Easy Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, or a large mixing bowl, add all ingredients for dough to mixing bowl (make sure to not mix the salt and yeast directly). Since you are using instant yeast, there is no need to let the yeast bloom.

2. Mix the dough until a dough ball forms on low speed, then increase to medium speed and knead for 10 minutes. Alternatively you can knead by hand if you do not have a stand mixer.

3. Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl. Spray top of dough with nonstick spray, then cover with plastic wrap. Allow to sit for 40 minutes.

4. In a large skillet over medium heat, add butter, apples,  brown sugar, cinnamon and water. Cook for 4-5 minutes to soften apples, then stir in flour. Cook mixture until sauce thickens, stirring frequently.

5. Preheat oven to 375F. Roll dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread 3 tablespoons softened butter over dough. In a small bowl stir together ¼ cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle over dough, then using hand, rub the mixture into dough (it’s okay if it doesn’t entirely cover the dough). Spread apple filling over dough. You will have to spread the filling thin to get it cover the entire dough (you don’t want too much of the wet apple pie filling, otherwise the dough won’t bake properly).

6. Roll dough, starting at short edge, into a cylinder. Using a serrated knife, cut into 9 rolls. Place in lightly greased 8×8 pan.

8. Place rolls in preheated oven. Bake for 22-26 minutes, or until rolls are golden brown in color.

9. While the rolls bake, make the icing. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Gradually and slowly add in powdered sugar until combined, along with milk and vanilla extract. Beat until icing is fluffy.