Cinnamon Rolls- Makes 24 rolls.
Ingredients:
Rolls-
2 packages active dry yeast
1 cup lukewarm water
1 teaspoon sugar
6 tablespoons shortening
1 cup sugar
8 cups flour
2 cups hot water
2 eggs beaten
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon
Frosting-
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
4 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Add yeast to 1 cup of lukewarm water and 1 tsp sugar. Set aside for about five minutes. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add shortening, sugar, and salt to the 2 cups of hot water and beat for 30 seconds, using the beater blade. Let cool to lukewarm temperature. Stir in 2 cups of flour and mix until smooth. Add yeast mixture and mix until well combined. Mix in the beaten eggs.
Gradually stir in the remaining flour and mix with the dough hook for about 2 minutes. Remove dough from the bowl and place on a lightly floured counter. Knead by hand, add a little flour if the dough is still sticky. Knead until dough feels satiny and smooth. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. After the dough has doubled in size, remove it from the bowl and divide it in half.
With a rolling pin, roll one half of the dough into a rectangular shape, about 22×13 inches. Spread dough evenly with half of the softened butter, about 1/4 cup. Sprinkle dough with half of the brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll up dough into one long roll. Cut rolls about two inches thick. Place rolls in greased 9×13 baking pans. Let the rolls rise until double in bulk.
Preheat oven to 350°. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until cinnamon rolls are golden brown on top and cooked in the middle. Remove from the oven and let the rolls cool to room temperature. While the rolls are cooling, in a medium bowl, whisk together butter, sugar, milk, and vanilla. Frost and serve warm.
Additions- You can add nuts or raisins to these. If desired, you can add flavorings as well. Orange or lemon work nicely, so would apple or raspberry. I’d try one bottle of the Lorann Flavoring Oil first, adjust as needed for taste.