Caramel-Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Rosanna Pansino, YouTube baker and cookbook author, loves cozy flavors this time of year. These delicious, fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon rolls bring two amazing fall items together—caramel and apples.

Difficulty
Beginner
Yield
12–15 rolls
Prep Time
45 minutes
Rise Time
40 minutes
Bake Time
30 minutes
Swipe right
Ingredients
Dough
- 5 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 packets Fleischmann’s® RapidRise® Instant Yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ cup butter (room temperature)
- 2 eggs
Filling
- ⅔ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 5 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith)
Topping
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons diced apples (Granny Smith)
Directions
For the Dough:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, and line and grease the baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, sugar, Fleischmann’s® RapidRise® Instant Yeast and salt.
- In a small bowl, add the milk and butter. Heat until very warm, about 120°F–130°F.
- Add the butter mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well with a spatula.
- Add the eggs and 2 cups of flour and mix again.
- On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes or until smooth.
- Place the dough back in the bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
For the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Making the Rolls:
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a 14" x 20" rectangle about ¼" thick.
- Use a pastry brush or back of a spoon to spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the filling evenly over the dough, making sure all areas are covered. Then top with the diced apples.
- Roll up the dough, “jelly roll” style, and cut 12 rolls that are 1-½" thick.
- Place the rolls in the prepared pan. Cover and let it rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Making the Topping:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar and heavy cream. Whisk constantly until dissolved.
- Bring to a boil for 2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the baked cinnamon rolls.
- Top with the diced apples.
The Tradition
Growing up, Rosanna’s family had apple trees in the backyard, and they would bake every kind of apple treat imaginable. This recipe swirls up those memories into an irresistible cinnamon roll.
Tip
Before you sprinkle the fresh apples on top, toss them with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent them from browning.