Get ready to transform your kitchen into a bakery of dreams with these irresistible Caramel Rolls with Apples and Walnuts! Imagine pulling apart a warm, gooey roll filled with tender apples, crunchy walnuts, and a rich caramel essence that will make your taste buds dance with joy. These aren't just any ordinary rolls - they're a perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and comforting flavors that will have your family and friends begging for seconds (and asking for the recipe)!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup chopped apples
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk (around 110°F) and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture.
- Mix the ingredients together until a soft, sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 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 approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing chopped apples, chopped walnuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 12x16 inches.
- Spread softened butter evenly across the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the apple-walnut mixture uniformly over the butter.
- Carefully roll the dough from the long side, creating a tight log, then slice into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown and the caramel is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Optional: drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired.
Tips
- Yeast Temperature Matters: Ensure your milk is precisely warm (around 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it. Too hot, and you'll destroy the yeast; too cool, and it won't activate properly.
- Kneading is Key: Take your time when kneading the dough. A full 8-10 minutes develops the gluten, giving your rolls that perfect, soft texture.
- Rising Environment: Find a warm, draft-free spot for your dough to rise. A slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a sunny window works perfectly.
- Don't Rush the Rises: Allow both rising periods their full time - this develops flavor and ensures light, fluffy rolls.
- Cutting Tip: Use dental floss or a very sharp knife to slice the rolled dough into even rolls without squishing the dough.
- Check for Doneness: Golden brown color and bubbling caramel are your visual cues that the rolls are perfectly baked.
- Serving Suggestion: These rolls are best served warm, so time your baking just before you plan to serve them for maximum deliciousness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
