Cinnamon Rolls - the Easier Way

Cinnamon Rolls

2 packages dry yeast (check to see if they sell it in bulk as it is MUCH cheaper!)

1/2 cup hardly warm water
1 1/4 cup buttermilk (or put the milk in a measuring cup, add a tablespoon of vinegar and let sit for a minute)
2 eggs
5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ( extra fiber - 4 1/2 cups all-purpose and 1 cup whole wheat)
1/2 cup softened (not melted!) butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons salt (yeast needs salt so don't skimp and use only one teaspoon)

In a large mixing bowl, place the yeast and water. Add the buttermilk, eggs, 2 1/2 cups flour, the butter, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Blend either with the mixer or by hand until well combined.

Stir in remaining flour. Dough will be soft and slightly sticky. Turn out on a well-floured bread board or surface and knead for about five minutes. Let rest while you do the following:

Melt 3/4 cup butter.

Mix together 1 cup granulated sugar with two teaspoons cinnamon.

Line the pans with parchment paper. A rimmed cookie sheet works well but any baking pan can be used to accomodate your dough.

Take 1/3rd of the dough and roll it out in basically a rectangle. Doesn't have to be perfect. Brush generously with butter and sprinkle well with the cinnamon/sugar mixture. Starting at the end nearest you, start rolling the dough into a jelly roll. Try to do it firmly but don't squish it out of shape. Now, slice 1-inch slices and place them in your prepared pan. Repeat with the other two-thirds of the dough.

Now, you can cover with plastic wrap and let rise for an hour NOW and bake or cover with plastic wrap and put into the refrigerator and bake in the morning. If you are going the morning route, you should prepare this in the evening. Oh, and to keep from sticking, place the plastic wrap over the rolls, spray with the vegetable oil spray, and then flip over so the greased side is against the rolls.

If you want something fancy, after you have a jelly roll made, curl the whole thing in a round pan (with room for expansion) and take some scissors and cut slashes every two inches to expose some of the layers but not to go all the way to the bottom.

You can throw in some raisins or dried cranberries when you put down the butter and cinnamon if you like that.


Oh, and these freeze well so you can put some way for future breakfasts.