This delectable twist on classic cinnamon rolls combines the comforting flavors of warm cinnamon, tender apples, and gooey caramel. As the aroma of baking spices and fresh apples fills your kitchen, you'll find it hard to resist these  rolls.

Tips from Pizzello: mashed potato in this dough can get extra softness!

Ingredients:

Dough:

• 6 tablespoons butter, softened, divided
• 2 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples
• 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 packet (0.25 ounce) active dry yeast
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup mashed potato
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs

Filling:

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 4 teaspoons apple pie spice or ground cinnamon 

Glaze:

• 2/3 cup heavy cream

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp apple pie spice
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon whole milk, plus more if needed

Instructions: 

Step 1: Prepare the apples

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chopped apples, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-8 minutes. Transfer the cooked apples to a bowl and let them cool completely.

Step 2: Combine dough ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine 1 1/2 cups flour and the yeast.

Step 3: Warm the wet ingredients 

In a saucepan, heat 5 tablespoons butter, milk, mashed potato, granulated sugar, and salt over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until just warm (around 120-130°F/ 49-50°C), and the butter is almost melted.

Step 4: Make the dough

Pour the warm milk mixture into the flour mixture. Add the eggs. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping the bowl as needed. Then, increase the speed to high and beat for 3 minutes. Gradually mix in the remaining 2 3/4 cups of flour. Knead the dough in the stand mixer, adding up to 1/2 cup more flour if needed, until it forms a soft, elastic, and slightly sticky dough (about 3 minutes).

Step 5: First rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a large, lightly greased bowl, turning it to coat. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place (75-80°F / 24-27°C) until doubled in size, about 45-60 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare the filling and pan

While the dough rises, prepare the filling by combining the brown sugar and apple pie spice in a small bowl. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 7: Shape the rolls

Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Let it rest, covered, for about 10 minutes. Roll the dough into a 12x18-inch rectangle. Spread the remaining 1/3 cup of softened butter over the dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar-spice mixture and the cooled apples evenly over the buttered dough, leaving a 1-inch border along one long side. Starting at the long side opposite the border, tightly roll up the dough to form a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.

Step 8: Cut and second rise

Cut the rolled dough log crosswise into 12 equal portions. Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish. Cover and let them rise in a warm place (75-80°F / 24-27°C) until nearly doubled in size, about 30-45 minutes.

Step 9: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F / 190°C. Place a large, foil-lined baking sheet on the oven rack below the baking dish to catch any drips. Pour the heavy cream evenly over the rolls. Bake the rolls for 23-28 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Once baked, let them cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.

Step 10: Make the frosting

While the rolls are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat the cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, apple pie spice, and salt together in a bowl using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed until well combined. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar and beat until smooth. Add the teaspoon of milk and continue beating, adding more milk by the teaspoon if needed, until the frosting reaches your desired spreading consistency.

Step 11: Frost and serve

Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve the rolls warm and enjoy!

Enjoy these soft and gooey apple cinnamon rolls!