Creating these Apple Cinnamon Rolls is simple when you follow these steps:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a saucepan, heat the milk until warm (not hot). Remove from heat and stir in the melted butter. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until combined.
3. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined. Add remaining flour as needed, one tablespoon at a time, until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Prepare Filling: In a separate bowl, combine diced apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Set aside.
7. Roll Out Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle, roughly 12×16 inches.
8. Spread Butter: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
9. Add Filling: Sprinkle the apple-cinnamon filling on top of the buttered dough, spreading it evenly.
10. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log.
11. Slice Rolls: Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
12. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased baking pan. Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
13. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during the second rise.
14. Bake: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
15. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes.
16. Top with Frosting: Drizzle with cream cheese frosting or a light dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.

These straightforward steps will lead you to delicious Apple Cinnamon Rolls that you can be proud of!