Step 1

In a large mixing bowl whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.

Step 2

Pour the warm milk and cider into a second mixing bowl and stir in the yeast. Let the yeast prove for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Whisk in the melted butter (cooled slightly so it doesn't kill the yeast) and apple butter.

Step 3

Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon to form a shaggy dough. Turn onto a clean, lightly floured counter and knead to form a smooth ball, only 2-3 minutes. Add more flour if necessary until the dough is tacky but not sticky.

Step 4

Place the dough ball into an oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl and let rise at room temperature 45 minutes - 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 5

Gently ease the dough onto a clean surface, lightly dusted with flour. Roll into a thin rectangle, 18" wide and about 12" deep.

Step 6

Brush about 2 tablespoons of the melted butter in a thin layer over the dough. Then, spread the apple butter to cover. Sprinkle the sugar on evenly over the apple butter, then dust on the cinnamon and distribute the chopped pecans.

Step 7

Roll the long edge of the dough away from you to form a log. Cut the roll into 12 segments, ~1 1/2" thick, using a serrated knife. Apply as little pressure as possible and use a sawing motion to cut the roll without smashing it.

Step 8

Grease a large 9 x 13" baking dish with butter or line with parchment paper. Place the individual rolls into the baking dish, leaving space between each roll. Brush the tops of the rolls with the remaining 1 tbsp of melted butter and cover with plastic wrap.

Step 9

Preheat the oven to 350 ºF and let the buns rise for 30 minutes while the oven preheats. They'll be ready when they have increased in size and are pressing against each other.

Step 10

Bake for 36-40 minutes or until rolls are golden. Remove them from oven and let them cool for at least 15 minutes before frosting.

Step 11

In a mixing bowl beat together the cream cheese and melted butter with electric beaters until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until smooth, then whisk in the apple butter.