Are you craving a warm, gooey, and utterly delicious treat? Look no further! This caramel cinnamon roll recipe is the perfect answer for satisfying your sweet tooth. Forget those store-bought versions; making homemade cinnamon rolls is easier than you think and the taste? Unforgettable. This recipe delivers soft, fluffy rolls generously swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a rich, decadent caramel sauce. It's the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy weekend brunch, a special occasion, or just because you deserve a little something sweet! Prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to create this delicious homemade masterpiece.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4-4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk to combine.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Preparing the Filling and Assembling the Rolls:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the cinnamon.
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12x18 inch rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
Baking and Caramel Sauce:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and ½ cup of water. Do not stir. Cook until the sugar dissolves and turns a light amber color.
- Carefully pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble up!). Whisk constantly until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Once the rolls are baked, immediately pour the warm caramel sauce over them. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
- You can use different types of sugar in the filling, such as coconut sugar or maple sugar.
- Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the filling for added crunch.
- If you don't have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be thinner.
- These rolls are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
Nutritional Information (per roll, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Protein: 5-7g
Enjoy your homemade caramel cinnamon rolls! They're a delicious and rewarding baking project for any skill level. This easy recipe will quickly become a family favorite. These delicious dishes are perfect for any occasion, from simple weeknight dinners to impressive holiday gatherings. This is one of the best recipes for a truly satisfying and healthy meal.