Cinnamon Rolls! (made various ways!) Easy!!

Cinnamon Rolls

wish i could remember the site I found this on but i can't, will keep looking, its a great recipe! does very good in the freezer.

3/8 cup milk (heated approximately 1 minute in microwave) (1/2 cup minus 2 T.)
3/8 cup warm water (110 degrees F.)
4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1 egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup granulated sugar
3 cups bread flour or unbleached all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons dough relaxer (optional)*
3 teaspoons instant active dry yeast
* The Vital Wheat Gluten helps the sweet bread dough rise better, be more elastic, and easier to roll out


Bread Machine Recipe:

Add all the ingredients, except the Cinnamon Filling and the Butter Frosting, in the bread pan of bread machine. Process according to manufacturer's instructions for a dough setting. NOTE: During the dough setting in the bread machine, there is a rise cycle that will rise the dough. When the bread machine has completed the dough cycle, remove dough from pan and turn out onto a lightly oiled surface. (I use a nonstick cooking spray). Form dough into an oval, cover with a plastic wrap and let rest for 10 minutes.

NOTE: Check the dough (don't be afraid to open the lid). It should form a nice elastic ball. If you think the dough is too moist, add additional flour (a tablespoon at a time). The same is true if the dough is looking dry and gnarly. Add warm water (a tablespoon at a time). If you can't judge your dough by looking, stick your finger in and feel the dough. It should be slightly tacky to the touch.

Standup Mixer Recipe:
In a large bowl or in the bowl of a 5-quart stand mixer, combine all the ingredients in the order given except the Cinnamon Filling and the Butter Frosting. Using a dough hook, mix everything together until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly-oiled surface (I use a nonstick cooking spray), and knead until elastic, approximately 10 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise until double in size.

Food Processor Method:
Put dry mixture in processing bowl with steel blade. While motor is running, add liquid ingredients, butter, and egg. Process until mixed. Continue processing, adding remaining flour until dough forms a soft ball.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly-oiled surface (I use a nonstick cooking spray), and knead until elastic, approximately 10 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise until double in size.

Butter a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan; set aside.
After dough has risen, roll and stretch the dough into approximately a 15 x 24-inch rectangle.

FILLING RECIPE:
1 tablespoon butter, melted or softened
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons firmly-packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup raisins, optional
Brush the softened butter over the top of the dough with a rubber spatula or a pastry brush. Sprinkle Cinnamon Filling over the butter on the prepared dough. Starting with long edge, roll up dough; pinch seams to seal. NOTE: Rolling the log too tightly will result in cinnamon rolls whose centers pop up above the rest of them as they bake.

With a knife, lightly mark roll into 1 1/2-inch section. Slide a 12-inch piece of dental floss or heavy thread underneath. By bringing the ends of the floss up and criss-crossing them at the top of each mark, you can cut through the roll by pulling the strings in opposite directions. Place cut side up in prepared pan, flattening them slightly.

NOTE: At this point, the cinnamon rolls can be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated overnight (I've actually made them two days in advance) or frozen for 1 month. Before baking, allow rolls to thaw completely and rise in a warm place if frozen. I have found that I have to take the unbaked frozen cinnamon rolls out of the freezer 10 to 12 hours before planning to bake. I just put the frozen cinnamon rolls (container and rolls) on my counter (not in the refrigerator) overnight for 10 to 12 hours.

If refrigerated, they can be either baked upon removing from the refrigerator or let come to a room temperature (I've done both ways). They do a slow rise overnight and it is not necessary to let them come to room temperature before baking.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes or until doubled in size. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Spread frosting over the cinnamon rolls while still warm. Serve warm.

FROSTING RECIPE:
2 cups powdered (confectoners) sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
4 tablespoons hot water or milk or canned milk or cream!
In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add hot water gradually, stirring just enough to give it a thick spreading consistency.
Yields 12 cinnamon rolls.