Categories: Breakfast, Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- Dough:
- 5-6 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 pkg. (4 1/2 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup milk
- 2/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup butter, cut into smallish chunks (this makes it easier to melt)
- 2 eggs
- Filling:
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- Icing (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Directions
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In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 2 cups flour, and the sugar, salt, and yeast.
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Combine milk, water, and butter, and heat in microwave or in a saucepan until very warm (120-130 degrees F).
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Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, and beat two minutes at medium speed. Add eggs, and beat at high speed 2 minutes. Stir in raisins if using, and enough additional flour to make a soft but kneadable dough.
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Turn out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic, 5-10 minutes. Place dough back in bowl, cover with a wet tea towel, and let rest 20 minutes.
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While the dough is resting, combine 3/4 sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and melt several tablespoons of butter.
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After 20 minutes, divide dough in half. Roll out each half into a 12 inch square. Brush with melted butter. Sprinkle center third of each square with 3 tablespoons of the sugar mixture. Fold one third over center third. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of the sugar mixture. Fold remaining third over the two layers. Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide. Take hold of each end of strip and twist tightly in opposite directions. Arrange in two greased 9-inch square pans (or an 8×8 pan and a 9×13 pan like I do!). Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 2 to 24 hours.
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When ready to bake, heat oven to 350, and remove pans from fridge. Uncover dough and let stand at room temperature 10-20 minutes. Bake 20-30 minutes, or until browned. A 9×13 pan will take closer to 30 minutes, and an 8×8 or 9×9 pan will take closer to 20-25 minutes.
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Cool in pan on wire rack before eating. If desired, combine icing ingredients, and drizzle over top of the twists.