Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
For the dough:
1 tablespoon instant yeast
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup apple cider
½ cup whole milk
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
8 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons brown sugar
For the filling:
4 tablespoons butter, softened
½ cup apple butter
½ cup packed brown sugar
For the frosting:
1 cup apple cider
½ cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
¼ cup thick style caramel sauce (homemade or store bought)
1 cup powdered sugar
Pinch of salt, to taste
Instructions
In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, add all the dough ingredients (yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, 1 cup apple cider, milk, flour, salt, ½ cup butter, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar). Mix on low for a few minutes until ingredients are slightly combined, then increase to a medium speed. Mix dough for about 8-10 minutes, until dough is smooth and elastic.
Oil a large bowl and add dough to bowl. Cover with a tea towel or plastic wrap. Allow dough to rise in a draft-free spot, until about doubled in size. This should take about 1 hour or so.
Spray a 9x13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray. Dump dough onto a well-floured surface. Roll dough into a large rectangle, about 12 x 20 inches. Spread 4 tablespoons softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving about ¼ inch border around the edges. Spread apple butter on top evenly. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Roll dough tightly into a long log. Cut log into 12 even pieces and arrange in prepared baking pan.
Cover rolls loosely with a towel or plastic wrap and place in a draft-free spot. Allow to rise until about 30-45 minutes, until about 1.5 times in size.
When rolls are nearly done rising, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake rolls in preheated oven for about 23-26 minutes, until completely cooked through and starting to lightly brown on top. Remove from oven and cool.
Meanwhile, while rolls cook and cool, make the frosting. In a small saucepan, add 1 cup of apple cider and bring to a boil. Continue to boil until reduced to ¼ cup, about 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Beat together ½ cup butter and cream cheese until fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. Add cooled cider and caramel and beat until creamy and well combined. Add powdered sugar and salt and beat until frosting is light and fluffy.
Once rolls are cooled, top with frosting and serve.