This post is sponsored by the makers of Ball® home canning products.​*

Believe it or not, the holiday season is in full swing, and one of my favorite activities this time of year is baking for loved ones, for gatherings and special slow mornings. I didn’t grow up eating cinnamon rolls but it has become one of my go to recipes for special occasions. What I enjoy most is you can prepare them the night before, get up before the sun rises while everyone is still tucked into bed, and wake the house with the aroma of freshly baked rolls + hot coffee.

These cinnamon rolls feature homemade Ball® Sweet Apple Cider Butter (you can find the recipe here) tucked into fluffy dough and topped with a cinnamon cream cheese frosting. If you are making this for a holiday gathering you can gift friends + family with a pint jar of Sweet Apple Cider Butter tied up with string and a handwritten recipe card for the cinnamon rolls to share the love.

Winter is a season of gathering, of sharing the abundance of the year past and reflect on all that has come before it with gratitude and perspective. I love being able to share and enjoy what we've gathered, grown and preserved. This apple butter reminds me of the apple harvests on warm autumn days, when the leaves begun to turn, which now feels like a lifetime ago. What preserved goodies are finding a home on your table this holiday season?

Cinnamon Rolls with Sweet Apple Cider Butter

Makes about 12 

ingredients 

dough

1 cup whole milk warmed

1 package of instant yeast

2 large eggs at room temperature

4 tablespoons salted butter, melted

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2  teaspoon salt

4 - 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

filling

1 cup Ball® sweet apple cider butter

3/4 cup light brown sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon

cream cheese frosting

4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

4 tablespoons butter, softened 

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla extract

to make

In the bowl of a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment, pour the warm milk, sprinkle the yeast, eggs, butter and sugar, salt and flour and mix until combined. If the dough seems to stick, add extra 1/2 cup of flour. 

Grease a large bowl with butter. Use a rubber spatula to remove the dough from the mixer bowl and place it in the greased large bowl. Cover the bowl with a towel and set in a warm place to allow the dough to rise until doubled, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

In a small bowl combine cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle the surface generously with flour. Turn out the dough and sprinkle the top of the dough with additional flour. 

Flour a rolling pin and roll the dough to about a 24×18” rectangle. The size of the rectangle can vary. Spread the apple butter over the dough. Top with brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Starting on the long end, roll the dough up tightly into a log, Pinch along the edges to seal.

Cut the log into about 12 slices and place in the prepared baking pan. Cover the pan with a towel and allow the rolls to rise for one hour or overnight in the refrigerator. Bring the dough to room temperature before baking.

Preheat the oven to 375º Fahrenheit. Bake for 30- 35 minutes, until the rolls are lightly golden brown and the center rolls are cooked through. Check the rolls at 20 minutes. If they are browning too quickly, cover with foil for the remaining baking time.

Let rolls cool for 5 minutes. To make the frosting. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, vanilla, and butter using a hand mixer. Blend well. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and cinnamon until combined. Spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately. Store in any leftovers airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

*Disclosure: This is a sponsored post that is part of an ongoing partnership with the Fresh Preserving Division of Newell Brands. They have provided jars, equipment and monetary compensation. All thoughts and opinions expressed remain my own.