Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 2-3 apples, peeled and diced
Caramel Frosting
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup store bought or homemade caramel

Instructions

1. In a medium sauce pan scald the milk over medium heat. Stir in the sugar, salt, and butter until the butter is melted. Beat the egg in small bowl and temper with a bit of the milk mixture to ensure it doesn't scramble once added. Add to the milk mixture and beat until combined. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer (or in a medium size bowl) add the yeast, warm water, and teaspoon of sugar. Set aside.
3. Meanwhile sift 1 cup of flour and add it to the milk and butter mixture. Pour into the yeast and beat on low until smooth. Sift the rest of the flour and gradually add it to the dough until it is no longer sticky. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth. Cover and allow to rise for one hour.
4. Punch down and roll the dough out onto a floured surface into a rectangle shape that is about 1/4" thick. Melt the additional butter in the microwave and spread evenly on top of the dough. Spread the brown sugar evenly over the melted butter and sprinkle with the diced apples. Carefully roll the dough beginning at the bottom and working your way up being careful to roll tightly.
5. Once rolled, cut off the ends and place in a small ramekin. (Those are just for the cook!)
6. The best way to cut these into rolls is to use string. Slide the string underneath the roll, bring the ends over top, criss cross, and pull down so that the string goes straight through the dough. Cut into 2" slices and place in two separate pie plates. Be sure not to over crowd the dish. Allow to rise another 15 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 350° and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is lightly browned. Allow to cool slightly then frost with the caramel frosting.
Caramel Frosting
8. In a medium bowl beat the butter and powdered sugar. Add the caramel and continue to beat until smooth. Spread over slightly cooled rolls and serve.

Notes