Apple Caramel Sticky Rolls

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs

For the apple filling:

• 3 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the caramel glaze:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and yeast. In a separate bowl, mix together the warm milk, melted butter, sugar, salt, and eggs. Add this wet mixture to the flour-yeast mixture and stir until well combined.
2. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
4. While the dough is rising, prepare the apple filling. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
6. Spread the prepared apple filling evenly over the dough. Sprinkle chopped nuts (if using) over the apple filling.
7. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
8. In a saucepan, prepare the caramel glaze by melting butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and heavy cream. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.
9. Pour the caramel glaze into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly.
10. Place the rolls in the pan on top of the caramel glaze, cover them loosely with a kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they double in size.
11. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
12. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
13. Once done, remove the rolls from the oven and immediately invert the pan onto a serving platter, allowing the caramel glaze to drizzle over the rolls.

These apple caramel sticky rolls are delightfully gooey and packed with sweet apple-caramel flavor. Enjoy them as a comforting breakfast or a tempting dessert!