Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

The perfect fall treat.  

APPLE PIE CINNAMON ROLLS

(makes 18)

Roll Ingredients:

*1/2 cup very warm water (not hot)

*1 tablespoon granutlated sugar

*2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

*1/4 cup butter, melted

*1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding

*1 cup very warm milk (not hot)

*1 large egg, romm temperature 

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*4 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)

Apple Filling Ingredients:

*1 tablespoon butter

*1/2 cup apple cider (or water)

*4 apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced, (I like to use 2 different types of apples)

*1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Filling Ingredients:

*1/3 cup granulated sugar

*1/3 cup brown sugar

*1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

*1 teaspoon apple pie spice 

*4 tablespoons butter, softened

*zest from 1/2 small orange (optional)

Frosting Ingredients:

*1 (4 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

*1/4 cup butter, softened

*1 cup powdered sugar

*1 teaspoon vanilla extract

*2 teaspoons heavy cream (or whole milk)

Roll Directions:

~In a large mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup warm water, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 2 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast, stirring it slightly.

~Allow to proof or bubble, about 10 minutes.

~Add in 1/4 cup melted butter (cooled slightly),  1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding, 1 cup warm water, 1 large egg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 4 cups bread flour, mix until it starts to come together.

~Uncle a dough hook (or by hand), knead dough for 6-8 minutes with dough hook or 10 minutes by hand or until dough is soft and elastic.

~Place in a large greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a clean damp towel.

~Place in a draft free area for 1 1/2 - 2 hours, or uni dough is doubled in size.

~Place dough onto a lightly floured surface, cover with a clean towel for 10 minutes.

Apple Filling Directions (do this while the dough is rising):

~In a medium saucepan, over medium-high heat, add 4 sliced and peeled apples, 1 tablespoon butter, and 1/2 cup apple cider, 

~Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer to 10 minutes.

~Place a colander over a bowl.

~Drain apples for at least one hour (while the dough is rising).

Filling Ingredients:

~In a small bowl, whisk 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon and apple pie spice together until well combined.

Let's Put It Together:

~Place dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll out into a 17 x10 inch rectangle.

~Spread 4 tablespoons softened butter over dough.

~Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over top of the butter

~Mix 1 tablespoon flour into cooked, drained, and cooled apples.

~Spread cooked and cooled apples evenly over dough.

~Sprinkle remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over top of the apples.

~Sprinkle zest for 1/2 orange on top (optional)

~Roll up dough a little tight, beginning with the long side.

~Grease 2  9x13 inch baking pans.

~Slice dough into 18  1-inch slices and place in prepared pan.

~Cover with a clean damp cloth and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Bake for 20 minutes, or until done.

Frosting Directions:

~In a medium bowl, beat 4 ounces softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 teaspoons heavy cream, until smooth.

~Spread over warm rolls.