Cinnamon Rolls

I'm making these today. Yummy!

3 cups lukewarm water (105-115 F)
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoon active dry yeast
1/4 cup melted butter or shortening
7-9 cups flour
3/4 cup instant dry milk (or 1/3 cup non-instant dry milk)

1/2 cup butter, very soft

2 cups brown sugar

Cinnamon

Raisins and Nuts (optional)

Using a large mixer with a dough hook (like a Kitchen Aid) add water, salt, 1/2 cup sugar, and yeast. Allow to dissolve. Add melted butter, 5 cups flour, and dry milk. Knead dough with hook. Gradually add 2-3 more cups of flour until soft dough forms. Knead for 10 minutes.

Remove dough from mixer. With lightly floured or buttered hands divide dough in half. Roll each half on a floured surface into a rectangle shape. Spread each with 1/4 cup butter and 1 cup brown sugar. Sprinkle with desired amount of cinnamon (be generous), raisins, and nuts. Roll dough into a log. Cut into 1" slices. Place on buttered baking sheet. Cover and allow to rise until double in size (it takes about 2 hours). Bake rolls in preheated 350F oven for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Frost while still warm. Makes about 3 dozen.

Frosting:

6 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter, softened

3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup milk

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