Apple and Cinnamon Swirl Buns

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup apple cinnamon filling (see below for recipe)
• Streusel topping:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Apple Cinnamon Filling

• 1 large apple, peeled and grated
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Make the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Stir to dissolve yeast, then let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, beaten egg, and yeast mixture to dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Make the Streusel Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar, and cold butter. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly.
2. Refrigerate streusel topping for at least 30 minutes to allow butter to firm up.

Assemble and Bake

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm).
2. Spread apple cinnamon filling down the center of dough, leaving a 1-inch border on either side.
3. Fold dough over filling to form a log shape, then cut into 12 equal pieces.
4. Place buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each bun.
5. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over each bun.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.

Serve

Serve warm buns dusted with powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream if desired.