Apple Cinnamon Rolls

These light and fluffy cinnamon rolls, infused with the essence of apple pie, are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Imagine the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie combined with the sweet indulgence of cinnamon rolls. These Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect breakfast treat for fall. Whether you serve them for a special breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, they will surely become a family favorite. The combination of soft, satiny cinnamon roll dough, a sweet, sugary apple filling, and a delectable brown butter cream cheese frosting creates a truly heavenly experience for your taste buds. The tantalizing aroma as they bake will make your home smell better than any fall candle.

Ingredients:

For the Cinnamon Rolls:

• 2 packages active dry yeast (4 ½ teaspoons)
• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (to proof the yeast)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter or shortening
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 8 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (you might need more if the dough is sticky, up to 9-10 cups)
• 2 cups hot water
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon salt

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 large apples, chopped (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Softened unsalted butter, about ½ cup total
• Brown sugar, about 1 ½ cups total
• Cinnamon, about 2 tablespoons total

For the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract