Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Dough:

1. Combine milk and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1 minute then remove and stir.

2. Continue heating in 20-second intervals, pausing after each to stir, until the butter is melted and the milk is warm to the touch but not hot.

3. If needed, let the milk mixture sit for a few minutes until it is warm but not hot.

4. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, add 3 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Stir by hand to combine.

5. Add the egg and milk mixture, and beat on medium-low speed until combined. Add the remaining flour, ¼ cup at a time, beating after each addition until incorporated.

6. Continue beating for 5 minutes on medium-low speed. Remove the dough hook and cover the dough with a damp towel and let rest for 10 minutes.

Cinnamon Sugar:

1. Meanwhile, begin making your filling by whisking together sugars and cinnamon in a bowl until combined.

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls:

1. When the dough is ready, turn it out onto a floured work surface. Then use a floured rolling pin to roll the dough out into a large rectangle about 14×9-inch in size.

2. Use a knife or pastry spatula to spread the softened butter out evenly over the entire surface of the dough.

3. Then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon and sugar mixture. Then sprinkle on the finely chopped apples and drizzle with ½ cup caramel sauce.

4. Beginning at the 14-inch edge, tightly roll up the dough and then give the final seam a little pinch so that it seals.

5. Use a piece of dental floss to cut off the two ends of the roll so that they are even.

6. Then cut the remaining dough into 11 or 12 equal pieces.

7. Then pull the ends of the floss up and cross over the top of the dough. Then give a quick tug to literally cut all the way through the dough.

8. Place each of the cut cinnamon rolls into a greased pie plate or 9×13-inch baking dish. Then cover again with a damp towel, and leave the dish in a warm place to rise for 25 minutes.

9. When the rolls have risen, uncover the dish. Then place on the center rack of the oven and bake at 350 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes or until the rolls are golden and cooked through.

10. Remove and let cool on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes. Drizzle with remaining caramel sauce and serve.