Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls

1. **Prepare the Apple Filling:**
2. In a medium saucepan, combine 4 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced), 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup unsalted butter.
3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Cook for 3 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 10 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened.
6. Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
7. Cool the filling completely.
8. **Prepare the Dough:**
9. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet), and 1 teaspoon salt.
10. In a separate saucepan, heat 1/2 cup warm water (105-115°F), 1/4 cup warm milk (105-115°F), and 1/4 cup unsalted butter until the butter is melted and the mixture is very warm.
11. Gradually add the warm milk mixture to the dry ingredients.
12. Beat for 2 minutes at medium speed with an electric mixer, scraping the bowl occasionally.
13. Add 2 large eggs and 1 cup all-purpose flour.
14. Beat for 2 minutes at high speed, scraping the bowl occasionally.
15. Stir in enough remaining all-purpose flour (about 1/2 - 3/4 cup) to make a soft dough.
16. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic (8-10 minutes).
17. Cover and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
18. Divide the dough into two equal parts.
19. Roll each part into a 12x8-inch rectangle.
20. Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over each rectangle.
21. Starting at the long end of each rectangle, roll up the dough tightly, like a jelly roll.
22. Pinch the seams to seal.
23. Cut each roll into 12 equal pieces.
24. Place the rolls, cut-side up, in two greased 9-inch round baking pans.
25. **Prepare the Topping & Bake:**
26. While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon-sugar topping by stirring together 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground nutmeg.
27. Let the rolls rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size (about 45 minutes).
28. Sprinkle the rolls with the cinnamon-sugar topping.
29. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
30. Remove from pans and serve warm.