Harvest Apple Cinnamon Swirl Rolls

Ingredients:

Apple Compote:

• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 3 medium-sized apples, peeled and finely chopped
• 60 grams (¼ cup) of dark brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons of cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg

Dough:

• 120 ml (½ cup) of lukewarm milk
• 50 grams (¼ cup) of granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
• 2 large eggs at ambient temperature
• 90 grams (6 tablespoons) of room-temperature unsalted butter
• ¾ teaspoon of salt
• 312 to 375 grams (2½ to 3 cups) of bread flour (all-purpose is also fine)

Roll Filling:

• 2 to 3 tablespoons of room-temperature unsalted butter
• 100 grams (½ cup) of light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon

Vanilla Buttercream Icing:

• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
• 188 grams (1½ cups) of confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons of cream or milk
• A pinch of salt

Directions:

1. For the apple filling, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped apples, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir and cook until the mixture boils, then simmer until it thickens (around 5 minutes). Let cool, then refrigerate.
2. For the dough, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let stand until yeast froths (10-15 minutes). Mix in the butter, eggs, salt, and 2 cups of flour, gradually adding more flour until the dough forms and releases from the bowl’s sides.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 3-5 minutes, until it’s soft but not sticky. Let it rise in a greased bowl, covered, until doubled (about 1½ hours).
4. Roll out the dough into a 14×18 inch rectangle. Spread butter over the dough, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Distribute the apple compote over the sugar layer.
5. Roll the dough tightly from the long side and slice into 12 equal rolls. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch pan, cover, and let rise until doubled (45-60 minutes).
6. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake the rolls for 14-18 minutes until lightly golden. While they cool slightly, prepare the icing by mixing all ingredients until smooth.
7. Once rolls are warm, drizzle them with the vanilla buttercream icing.

Tips:

• Canned apple pie filling can be substituted, just ensure to chop it finely and drain excess liquid.
• For overnight preparation, refrigerate the sliced rolls and then let them rest at room temperature before baking.
• Water can be used in place of milk for a less rich dough.
• For precise measurements, using grams is recommended, especially for the flour to ensure the right consistency.

Enjoy your homemade Harvest Apple Cinnamon Swirl Rolls with a dollop of buttercream icing for a delightful treat!