ARLENE'S PRIZE-WINNING CINNAMON ROLLS

Arlene's Prize-Winning Cinnamon Rolls image

My go-to recipe for cinnamon rolls or just plain dinner rolls. I won 2 awards at the Stafford KS County Fair, Hudson Cream Flour Bake-fest with these, along with overwhelming approval from friends and family!

Provided by Arlene Lickiss

Time 2h40m

Number Of Ingredients 17

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Ingredients

DOUGH
3 1/2 c unbleached white flour
1 pkg quick-rise yeast
1 1/4 c milk
1/4 c white sugar
1/4 c crisco vegetable shortening
1 tsp salt
1 egg
FILLING
1/4 c butter, softened
1/4 c white sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
ICING
2 Tbsp butter, melted
1 c powdered sugar
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1-2 Tbsp cream or half & half

Steps:

1. In large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour with yeast. Using a microwave safe 2 cup measuring cup, heat milk, sugar, and Crisco to very warm-about 130F. Add to flour mixture, mix well and let rest for a few minutes.
2. Add egg and salt, mix for 3 minutes with electric mixer or by hand with a wire whisk. Stir in remaining 2 cups flour with large rubber spatula, adding the 2nd cup gradually until a soft dough forms.(Humidity may affect texture of dough and amount of flour needed)Spray a clean mixing bowl with cooking spray, place dough in bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Dough may be placed in refrigerator to rise overnight, or left to rise at room temperature for immediate use.
3. After dough has doubled in size, punch down and let rest for 5 minutes. On a large floured surface, roll dough into a large rectangle. Spread with softened butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture. Roll up tightly and pinch seam together. Cut into 1 inch slices with sharp knife. Place slices evenly on large (approx. 12" X 16") sheet cake pan sprayed with cooking spray. Cover with clean dish towel or waxed paper and let rise until double. Preheat oven to 375F. Bake rolls for approx. 10-15 minutes until they are light golden brown. Watch rolls closely! Remove from oven.
4. For the icing, melt butter in microwave safe dish until it boils. Add powdered sugar and mix well. Add vanilla and cream until icing is thin enough to drizzle over warm rolls.
5. Options and helpful hints: Substitute about 1/2 cup whole wheat flour for the white flour when mixing with yeast. Sometimes the dough has to be kneaded a few times to reach the right consistency and more or less flour may be needed. Use a long piece of dental floss to cut slices...slide floss underneath, cross at top and pull through dough. Maple flavoring and chopped pecans may be added to the icing for a different taste experience.