Heat the milk to 110-120 degrees F. Whisk in the sugar and the yeast; let stand until foamy.

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add in the eggs, 4 tablespoons melted butter, and milk/yeast mixture. Stir until well combined. Cover and let sit for 1-1 ½ hours.

Stir down, add in the remaining 4 tablespoons melted butter, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. Fold in the chopped apples.

Heat a griddle pan over medium heat and either spray with cooking spray or melt 1 tablespoonbutter in the pan in between each batch. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Working in batches, spoon about ¼ cup batter into circles on the griddle. Cook until the edges begin to dry, turn and cook for about 1 more minute. Remove to a heat-proof platter and place in the oven to keep warm.

To prepare the cream cheese glaze: Melt the butter and the cream cheese in a small pan over low heat, stirring often. Add in the vanilla and the powdered sugar once completely melted, stir well and remove from the heat.