Soft and tender, this homemade cinnamon rolls recipe makes the perfect breakfast treat for your family. Make a batch on weekends or holidays for smiles all around.
In a saucepan, heat milk to 180 °F. Add sugar and shortening and continue heating until shortening is melted. Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Over heating will kill the yeast and prevent your dough from rising.
In a large mixing bowl, combine only 4 cups of the bread flour and the remaining dough ingredients. Combine with warm milk mixture. Mix well. Add 4 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add additional flour one cup at a time until the dough is sticky but manageable (additional 4-5 cups). You don't want it dry and tough. Cover and allow the dough to rise in a warm non-drafty area for 1 to 1-1/2 hours.
On a floured surface, roll the dough out until it measures 12 to 14 inches wide, 3 feet long, and 1/2 inch thick. Brush the rolled dough with melted butter. Sprinkle the dough with the brown sugar and cinnamon covering the dough completely. Rub the butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar together until it resembles a paste.Create a roll by turning the dough toward you. You want the roll tight enough to hold together when you slice it but not so tight that it will not allow the dough to rise. Cut the roll into 1/2-inch slices with a sharp knife or dental floss.
Grease baking dishes. I used 3 9x13 pans, 12 rolls per pan. Allow rolls to rise for another 30 minutes in the baking dishes.
Bake at 350 °F for 20 minutes. Remove pan from oven and allow to cool completely.
Cinnamon Roll Icing
Add the butter to the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat until light and fluffym3 to 5 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and mix until combined. Add the vanilla and then the milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the consistency is spreadable.
Frost completely cool rolls.
Notes
Adapted from The Vintage MotherStore in an airtight container for up to a week, or place in the freezer for up to 3 months.Rolls can be iced one at a time before serving or the entire plan all at once.
This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.