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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast - 1/2 teaspoon salt For the dry ingredients, I use all-purpose flour for the best texture. Granulated sugar adds a bit of sweetness. Instant yeast helps the rolls rise quickly. A touch of salt balances all the flavors. - 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract The warm milk activates the yeast. Melted unsalted butter keeps the rolls soft. The egg provides richness, and vanilla adds a nice flavor. - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 cup diced apples (Granny Smith works well) - 1/2 cup chopped pecans - 1/4 cup caramel sauce For filling, I mix ground cinnamon with brown sugar for sweetness. Diced Granny Smith apples bring tartness, which balances the sweet. Chopped pecans add crunch, and the caramel sauce ties it all together with gooey goodness. - In a large bowl, whisk together: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast - 1/2 teaspoon salt - In another bowl, mix: - 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F) - 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir until a dough forms. - Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. It should feel smooth and elastic. - Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes. - In a small bowl, mix: - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - Set this mixture aside. - Dice 1 cup of apples, like Granny Smith, into small pieces. - Chop 1/2 cup of pecans into small bits. - Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. - Roll the dough out into a rectangle, about 12x18 inches. - Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough. - Evenly distribute the diced apples and chopped pecans. - Drizzle the caramel sauce over the filling. - Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly to form a log. - Slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Place these in a greased baking dish. - Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes. They should be golden brown. - Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly. - Drizzle with more caramel sauce before serving. To make the best caramel apple pecan cinnamon rolls, start by knocking down the dough before rolling. This helps to remove air bubbles and makes rolling easier. Next, ensure you find a warm spot for the dough to rise. A warm kitchen or an oven set to low works well. The warmth helps the dough grow fluffy and soft. These rolls shine when served warm. Drizzle caramel sauce over each roll for a sweet touch. They also pair nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This adds a creamy contrast to the soft, gooey rolls. One common mistake is over-kneading or under-kneading the dough. Knead it just enough until it feels smooth. Too much kneading can make it tough, while not enough can make it dense. Another mistake is not allowing enough time for the dough to rise. Patience is key! Make sure to let it rise until it doubles in size for the best texture. {{image_2}} You can switch up the apples for different kinds. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples add sweetness. tart Granny Smith apples bring a nice tang. You can also add other fruits. Try diced pears for a softer bite. Dried cranberries give a nice tartness, too. Mix and match to find your favorite blend! Nuts add a great crunch but are not a must. If you want a twist, try walnuts or almonds. These nuts provide a different flavor. You can also skip the nuts entirely. This option is perfect for those with nut allergies or who prefer a softer roll. Spices can take your rolls to the next level. Adding nutmeg or cloves gives a warm, cozy taste. Just a pinch can really change the flavor. You can also use flavored caramel sauces. Salted caramel adds a nice contrast to the sweetness. Experiment to find your perfect flavor mix! To store your caramel apple pecan cinnamon rolls, let them cool first. Place them in a container with a lid. You can keep them in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to save them longer, freeze them. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy your rolls again, there are some great ways to reheat them. The best method is using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This keeps them soft and warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat each roll for about 15-20 seconds. If you want to keep the flavor and texture, cover them with a damp paper towel while reheating. This helps prevent them from drying out. Yes, you can prepare these rolls in advance. Follow these steps: - Make the dough and let it rise. - After rolling and filling, cut the rolls. - Place them in a baking dish, but do not let them rise again. - Cover the dish and store it in the fridge overnight. - In the morning, let the rolls sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. - Bake them as directed. This method saves time and gives you fresh rolls in the morning. The best apples for these rolls include: - Granny Smith - Honeycrisp - Fuji Granny Smith apples work well because they are tart and hold their shape. Honeycrisp adds sweetness and crunch. Fuji apples are sweet and juicy, giving a nice balance to the rolls. Making caramel sauce is easy! Here’s a simple recipe: - In a saucepan, heat 1 cup of sugar over medium heat. - Stir constantly until the sugar melts and turns golden brown. - Add 6 tablespoons of butter and mix well. - Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine. - Let it cool before using. This homemade caramel sauce adds a rich flavor to your rolls. We covered how to make delicious cinnamon rolls from scratch. Starting with simple ingredients, you learned to mix dry and wet components, prepare a flavorful filling, and assemble the rolls. I shared helpful tips to perfect your baking and avoid common mistakes. You also discovered fun variations to customize your rolls. Finally, we provided storage and reheating advice to enjoy them longer. Now, you’re ready to create a tasty treat that will impress!

Caramel Apple Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in the ultimate treat with these delicious caramel apple pecan cinnamon rolls! Discover simple steps to create fluffy rolls filled with tangy apples, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of rich caramel for the perfect flavor combination. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also perfect for any occasion. Click through to explore the mouthwatering details and make these delightful cinnamon rolls for yourself!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 cup diced apples (Granny Smith works well)

1/2 cup pecans, chopped

1/4 cup caramel sauce

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt.

    In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.

      Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes.

        While the dough is rising, prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.

          Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle (about 12x18 inches).

            Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough. Distribute the diced apples and chopped pecans over the cinnamon-sugar. Drizzle caramel sauce on top.

              Starting from one edge, tightly roll up the dough to form a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.

                Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

                  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

                    Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce before serving.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes | Servings: 12

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve warm on a large platter, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top, and sprinkle extra pecans for a beautiful finish. Pairs well with a dollop of whipped cream on the side or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.