Apple Cinnamon Roll Muffins

For the rolls:
Preheat your oven to 400 F and spray a 6-count muffin pan (or the middle six molds of a 12-count muffin pan) with non-stick baking spray. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and sea salt. Set aside.

In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk and slightly-cooled melted butter. Slowly fold the buttermilk/butter mixture into the flour mixture. Stir until the ingredients are combined and the dough takes on a stringy consistency. If you have a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and transfer the dough to the bowl of your stand mixer. Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes or until it is smooth and easy to handle. If you do not have a stand mixer on hand, then knead the dough in the bowl with your hands for about a minute (make sure to flour your hands as the dough is sticky).

For the filling:
Combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, butter and minced apple. Mix to combine with a fork and set aside.

Dump the dough onto a generously-floured work surface and flour the top of the dough as well. With your hand press the dough into a 13×9 inch rectangle (give or take an inch). Spread the filling onto the dough, leaving a 1 inch border around the edges.

Roll up the dough, starting with the shorter end, rolling it very carefully and tightly, into a log (this can get messy, so have a scraper on hand just in case the dough begins to stick to the work surface. Once rolled, cut the log into 6 equal pieces. Place each piece (cut side down) into the muffin tins. If you would like smaller muffins, then cut 8-10 pieces and spray 2-4 more muffins molds.

Bake the muffins at 400 F for 25-30 minutes or until they begin to brown slightly.

While your muffins are baking, prepare your glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider, confectioners’ sugar, honey, vanilla extract, nutmeg and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil and lower the heat to a simmer. Let the mixture reduce for about 25-30 minutes or until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.

When they are done remove your muffins from the oven, set the pan on a wire rack and allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes. Then remove them from the pan and lightly drizzle the glaze on top or serve on the side for dipping. Enjoy!