Name: Delicious Homemade Caramel Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast; 1 cup warm milk; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling); 1 cup brown sugar, packed (for filling); 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling); 1/2 cup heavy cream (for baking); 1 cup brown sugar (for caramel sauce); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for caramel sauce); 1/4 cup heavy cream (for caramel sauce); 1/4 teaspoon salt (for caramel sauce); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel sauce)

If you’re looking for a delightful way to treat yourself and your loved ones, these homemade Caramel Cinnamon Rolls are just the answer. With their soft and fluffy texture, filled with a delectable cinnamon-sugar mixture, and generously drizzled with rich caramel sauce, they make for a perfect breakfast, brunch, or even a decadent dessert. The charm of these rolls lies in their incredible combination of flavors and the warm, comforting aroma that will fill your kitchen as they bake. Everyone will be clamoring for seconds when you serve these up!

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
1 cup brown sugar, packed (for filling)
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
1/2 cup heavy cream (for baking)
1 cup brown sugar (for caramel sauce)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (for caramel sauce)
1/4 cup heavy cream (for caramel sauce)
1/4 teaspoon salt (for caramel sauce)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel sauce)

Instructions

To start your Caramel Cinnamon Rolls, begin by preparing the dough. In a large mixing bowl, pour the warm milk and sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, signaling that the yeast is active. Next, add in the granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter, salt, and the large egg. Mix together until well combined.

Gradually introduce the all-purpose flour into the mixture, stirring continuously until you form a soft, sticky dough. Once your dough starts to come together, transfer it to a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Once well-kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

After the dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out. On a lightly floured surface, gently punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle (about 16×24 inches). Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, making sure to cover every inch. Then, in a separate bowl, mix together the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the buttered dough.

Now it’s time to create the rolls! Starting from one long side of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough up tightly, forming a log shape. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the cinnamon rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each roll to allow for rising. Cover them again with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

While the rolls are making their final rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once they’ve puffed up nicely, pour the heavy cream evenly over the top of the rolls. This extra cream will ensure that your rolls are soft and moist after baking.

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and baked through. While the cinnamon rolls are baking, it’s time to make the caramel sauce! In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the packed brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture begins to thicken, then remove it from the heat and mix in the vanilla extract.

As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over them. Let the rolls cool slightly before serving, allowing the caramel to set just a bit. Serve them warm and watch everyone go wild!

Variations

While this Caramel Cinnamon Rolls recipe is undeniably delicious on its own, there are numerous ways you can twist this classic to suit your taste. Here are a few options to consider:

Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a delicious crunch.
Fruits: Enhance the flavor by incorporating some chopped apples or raisins into the filling. They pair wonderfully with cinnamon!
Glaze Variations: Swap out the caramel sauce for a traditional cream cheese glaze for a tangy finish.
Spices: Replace half of the ground cinnamon in the filling with pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
Chocolate: Try adding chocolate chips into the filling for a sweet surprise!

Cooking Notes

Creating these delectable Caramel Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience with a few helpful tips:

Dough Rise: Make sure your yeast is fresh and activated correctly for the best rise.
Kneading: Don’t skip the kneading step; it’s crucial for developing gluten, which gives the rolls their chewy texture.
Baking Dish: Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup after baking.
Storing: These rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to bring back their fluffy texture!
Freezing: You can freeze unbaked rolls after filling and slicing. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Serving Suggestions

To truly elevate your dining experience with these Caramel Cinnamon Rolls, consider pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They also shine next to a fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt for a balanced breakfast. For a special occasion, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a dessert that will impress anyone.

Tips

Use a thermometer to ensure milk is warm (between 100°F and 110°F) for optimal yeast activation.
Don’t rush the dough rising period; it’s key for achieving light and fluffy rolls.
If you prefer a less sweet option, reduce the amount of sugar in the caramel sauce.
For easier slicing, use a piece of thread or dental floss to cut the rolls, giving clean edges.
Make your caramel sauce in advance and store it in the fridge; it can be reheated when needed!

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Nutritional Information

Calories: 540 per roll

Protein: 6g

Sodium: 290mg

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser.

What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?
Ensure your yeast is fresh and your milk is warm enough; it should not be too hot or too cold.

How can I make these rolls ahead of time?
You can prepare the rolls the night before, cover them tightly, and refrigerate. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking in the morning.

Can I make a smaller batch?
Absolutely! Just halve the ingredients for a smaller batch of 6 rolls.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use evaporated milk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for the caramel sauce.

Conclusion

Making your own Caramel Cinnamon Rolls at home is a truly rewarding experience. There’s nothing quite like biting into a soft roll, filled with sweet cinnamon goodness, and topped with warm caramel sauce. These rolls are perfect for special occasions, Sunday brunches, or whenever you crave a sweet treat. We hope you’ll try this recipe and share your experience with us! Let us know in the comments how your rolls turned out or if you made any customizations. Don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow cinnamon roll enthusiasts!