Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

 

 

Dough:

1 Cup warm water (105 to 115°F.)
2 envelopes active dry yeast
1 teaspoon plus 2/3 Cup of sugar
1 Cup milk, heated to lukewarm
2/3 Cup butter, softened
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 teaspoon salt
7 to 8 Cups all-purpose flour, or more as needed
 

Filling:

1 Cup butter, melted
1 3/4 Cup sugar
3 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 Cup chopped walnuts, optional
1 1/2 Cup raisins, optional

Glaze (optional):

2/3 Cup butter, melted
4 Cups confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 to 1/2 Cup hot water 

Method

To make dough:

Combine warm water, yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in cup. Stir. Set aside. In large bowl, combine milk, remaining 2/3 cups sugar, 2/3 cup butter, eggs and salt. Mix well then add the yeast mixture. Gradually combine 3 1/2 cups flour and mix until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour until the dough is slightly stiff. (Note: it will be sticky) Turn out onto well-floured surface. Knead for 5 to 10 minutes, adding just enough flour to keep dough from sticking.

Let dough rise:
Place dough in a well-greased glass or plastic bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in volume. Punch down the dough then let rest for 5 minutes. Roll out onto lightly floured surface into a 15 x 20-inch rectangle.

 

For the filling: 

Spread 1/2 cup of the melted butter on dough. In small bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over dough. Sprinkle with walnuts and raisins. Roll up, jellyroll style. Pinch edges to seal. Cut into 12 or 18 slices.

Let buns rise:
If making 12 buns, use remaining 1/2 cup butter to coat bottoms of 13 x 9-inch baking pan and 8-inch square baking pan. If making 18 buns, use two 13 x 9-inch pans. Sprinkle pans with remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Place slices close together in pans. (Note: At this point, you can cover and refrigerate overnight; bring back to room temperature before baking.) Cover. Let rise in warm place for 45 minutes, or until dough is doubled in volume.
 

Bake buns: 

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until buns are nicely browned. Let cool slightly before glazing.

To make the glaze: 

In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Add hot water, 1 Tablespoon at a time, until you have spreadable glaze. Spread over buns and serve. (Otherwise, sprinkle buns with confectioners' sugar.)