Cinnamon Rolls

OF MAGIC!!!

Cinnamon Rolls

2 packages of active dry yeast
1/2 cup hot water
1 tablespoon sugar

Dissolve the yeast with the sugar in the water (I use my wrist to check the water - about 110 degrees). Let it sit for about 5 minutes or so.

1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup milk (warmed)
1/2 cup mashed potatoes

So I prepare the mashed potatoes in advance with just some butter and milk. Taste doesn't matter terribly much because it's the starch we're after (but don't use left over sour cream and chive mashed potatoes :P) Heat the butter and milk until the butter is melted. It is probably too warm to add directly to the yeast mixture, so whisk in the potatoes to cool it down. Add to the yeast mixture using a dough hook attachment (or a fork works well too).

1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt

After the milk and yeast mixtures are incorporated, add the sugar slowly, followed by the egg and the salt.

4 1/2 cups flour

Start by mixing in 2 cups of the flour, the dough should still be really liquidy, just thick. Add the rest of the flour in slowly, about a 1/2 cup at a time. I typically reserve the last 1/2 cup of flour an sprinkle it on the counter. Turn the dough sans the last 1/2 cup of flour out onto a floured surface and knead the dough, incorporating in the last of the flour. It shouldn't take long, and don't over knead, stop when the dough no longer sticks to your fingers.

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 tbsp cinnamon

Set the dough in an oiled bowl in a dry place (the oven works great) for about an hour. The dough should be doubled inside. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle (I think the measurements are twice as long as it is wide so like 12 x 24 inches?). Spread 1 stick of softened (and I mean REALLY soft) butter over the dough and sprinkle with a mixture of 1 1/2 cups sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon (mixed together, and feel free to use brown sugars as well, just keep it predominately white sugar and no more than 1 1/2 cups). Roll up, carefully, and slice into 1 1/2 inch rolls. One recipe makes for a rather packed 9 x 13 pan, but you want them in there tight. Either way, butter the pan... trust me. Cover these guys in a damp towel and let rise even more (until they reach the top of the pan). Bake at 350 degrees for about 18 minutes, but check after 15 to be safe.



Frosting? Not that these guys need it, but confectioner's sugar, a little vanilla and a little milk will go a loooong way.