1. Cut butter into 1-tablespoon pieces. Combine butter and milk in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the butter is almost melted. Remove from heat and stir until fully incorporated.
2. Pour into a 2-cup or larger measuring cup and cool until neither hot nor cold to the touch (about 95–105°F).
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 3 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix to combine.
4. Add the water and egg to the cooled milk mixture and whisk to combine. Add the wet mixture to the dry and mix with the dough hook on low.
5. After about 3 minutes the dough will be sticky and slightly wet. Gradually add up to ½ cup more flour until you have a shaggy dough.
6. Turn out onto a well-floured surface and knead for 7–10 minutes until smooth, not sticky, and bouncing back to the touch. Shape into a ball and rest for 10 minutes.
7. Roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 14″ × 20″ and ¼” thick. Spread the apple butter evenly over the surface.
8. Starting from the long side, gently roll the dough toward you, being careful not to tear it or squeeze out the filling. Place seam-side down and slice into 12 equal pieces.
9. Arrange in a buttered 9″ × 13″ pan, keeping smaller rolls toward the center. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 30–90 minutes, until doubled in size.
10. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, until the tops are golden brown. Cool in the pan while you make the glaze.

Bourbon Caramel Glaze

1. In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it melts and turns a deep amber color, about 8–10 minutes. Watch carefully once it starts to color — it burns quickly.
2. Remove from heat. Carefully add the butter (it will bubble vigorously) and whisk until melted.
3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking (it will bubble again). Whisk until smooth.
4. Stir in the bourbon, vanilla, and salt. Return to low heat for 1 minute, stirring, until combined. Remove and cool for 5 minutes.
5. Drizzle the warm caramel over the rolls. Serve immediately while warm and sticky.