Heather's Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Buns from Heaven

Dough:

• 2 pkgs active dry rapid rise yeast
• 1 c. warm water
• 2/3 c. + 1 tsp. sugar, divided
• 1 c. warmed milk
• 2/3 c. butter
• 2 tsp. salt
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 7-8 c. flour

Filling:

• 1 c. melted butter, divided
• 1 3/4 c. sugar, divided
• 3 Tbsp. cinnamon
• 1 1/2 c. chopped walnuts (opt.)
• 1 1/2 c. raisin (opt.)

Frosting:

• 1lb butter
• 1lb cream cheese
• 2 lbs powdered sugar
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract

Dough Directions:

In a small bowl, mix together warm water, yeast and 1 tsp. sugar, set aside. In large bowl, mix milk, 2/3 c. sugar, melted butter, salt and eggs. Stir well and add yeast mixture. Add half of the flour and beat until smooth. Stir in remaining flour until dough is slightly stiff (dough will be sticky.)

Turn out onto well floured board; knead 5 to 10 min. Place in well buttered glass or plastic bowl; cover and let rise, in warm place until doubled in size about 1 to 2 hours. Roll out on a well floured board.

Filling Directions:Spread dough with 1/2 c. melted butter, mix together 1 1/2 cu. sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle over buttered dough. Sprinkle with walnuts and raisin if desired. Roll up jelly roll fashion and pinch edge together to seal. Cut into 12 to 15 slices.

Coat bottom of a 13x9 in. baking pan and 8in. square pan with remaining 1/2 c. melted butter. Then sprinkle with remaining 1/4 c. sugar. Place cinnamon roll slices close together in pans. Cover, let rise in warm place until dough is doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bake 25 to 30 min. until rolls are nicely browned. Cool slightly.

Frosting Directions:

Allow butter and cream cheese to reach room temperature. Beat cream cheese and butter together in a bowl with mixer. Slowly add in all powdered sugar. Mix an additional 12 minutes when almost done, add vanilla.