THE BEST AUTUMN DESSERT

BRIOCHE DOUGH

• Place the lukewarm milk, 2 Tbsp of the sugar, and the yeast in a medium sized bowl, and stir to combine. Leave for 10-15 minutes, or until foamy.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, place the flour, salt, and remaining sugar, and mix briefly to combine.
• Add the milk mixture and egg to the dry ingredients, and mix on low for 2-3 minutes. Increase the speed of the mixer to medium, and mix for a further 5 minutes. Add the butter a little at a time, waiting until it is incorporated until adding the next piece. Mix for a further 7-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and soft.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 2 hours and up to overnight, until doubled in size. Alternatively you can place it in a warm spot until doubled in size, 45 minutes to an hour.

APPLE FILLING

• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the apples, sugar, cinnamon, and salt, and cook, stirring often, until the apples are tender, 3-5 minutes.
• Add the corn starch and mix well to incorporate, then continue to cook until the mixture has thickened and the apples are coated.
• Transfer to an airtight container and chill until ready to use.

TOASTED PECANS

• Toast the pecans for about 10 minutes, shaking occasionally, until lightly browned and toasted throughout (snap one open to check).
• Transfer to an airtight container until ready to use and store at room temperature.

BROWN SUGAR CINNAMON FILLING

• Place the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Mix well to combine.
• ASSEMBLY
• Grease a baking dish (9”x13” or 23cm x 33cm) or line with parchment paper.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and roll into a rectangle that is 24” x 16” (60cm x 40cm), squaring off the edges often as you roll. Spread with the brown sugar cinnamon mixture, ensuring the filling is spread evenly over the surface.
• Top with the prepared apple pie filling, spreading out evenly.
• Roughly chop the toasted pecans, and sprinkle over the apple pie filling.
• Starting with a long side, roll up into a tight spiral. Cut the log into two pieces and place them side by side on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and lightly sprayed with cooking spray. Lightly cover the dough logs with plastic wrap, and transfer to the freezer for 20 minutes in order to firm up slightly (this step is optional but helps give a neater cut).
• Once the dough logs have chilled, remove from the fridge. Using a sharp knife, slice each log into 6 equal pieces (I like to use a ruler), and arrange on the prepared baking sheet or baking dish, evenly spacing between.
• Lightly cover the pan with plastic wrap, and leave to rise for 45 minutes to an hour, or until puffy, and a small indentation is left when poked gently with your finger.
• While the rolls are rising, preheat the oven to 350°f / 180°c.
• Bake the rolls for 35 to 40 minutes, or until deeply golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to stand for 15 minutes or so before icing with the Cream Cheese Frosting.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

• Place the butter and cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until well combined. Add in the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and salt, and whip until light and fluffy.
• Spread onto the cinnamon rolls while they are still slightly warm.
• Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature. Rewarm in the microwave before serving.