Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Delightful and Sweet Treat

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 0.33 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 0.25 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as pecans or walnuts)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix well. Gradually add the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Knead the mixture until a soft dough forms. Place it in a greased bowl and cover with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. In another bowl, mix the softened butter with the diced apples until well coated.
3. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll out the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
4. Add the Filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter. Then spread the apple mixture over the sugar.
5. Roll and Cut: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place the rolls in a greased baking dish.
6. Second Rise: Cover the baking dish with a clean cloth and let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Prepare the Caramel Topping: While the rolls are baking, heat the caramel sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until slightly warm and pourable. If using, toast the chopped nuts in a dry skillet until fragrant.
9. Combine: Once the cinnamon rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delicious caramel apple cinnamon rolls warm for breakfast or as a sweet treat!