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Once your dough has risen beautifully, it’s time to roll it out into a perfect rectangle. This step is crucial for ensuring that your Apple Cider Sticky Buns are evenly baked and deliciously filled.

Apple Cider Sticky Buns

Indulge in the warmth of fall with homemade Apple Cider Sticky Buns, the perfect sweet treat to brighten any day. This delightful recipe combines soft, rich dough with a spiced apple filling and a gooey apple cider glaze, creating a cozy atmosphere in your kitchen. Ideal for festive gatherings or a charming family breakfast, these buns offer a sweet bite filled with nostalgia and flavor. Gather your loved ones and enjoy the simple pleasure of baking together this season!

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup warm apple cider (approximately 110°F)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

For the Filling:

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed firmly

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

1 cup diced apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a tart flavor)

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for added crunch)

For the Sticky Topping:

1 cup brown sugar, packed firmly

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup apple cider

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, salt, and ground cinnamon. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the warm apple cider, melted unsalted butter, and eggs. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough begins to form.

    Knead the Dough: Slowly incorporate the remaining flour, adding it 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft and slightly tacky dough is achieved. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm environment for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

      Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly blended. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick. Evenly spread the softened butter across the surface of the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter. Scatter the diced apples and chopped nuts (if using) on top, distributing them evenly.

        Roll and Cut the Dough: Starting from one long side of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough away from you, creating a tight log. Once rolled, cut the log into 12 equal slices. Arrange the pieces in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, ensuring they fit snugly together.

          Make the Sticky Topping: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the packed brown sugar, unsalted butter, apple cider, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until the butter melts and everything is well incorporated, creating a smooth sticky glaze. Pour this mixture evenly over the dough pieces in the baking pan.

            Second Rise: Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and allow the rolls to rise again for an additional 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

              Bake: Once they have risen, place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the sticky buns for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

                Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the sticky buns to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After cooling, carefully invert them onto a serving platter. Drizzle any reserved sticky topping from the pan over the buns and serve warm for maximum enjoyment.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 1 hour 30 minutes | 2 hours | 12 servings.