APPLE RAISIN CINNAMON ROLLS

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 2/3 cup packed golden brown sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup salted butter, chilled and cubed
• 3/4 cup milk (2%)
• 2 tbsp salted butter, softened
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/3 cup packed golden brown sugar
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 cup diced unpeeled apple

Directions

1. To prepare syrup, combine water and 2/3 cup brown sugar in a small heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until brown sugar is dissolved. Boil, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes or until slightly thickened. Syrup will be thin. Pour syrup into a greased 9 inch square baking dish; set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 375ºF. To prepare dough, combine flour, 2 tbsp sugar, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Cut in 1/2 cup butter with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Add milk and stir just until combined.
3. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead dough gently 5 times. Roll out dough into a 10x12 inch rectangle. Brush dough with 2 tbsp softened butter. Sprinkle cinnamon, 1/3 cup brown sugar, raisins and apple evenly over dough. Beginning with long edge, roll up dough jelly-roll fashion. Pinch seam to seal. Cut dough into 9 slices. Place slices, cut side down, on top of syrup in baking dish.
4. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden. Cool rolls in baking dish for 5 minutes. Invert onto a serving plate. Serve warm.