Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
  • 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and finely diced (approx. 2 cups diced)
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream, to thin (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine warm milk and yeast in a large bowl. Let stand until foamy (5-10 minutes).
  2. Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
  5. While the dough rises, melt butter in a saucepan. Add diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook until apples are softened but not mushy. Remove from heat and cool completely.
  6. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16x12 inch rectangle.
  7. Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the dough. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle evenly over the apple filling.
  8. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
  9. Place the rolls, cut-side up, in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for 20-30 minutes, until puffy.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  11. While the rolls bake, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until fluffy. Add milk or cream to thin the frosting to your desired consistency.
  12. Let the rolls cool slightly before frosting generously. Serve warm and enjoy!