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Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls

Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls

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Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup apple butter
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 12 tbsp heavy cream or milk

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk and one tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to make the dough rise.
  2. Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Use a dough hook or your hands to knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until it is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
  3. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for achieving that light and airy texture.
  4. Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the apple butter evenly over the surface, leaving a small border at the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar over the apple butter.
  5. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 even pieces. Place the rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each one.
  6. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. They should look puffy and be touching each other. While they rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. While the rolls are baking, whisk together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until smooth to create the frosting.
  8. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for about 5 to 10 minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls so it melts slightly into the swirls. Serve immediately while warm.