Apple Spice Rolls

Prepare the Apple Filling: Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped apples and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and slightly caramelized, about 5-8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely. (5-8 minutes)

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

Warm the Wet Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 5 tablespoons butter, milk, mashed potato, granulated sugar, and salt. Heat, stirring occasionally, until just warm (120-130°F) and the butter is almost melted. (3-5 minutes)

Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the warm milk mixture into the bowl with the flour and yeast. Add the eggs. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping the bowl as needed. Increase the speed to high and beat for 3 minutes. (3-4 minutes)

Knead the Dough: Mix in the remaining 2 3/4 cups flour. Knead with the dough hook, adding up to 1/2 cup more flour as needed, until the dough is soft, elastic, and slightly sticky, about 3 minutes. (3 minutes)

First Rise: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a large, lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place (75-80°F) until doubled in size. (45-60 minutes)

Prepare for Rolling: Punch down the dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. (10 minutes)

Make the Filling: In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and apple pie spice.

Assemble the Rolls: Uncover the dough and roll it into a 12x18-inch rectangle. Spread evenly with the remaining 1/3 cup softened butter. Sprinkle with the brown sugar mixture and the cooled apple filling, leaving a 1-inch border along one long side. (5 minutes)

Roll and Cut: Starting on the end opposite the border, tightly roll up the dough to form a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut the log crosswise into 12 equal portions. (3 minutes)

Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish. Cover and let rise in a warm place (75-80°F) until nearly doubled in size. (30-45 minutes)

Preheat and Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the heavy cream evenly over the rolls. Place a large, foil-lined baking sheet on the oven rack below the baking dish to catch any drips. (5 minutes)

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 23-28 minutes. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. (23-28 minutes)

Make the Frosting: While the rolls are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl with an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, apple pie spice, and salt until smooth and combined. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar until smooth. Beat in enough whole milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, to reach the desired spreading consistency. (5 minutes)

Frost and Serve: Spread the warm rolls generously with the cream cheese frosting. Serve warm and enjoy!