Cinnamon Rolls

Dough

• 1/2 Cup water (110-115°, bath water temp)
• 2 pkg. active dry yeast
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 11/2 Cups whole milk
• 1/2 Cup butter (1 stick)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 Cup sugar
• 2 tsp. salt
• 6 Cups white flour (approximately)

Filling

• 1 c sugar
• 4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 c butter, softened

Frosting

• 1 # powdered sugar
• 1/4 c softened butter
• 4-6 Tbsp milk
• 2 tsp vanilla

Dissolve the yeast and teaspoon of sugar in the warm water in a large mixing bowl and let sit about 5 minutes until foamy. While that is sitting, put the milk and butter in a glass pitcher or microwaveable dish. Heat in microwave about 1 1/2 minutes to 110-115°. The butter does not need to melt totally. Add the eggs, sugar, salt, milk/butter and about 1/2 of the flour to the yeast mix. Stir until smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1 cup at a time, until you get a firm but soft dough. Reserve the final 1/2 cup of flour and place it on the surface of the table. Turn the dough out on top of that last bit of flour and knead until smooth, about 10 minutes. The amount of flour will vary according to humidity levels in the flour and in your kitchen, so you might need a bit more. It is okay if the dough is soft, but it shouldn’t stick to your hands. Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours. Punch down and let rise again, about 30 minutes more. This can be done the night before, and the second rising can take place in the fridge while you sleep, which makes the rolls easier to bake for breakfast.

For the filling, combine the sugar and cinnamon. After the last rise, place the dough on a lightly floured surface (i use SilPat) and roll out to a long rectangle (usually about 10x15). Using a basting brush spread the softened butter all over the dough then liberally apply cinnamon and sugar. Tightly roll lengthwise and pinch seams together. Use a sharp knife to slice the cinnamon rolls 1 1/2 inches thick and place each roll in a greased 9x13 pan. Cover the rolls and let rise again for 30 minutes. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.