.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Intensifies apple's warmth, select high-quality spice.
  • Nutmeg: Adds subtle complexity, use freshly grated for most vibrant taste.
  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavor profile, select pure Madagascar variety.
For Glaze Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates silky smooth consistency, use high-quality unsalted butter.
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers deep caramel undertones, opt for dark brown sugar.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious richness, select full.

Tools for Making Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

  • Mixing Bowl: Large bowl for combining dough ingredients and mixing.
  • Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out dough into a rectangular shape.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measuring of ingredients like flour, sugar, and spices.
  • Saucepan: Medium-sized pan for cooking apple filling and caramel glaze.
  • 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for baking and serving the cinnamon rolls.
  • Pastry Brush: Used for brushing melted butter on the dough.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing the rolled dough into individual rolls.
  • Kitchen Towel: Used to cover dough during rising process.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helpful for mixing and stirring ingredients.

Making Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Full Directions

  • Activate the Yeast

Mix warm milk with a touch of sugar and yeast. Let it bubble and foam for a few minutes until it looks alive and ready to work its.

  • Create Soft Dough

Blend the frothy yeast with melted butter, sugar, vanilla, salt, and egg. Gradually fold in flour, kneading until you have a smooth, elastic dough that feels like a soft pillow. Let it rest and rise in a cozy spot until it doubles in size.

  • Craft Caramel Apple Mixture

Melt butter in a pan and tumble in chopped apples. Sprinkle brown sugar and warming spices, stirring until apples turn tender and glossy. Pull off heat and splash in vanilla for extra depth.

  • Shape and Prepare Rolls

Roll out the puffy dough into a wide rectangle. Brush with butter, then spread the apple mixture generously. Carefully roll the dough into a beautiful log, slicing into even spirals. Nestle these into a baking dish, giving them room to expand.

  • Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the rolls into a preheated oven. Watch them transform into golden, puffy treasures in about 25-30 minutes. The kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.

  • Drizzle with Caramel Glaze

Whip up a silky caramel sauce by melting butter, brown sugar, and cream. Let it bubble and thicken, then stir in vanilla. Pour this liquid gold over the warm rolls, letting it seep into every delicious crevice.

Pro Tips for Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

  • Use a warm, draft-free spot like inside a turned-off oven with the light on to help dough rise quickly and evenly.
  • Prepare rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking to let them come to room temperature.
  • Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
  • Replace dairy milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and substitute egg with a flax egg or applesauce to create a plant-based version.
  • Wrap unbaked rolls tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

Creative Ways to Serve Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

  • Cozy Breakfast Companion: Serve these rolls alongside a steaming mug of coffee or hot apple cider for a perfect morning treat that warms both body and soul.
  • Dessert Transformation: Elevate the rolls into a decadent dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top, creating a heavenly blend of warm spices and cool creaminess.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Present the cinnamon rolls on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of powdered sugar, making them a stunning centerpiece for weekend gatherings or special brunches.
  • Party Pleaser: Cut the rolls into smaller bite-sized pieces for an easy-to-share appetizer at holiday parties or potlucks, letting guests enjoy the rich caramel apple flavor in one delightful bite.

Storing & Meal Planning for Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

  • Store rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or sealed lid to maintain softness and prevent drying out.
  • When storing longer than 3 days, place rolls in refrigerator. Wrap individually in plastic film or store in sealed container to retain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
  • Warm rolls gently in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Add a small splash of water or brush with butter to restore original texture and prevent hardening.
  • Freeze unbaked rolls after assembling by wrapping tightly in plastic and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then let rise at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking. Frozen baked rolls can last up to 2 months when wrapped securely in freezer-safe containers.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make the caramel apple filling special?

Fresh diced apples are cooked with brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg, creating a rich, warm filling that infuses each roll with deep autumn flavors.

  • Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes! Granny Smith apples provide tartness, while Honeycrisp or Gala apples offer sweetness. Choose firm apples that hold their shape during cooking for the best texture.

  • How do I know if my yeast is active and working correctly?

Your yeast mixture should become frothy and bubbly within 5 minutes after mixing with warm milk. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast might be old or the liquid was too hot or cold, and you’ll need to start over.

  • Is kneading the dough important for this recipe?

Absolutely. Kneading develops gluten, which gives the cinnamon rolls their soft, tender texture. Knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic for the best results.

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Stuffed Salmon Recipe

Stuffed Salmon Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Delightful Stuffed Salmon recipe brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with creamy feta and spinach nestled inside perfectly baked fish. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques deliver an elegant meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 salmon fillets (6.8 ounces or 193 grams each), skinless and boneless

Stuffing Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • ⅓ cup cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Meticulously prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a precise 375F (190C), ensuring an even warming environment for the upcoming salmon transformation.
  2. Gently create a delicate pocket within each salmon fillet using a razor-sharp knife, taking care to maintain the structural integrity of the fish while allowing space for the luxurious filling.
  3. Massage the salmon exterior with fragrant olive oil, then lovingly dust with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to enhance its natural flavor profile.
  4. Craft a decadent filling by thoroughly blending spinach, velvety cream cheese, sharp Parmesan, melty mozzarella, aromatic minced garlic, subtle onion powder, and a whisper of seasoning until the mixture achieves a harmonious consistency.
  5. Carefully distribute the prepared filling into each salmon pocket, gently pressing to seal the delectable treasure within, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
  6. Nestle the stuffed fillets into a prepared baking vessel, allowing them to cuddle closely but not overlap.
  7. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven, allowing the salmon to cook for approximately 18-22 minutes until it reaches a perfect flaky texture and achieves an internal temperature of 145F (63C).
  8. Once removed from the oven, permit the salmon to rest momentarily, allowing the flavors to settle and intensify.
  9. Present the golden-hued, cheese-laden salmon alongside complementary accompaniments such as vibrant roasted vegetables, fluffy rice, or a crisp, refreshing salad.

Notes

  • Slice salmon pockets carefully to maintain fish integrity, preventing filling from leaking during cooking.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, easier mixing when preparing stuffing.
  • Consider substituting dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets, using cashew or almond-based cream cheese.
  • Pat salmon fillets dry before seasoning to enhance crispy exterior and better spice adherence during baking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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