Cinnamon Rolls

Please excuse the quality of my photo - I haven't had time to set up at the new house! You get the idea.

I've been baking cinnamon rolls for years and years ... and years. For some odd reason I never thought to add them to my blog. I just never felt they were overly special and figured everyone already had a recipe. Well, I do like mine and I think the vanilla pudding mix added to it really adds flavor.

Cinnamon Rolls

Dough:
 
1/4 cup warm water
1 packet dry yeast
1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon table salt
4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz. package)
1 cup warm milk
1/4 cup butter - softened
1 large egg - lightly beaten


Filling:

1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup butter - melted


Cream Cheese Cinnamon Icing:

4 ounces cream cheese- softened  
1/4 cup butter - softened  
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 Tablespoon milk
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon


1. Combine warm water, yeast and sugar together and let stand for 5 minutes. If mixture is bubbly proceed with the rest of the recipe.
2. Add salt and 1/2 cup of flour to yeast mixture and blend well.
3. Pour in milk, butter, pudding mix, egg and 1 cup flour and start blending in a stand mixer or with a hand blender.
4. Once smooth add remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment until flour is incorporated.
5. Run on medium speed for 5 minutes with a dough hook or knead by hand for 8-10 minutes or until dough is smooth and elastic.
6. Cover with plastic or a bread towel and let rise until doubled in bulk - about 1 hour.
7. Roll dough into a rectangle about 15 inches by 24 inches (or follow instructions HERE for "Sunshine Bread").
8. Spread dough with melted butter then sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Roll up from the long side and seal.
9. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place in greased round pans. Press down on each roll slightly to help them bake into the proper shape. Cover with plastic or bread towel and let rise again until double in bulk.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes in a 350 degree F oven until golden brown and puffy.
11. Spread with icing if desired.

Cream Cheese Cinnamon Frosting:
In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, butter, vanilla and milk. Add powdered sugar and cinnamon and mix until smooth. Spread on warm rolls and serve immediately.