Homemade Caramel Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Begin by warming the milk until it reaches about 110°F (warm to the touch but not hot). In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and the active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is activated.
- Add the granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook attachment for the same amount of time.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. The mixture should be spreadable.
3. Roll Out and Fill the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 18×12 inches in size.
- Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from the longer side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
- Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 even rolls.
4. Prepare the Caramel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Gradually add the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
5. Assemble and Bake the Rolls:
- Pour half of the caramel sauce into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Arrange the cinnamon rolls in the baking dish on top of the caramel sauce.
- Cover the dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
6. Final Touches:
- Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Carefully invert the baking dish onto a serving platter, allowing the caramel sauce to drip down over the rolls.
- If you’d like an extra layer of sweetness, prepare a glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm caramel rolls.
7. Serving:
- Serve the caramel cinnamon rolls warm, allowing the gooey caramel to coat each bite. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert. Enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting treat.
Tips:
- If you prefer a softer caramel sauce, reduce the cooking time slightly when preparing the sauce.
- For extra crunch, you can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel sauce before pouring it into the baking dish.
- To save time, the dough can be prepared the night before. After rolling and slicing the rolls, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Allow them to come to room temperature and rise for 30 minutes before baking.
These homemade caramel cinnamon rolls are the ultimate indulgence, combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon and caramel with a soft, pillowy dough. Whether for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, these rolls are sure to impress!