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Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

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Delightful rolls combining the flavors of traditional apple pie and soft cinnamon rolls, topped with cream cheese glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium Granny Smith apples (diced)
  • 1/4 cup apple butter
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons water
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 1/4 cup bread flour
  • 3 2/3 cups bread flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/3 cup whole milk (room temperature)
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Tangzhong (from recipe above)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 2 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons apple butter

Instructions

  1. Dice the Granny Smith apples and combine them in a bowl with apple butter, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of water, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
  2. Mix thoroughly, ensuring the apples are evenly coated.
  3. Add the cornstarch to the apple mixture and mix well.
  4. Simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Remove from heat and let cool while you prepare the dough.
  6. Combine 2/3 cup water with 1/4 cup bread flour in a saucepan to make Tangzhong.
  7. Stir continuously over medium heat until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Let it cool.
  9. Mix 3 2/3 cups bread flour, 1/3 cup sugar, and 2 teaspoons instant yeast in a large bowl.
  10. Stir in the fine sea salt.
  11. Incorporate 1/3 cup whole milk, 1/3 cup heavy cream, and the large egg into the dry mixture.
  12. Add the cooled Tangzhong and mix until a dough forms.
  13. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  14. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
  15. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 18×12 inches.
  16. Spread 6 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter over the dough.
  17. Sprinkle 2/3 cup brown sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon evenly on top.
  18. Spoon the apple filling over the sugar, spreading it evenly.
  19. Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log shape.
  20. Slice the roll into 12 equal pieces.
  21. Arrange the slices in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for 30-45 minutes.
  22. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  23. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  24. Cool the rolls slightly before glazing.
  25. Beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons apple butter until smooth.
  26. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and serve.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for smoother dough. Knead well for optimal texture.

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