Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Dough:

1. Warm the Milk: Heat the milk to 110°F. Pour into a large bowl or stand mixer bowl.
2. Activate Yeast: Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and yeast to the milk. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
3. Mix Ingredients: Add the remaining sugar, butter, and whisked eggs to the bowl. Mix for about 30 seconds using a spatula or mixer.
4. Combine Dough: Add 5 cups of flour and salt. Mix with the paddle attachment until it forms a shaggy dough.
5. Knead Dough: Switch to the dough hook and knead on low speed for 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, knead by hand on a floured surface for 10 minutes. Add the remaining ½ cup of flour if the dough is too sticky.
6. Form Dough Ball: Shape the dough into a smooth ball.
7. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise at room temperature (72°F) for about 2 hours.

Apple Pie Filling:

1. Cook Filling: In a large saucepan, combine apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook until apples are soft and the mixture thickens, about 12-15 minutes.
2. Thicken Filling: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Add to apples and cook until very thick, 1-2 minutes.
3. Cool Filling: Transfer apples to a bowl, cover, and let cool to room temperature.

Cinnamon Butter Filling:

1. Mix Ingredients: Combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Mix into a thick paste.

Assemble the Rolls:

1. Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Roll Dough: On a floured surface, roll dough into a 20×12-inch rectangle, about ½ inch thick.
3. Add Fillings: Spread cinnamon butter evenly over dough, then add apple pie filling.
4. Form Rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 even pieces. Use dental floss for neat cuts.
5. Second Rise: Place rolls in the pan, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.

Bake the Rolls:

1. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375°F (350°F for convection ovens).
2. Bake: Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until edges are browned. If the center isn’t fully baked, cover with foil and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes.
3. Cool Rolls: Let the rolls cool for 20 minutes.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Beat Ingredients: In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer for 1 minute until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, and mix until smooth.
2. Frost Rolls: Spread frosting over warm rolls. Serve after another 10 minutes.