Easy Caramel Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Caramel cinnamon rolls are the ultimate indulgence, combining soft, fluffy rolls swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with gooey caramel sauce. These sweet treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, bringing warmth and decadence to your table. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich caramel topping, caramel cinnamon rolls are a crowd-pleaser and surprisingly easy to make at home.

Enjoy the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen and the satisfaction of biting into soft, buttery rolls with a caramel glaze that drips with every bite. These rolls are the perfect balance of sweet, warm, and gooey goodness.

This recipe takes a classic cinnamon roll and elevates it with a luscious caramel topping that adds a rich and buttery flavor. The soft dough, spiced filling, and indulgent caramel make these rolls irresistible and perfect for any occasion.

Tools to Use

Mixing bowls
Rolling pin
Dough scraper or knife
9×13-inch baking dish
Whisk
Small saucepan
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the Dough:

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg

For the Filling:

1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Caramel Sauce:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
Roll and Fill the Dough
- Roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top, covering the surface.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long side. Slice into 12 equal rolls.
Prepare the Caramel Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Cook until smooth and slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes. Pour the caramel sauce into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Assemble and Bake
- Place the rolls cut-side up into the baking dish on top of the caramel sauce. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve
- Let the rolls cool slightly before flipping the baking dish onto a large serving platter, allowing the caramel to coat the rolls. Serve warm.

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Easy Caramel Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Rolling Pin
Dough scraper or knife
9×13 inch baking dish
Whisk
Small saucepan
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the Dough:
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast 1 packet
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm milk about 110°F
1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
1 egg
For the Filling:
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
For the Caramel Sauce:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
Roll and Fill the Dough
Roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top, covering the surface.
Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long side. Slice into 12 equal rolls.
Prepare the Caramel Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Cook until smooth and slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes. Pour the caramel sauce into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Assemble and Bake
Place the rolls cut-side up into the baking dish on top of the caramel sauce. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve
Let the rolls cool slightly before flipping the baking dish onto a large serving platter, allowing the caramel to coat the rolls. Serve warm.

Tips for Cooking

Warm Ingredients: Ensure the milk and butter are warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
Make Ahead: Assemble the rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.
Extra Caramel: Double the caramel sauce recipe if you want an extra gooey topping.
Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts in the caramel sauce for added crunch.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Caramel cinnamon rolls are the epitome of comfort food. Their soft, pillowy texture, spiced filling, and indulgent caramel topping make them an unforgettable treat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a cozy morning, these rolls will bring joy to every bite.

Caramel cinnamon rolls are a luxurious twist on a classic favorite. With their rich caramel glaze and warm cinnamon flavors, they’re perfect for any gathering or quiet moment of indulgence. Bake these rolls for your next special occasion or simply to treat yourself—you deserve it!