Recipe(tried): Apple Cider Cinnamon Cloverleaf Rolls

Apple Cider Cinnamon Cloverleaf Rolls
Source: Cooking Light
Yield: 1 1/2 dozen

1 package active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1 cup warm apple cider
1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup tart apples, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3 1/4 to 4 1/2 cups unbleached flour

Glaze:
1/2 large egg
1/2 tablespoon cold water

In a large bowl, stir yeast into water to soften. Add cider, sugar, salt, apples, cinnamon, and 1 1/2 cups flour. Beat vigorously for two minutes.

Gradually add flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough begins to pull away from the side of the bowl.

Turn dough out onto a floured work surface. Knead, adding flour a little at a time, until you have a smooth, elastic dough.

Put dough into an oiled bowl. Turn to coat the entire ball of dough with oil. Cover with a tightly woven towel and let rise until doubled, about one hour.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly oiled work surface and divide into 54 pieces. Shape each piece into a ball. Place three balls together to form a triangle. Pinch the balls together from the bottom. Pick them up, turn them over and circle them with your thumb and index finger squeezing them together slightly so they will easily fit into a well-greased muffin pan. Cover with a towel and let rise until almost doubled, about 45 minutes.

About 10 minutes before baking, preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Mix cold water and egg together to make the glaze. Just before baking, brush the tops of the rolls with the glaze.

Bake for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the loaf reaches 190 degrees.

Immediately remove bread from pans and cool on a rack.

NOTES: The rolls can be shaped into a basic round roll if you prefer. I simply make three small balls and place them into prepared muffin tin. Makes cloverleaf shape as it bakes.

These are great! Works best when using a Kitchen Aid or other stand mixer to do the kneading, but it can be done by hand as well. They rose beautifully and browned nicely. Very good flavor. I used Granny Smith apples. My yield was 12 large rolls.