Apple Pie Filling:

1 2/3 cups diced Gala apple

1/4 cup apple butter

2 tbsp granulated sugar

2 tbsp water

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/8 tsp fine sea salt

2 tsp water

1 tsp cornstarch

Tangzhong:

3/4 cup water

1/4 cup bread flour

Dough:

3 2/3 cups bread flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

2 tsp instant yeast

1 tsp fine sea salt

1/3 cup whole milk, room temperature

1/3 cup heavy cream, room temperature

1 large egg, room temperature

1 tsp vanilla extract

Tangzhong (from above)

6 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature

Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

2/3 cup brown sugar, packed

2 tsp ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature

2 oz cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup powdered sugar

2 1/2 tbsp heavy cream

2 tbsp apple butter

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Make the apple filling: Cook apples, apple butter, sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt over medium heat for 12–13 minutes until jammy. Stir in cornstarch mixed with water, cook 1 minute, then cool.
Make tangzhong: Whisk flour and water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thick and paste-like. Cool.
Make dough: In a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add milk, cream, egg, vanilla, and tangzhong. Knead until rough dough forms.
Add butter one tablespoon at a time. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball, cover, and rest 30 minutes.
Mix cinnamon filling: Stir butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
Roll dough into a 15×21-inch rectangle. Spread cinnamon filling, then cooled apple filling, leaving a border.
Cut into twelve 1 3/4-inch strips. Roll each one and place in a lined 9×13-inch pan.
Cover and let rise 1–2 hours, until doubled.
Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 30–40 minutes, until golden and 185°F internally.
Make frosting: Beat butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth. Whisk in cream and apple butter.
Spread frosting on warm rolls before serving.

Use Honeycrisp apples for a tangier filling.

Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.

Nutmeg or cardamom adds a festive touch.

Swap cream cheese frosting for apple butter glaze or caramel drizzle.

Dough or baked rolls freeze well for make-ahead prep.