Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon sweet, apple butter dough filled with local apples, more cinnamon, and brown sugar. Baked until tender and golden. Topped with an creamy apple cider icing. Sinful!

Apple-Cinnamon Rolls
3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 package (1/4 ounce) quick-rise yeast
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup apple butter
1/4 cup plus 1/3 cup butter, softened, divided
1 egg
2 cups finely chopped peeled apples
1-1/4 cups packed brown sugar
3 tsp. ground cinnamon
Icing (see recipe below)

In a large bowl, combine 2-1/4 cups flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.  Heat the milk, apple butter and 1/4 cup butter to 120 degrees in a small saucepan. Add to dry ingredients; mix just until moistened. Add egg and beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. (The dough will be very sticky). Turn onto a floured surface and knead until smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Cover dough and let it  sit for 10 minutes. Roll dough into a 15-inch x 10-inch rectangle. Spread remaining butter to within 1/2 in. of edges. Mix the apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon; sprinkle over butter. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut rolled dough into 12 slices. Place cut side down in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free location for 30 minutes. Bake at 325 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool 10 minutes. Drizzle warm rolls with icing. Makes 12 rolls.

Icing
1 cup powdered sugar
2 Tbs. Apple Cider
1 tsp. vanilla extract

dash of cinnamon

Whisk all ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over warm Apple-Cinnamon Rolls.

Note:  This would be delicious with walnuts or pecans added! A caramel glaze would also be incredible!