How to Make Unforgettable Toe-Tappin' Cinnamon Rolls

There's nothing like waking up on a chilly autumn day to the aroma of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls. In the past, mom would have to spend all morning creating these decadent treats from scratch. Not anymore! With a little preparation and a few shortcuts, in no time your kitchen will smell like a corner bakery. Try this simple recipe and have your family drooling!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 lb. or 16-oz. box of hot roll or biscuit mix
• 1 cup of very hot water
• 5 tablespoons softened butter or margarine
• 1 egg
• 6 tablespoons of granulated or light brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons of cinnamon
• 1 small package of active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup of raisins (optional)
• Coarsely chopped nuts to sprinkle over rolls (optional)
• Flour
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar
• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• 13x9-inch baking pan

How to Make Unforgettable Toe-Tappin' Cinnamon Rolls

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine hot roll or biscuit mix and yeast packet in large bowl. Mix well.

2. Stir in hot water, 3 tablespoons of granulated or light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine and egg until dough separates from sides of bowl. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface. With greased or floured hands, form dough into a large ball.

3. Knead dough until smooth. Rotate a quarter turn and continue to knead. Sprinkle dough and work surface with additional flour as needed to avoid sticking.

4. Cover dough ball with large bowl. Allow to rest for 5 minutes and use rolling pin to shape into a 15x10-inch rectangle. Grease 13x9-inch pan and set aside.

5. Spread remaining margarine or butter generously over dough. Sprinkle with 3 teaspoons of cinnamon, 3 tablespoons of granulated or light brown sugar and raisins, if desired.

6. Starting with the 10-inch side, roll up the dough tightly, making sure to press the ends to seal. Decide how big you want your rolls to be and cut dough into individual slices. Place cut sides down in greased pan.

7. Cover rolls loosely with plastic wrap and cloth towel, allowing them to rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. Uncover rolls and bake in 375- degree oven for about 20 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 1 minute and remove from pan.

8. To glaze, combine 1 and 1/3 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla. Add more or less of these items as needed to reach desired taste and consistency. Blend until smooth and spoon over warm rolls. Sprinkle with coarsely chopped (small) pecan pieces, if desired. Should make a dozen or so rolls, depending on how big you sliced them.

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of making homemade glaze, you may opt to use ready-made vanilla frosting to save time.
• Other ideas for delicious glazes include: Maple, caramel and cream cheese to name a few.
• To cut the dough into rolls, use dental floss or thread to make it a little easier.
• Most folks use granulated (white) sugar in their cinnamon rolls; I choose to use light brown sugar because of its intense bold flavor. The brown sugar will, however, make the rolls slightly darker.
• These tasty sweets will make wonderful gifts, especially around holiday time. Fill a beautifully decorated basket or cookie tin with goodies such as these aromatic baked cinnamon rolls, brownies and pecan or sweet potato pie.
• These sweet treats are so delicious, it will be hard not to sit and eat a whole panful. Remember that what goes through the lips will hit the hips, so enjoy, but do so in moderation.

[AbbyNormal]

on 6/21/2008 Sounds good, but too much work for me. Too easy to pop open a can of the stuff!