People-Pleasing Cinnamon Rolls

By ctozzi

A perfect make-ahead recipe for cinnamon rolls when you're short on time. Aromas of cinnamon baked goodness will fill the home while these rolls bake.

Ingredients

• 6 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 packages active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup margarine or butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup margarine or butter, softened
• 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon or finely shredded orange peel
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup chopped nuts, semisweet chocolate pieces, or raisins (optional)
• 2 cups sifted powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons milk

Preparation

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl combine 3 cups of the flour and the yeast.

In a saucepan heat the 1 1/2 cups milk, the 1/2 cup margarine, the 1/2 cup sugar, and salt just until warm (120° F to 130°F) and margarine is almost melted, stirring constantly. Add to flour mixture. Add eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping sides of bowl constantly. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes. Using a spoon, stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make moderately soft dough that is smooth and elastic (3 to 5 minutes total). Shape into a ball. Place in a greased bowl, turning once. Cover; let rise in a warm place until double (about 1 hour).

For filling, in a small bowl combine the 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup margarine or butter, cinnamon or orange peel, and the 2 teaspoons flour; set aside.

Punch dough down; divide in half. Cover and let rest 10 minutes. On a lightly floured surface roll each half of the dough into a 12-inch square.

Spread half of the filling over each dough square. If desired, sprinkle with half of the nuts, chocolate, or raisins. Roll each square up into a spiral; pinch edges to seal. Slice each roll into 8 pieces. Place 8 pieces in a greased 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Repeat with remaining pieces using another 13x9x2-inch pan or a 12-inch pizza pan.

Cover loosely with clear plastic wrap, leaving room for rolls to rise. Refrigerate 2 to 24 hours. Uncover and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. (Or, don't chill dough. Instead, cover loosely; let rise in a warm place until nearly double, about 45 minutes). Break any surface bubbles with a greased toothpick.

Bake in a 375°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from pans. Cool slightly on a wire rack.

Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl combine powdered sugar and vanilla. Add enough milk to make of drizzling consistency. Spread over rolls.