Step 1: Prepare the Dough (if making from scratch)

1. Activate the Yeast:

In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and sugar together. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

2. Make the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together.

3. Knead the Dough:

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.

4. Let the Dough Rise:

Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Cinnamon Filling

1. Cook the Apples:

While the dough is rising, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Stir to combine and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the apples are soft and caramelized.

2. Thicken the Filling:

Sprinkle the flour over the apple mixture and stir to combine. This will help thicken the filling as it cools. Once thickened, remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool completely.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. Roll the Dough:

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches in size.

2. Spread the Butter:

Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough, making sure to cover the entire rectangle.

3. Sprinkle the Sugar and Cinnamon:

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

4. Add the Apple Filling:

Spread the cooled apple cinnamon filling over the dough in an even layer. If you’re adding nuts, sprinkle them over the apples.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Roll the Dough into a Log:

Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, making sure to keep it as tight as possible. Pinch the seam to seal the dough.

2. Cut the Rolls:

Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the dough into 10-12 equal pieces. Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll for them to expand.

Step 5: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake the Rolls:

Cover the rolls loosely with foil and let them rise for an additional 20-30 minutes while the oven preheats. Then, bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top and cooked through.

Step 6: Make the Caramel Glaze

1. Melt the Butter:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Add the Sugar and Cream:

Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar.

3. Simmer the Caramel:

Let the caramel simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and pinch of salt.

Step 7: Drizzle the Caramel and Serve

Once the rolls are out of the oven, pour the caramel glaze over the top while they’re still warm. The caramel will seep into the crevices of the rolls, making them extra gooey and delicious.

Serve your Easy Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls warm, and enjoy the perfect balance of soft dough, sweet apple filling, and sticky caramel!