Apple Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls

I'm not sure about you, but I think Autumn offers the best baking opportunities with the abundance of apples, pears, and of course cinnamon.

Bakes: 8 Large Rolls

Takes: 3 hours (Including the Rise)

Difficulty: 1 out of 5

Prep:

Butter a small (about 9 inches by 6 inches) baking dish very well.

Ingredients:

- Dough

1/2 cup milk (or 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup water)

1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup granulated sugar

2 cups flour, plus 1/4 cup for dusting

1 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast

1 egg

- Filling

2 large applies - sliced thinly

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 cup brown sugar

A pinch of nutmeg

1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon

3-4 tablespoons unsalted butter - separated

- Topping (Optional)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter - melted

4 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions:

- Step 1 - Warm the Milk

In a small pan warm the 1/2 cup of milk, 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoons of butter, 1/2 teaspoon of 1/2 salt, and 1/3 cup of sugar until just warm - about 110 degrees F (35 degrees C).

- Step 2 - Grab Your Large Bowl

In a large bowl, mix together the 2 cups flour and the 1 1/4 teaspoon yeast.

- Step 3 - Mix in the What is Left

When the milk mixture has come to temperature (110 degrees F or 35 degrees C), add it to the flour and yeast mixture and add the 1 egg.

Mix together until it starts to come together.

- Step 4 - Knead

Once the dough starts to come together, knead it until it becomes a smooth ball: about 5 - 10 minutes.

Once kneaded, cover and let rise for 1 hour.

- Step 5 - Prepare the Apples

As the dough is rising, peal, core, and thinly slice your 2 apples and place them into a medium or large bowl. Whatever makes you happy.

- Step 6 - Prepare the Rest of the Filling

Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/2 cup brown sugar, a pinch of nutmeg, and 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon to the applies and mix until all the apple slices are covered.

Set aside until the dough is ready to be filled.

- Step 7 - Roll the Dough

Once the dough has doubled in size, roll it out into a rectangle that is about 5 millimeters thick.

- Step 8 - Butter the Dough

Using a knife, spread the 2-3 tablespoons of butter over the dough until fully covered.

- Step 9 - Fill the Dough

Dump the prepared apple filling onto the rolled out dough and spread them out evenly leaving about an inch around all sides.

Cut the remaining 1-2 tablespoons over the apples.

- Step 10 - Toll the Dough Up

Roll the dough up by the long side, so you have more rolls to place into the baking dish.

- Step 11 - Cut the Roll

Cut the roll into equal sizes.

I start from the middle and cut the roll in half and then I cut the halves into halves and then so on until they are about 3 inches wide.

- Step 12 - Fill the Baking Dish

Place the rolls into the prepared baking dish leaving equal space between them.

- Step 13 - Rise and Preheat

Place a towel over the rolls and let rise for 15-30 minutes.

Whole the rolls rise, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C).

- Step 14 - Bake

Bake the rolls in the oven for 20-30 minutes.

Start with 20 minutes and add time if the dough does not look cooked through and the tops are not golden brown.

Once the rolls are puffy and nicely browned, they are done.

- Step 15 - Topping - (Optional)

(The topping is only needed if you would like the rolls to be sweeter).

Melt the 3 tablespoons of butter and add 4 tablespoons of brown sugar.

Using a pastry brush, brush the mixture over top the rolls.

(I added just butter to the tops of my rolls to add a shine.

- Step 16 - Enjoy!

Serve these rolls warm or at room temperature. They are absolutely perfect for breakfast, a snack, or if you are feeling adventurous, dinner.