Indulge yourself with these irresistible homemade caramel cinnamon rolls. The soft and fluffy dough is filled with a sweet cinnamon mixture and topped with a gooey caramel sauce. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast or as a dessert, these cinnamon rolls are a treat that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- For the dough:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- For the filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- For the caramel sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until the dough comes together.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling by combining the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a 12x18-inch rectangle.
- Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Place the slices in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, butter, heavy cream, and water for the caramel sauce.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the risen cinnamon rolls in the baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and the caramel is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the rolls cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Cinnamon rolls are believed to have originated in Sweden and were brought to the United States by Swedish immigrants.
Caramel is made by heating sugar until it melts and turns golden brown. It adds a rich and sweet flavor to the cinnamon rolls.
The aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls is known to improve mood and create a cozy atmosphere in the kitchen.
Cinnamon rolls are often served with a cream cheese frosting, but the gooey caramel sauce in this recipe takes them to another level of decadence.