Charlene's Recipe

Cinnamon Rolls

Category: Desserts

Serves 12-15

DOUGH:
1/4 oz pkg yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup scalded milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter or shortening
1 tsp salt
1 egg
3 1/2-4 cups all purpose flour
FILLING:
1/2 cup melted butter, plus more for pan
3/4 cup sugar, plus more for pan
2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
3/4 cup raisins, walnuts or pecans (optional)
GLAZE:
4 Tbsp butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3-6 Tbsp hot water

Heat oven to 350 F.
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and set aside. In a large bowl mix milk, sugar, melted butter, salt and egg. Add 2 cups of flour until dough is easy to handle. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-10 minutes. Place in well greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled in size, usually 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
When doubled in size, punch down dough. Roll out on a floured surface into a 15x9 inch rectangle. Spread melted butter all over dough. Mix sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over buttered dough. Sprinkle with walnuts, pecans or raisins, if desired. Beginning at the 15" side, roll up dough and pinch edge together to seal. Cut into 12-15 slices.
Coat the bottom of baking pan with butter and sprinkle with sugar. Place cinnamon roll slices close together in the pan and let rise until dough is doubled, about 45 minutes. Bake about 30 minutes or until nicely browned.
Meanwhile, mix butter, powdered sugar and vanilla. Add hot water, 1 Tbsp at a time until the glaze reaches desired consistency. Spread over slightly cooled rolls.