Cinnamon Rolls

Through the years, I have always allowed my kids to choose what they wanted for breakfast on their birthdays.  When they were younger, they typically always chose doughnuts.  Now that they are older, they sometimes choose cinnamon rolls.  I am always more than happy to oblige them because with a bread machine, making cinnamon rolls is really very simple.  The bread machine does all of the work.  Following is the dough recipe that I use:

1 cup water
1 large egg
3 1/4 cups bread flour
4 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. dry milk
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast (I use SAF yeast)

Just place all of these ingredients into your bread machine according to its recommendations, set it on the dough cycle, and then go read a book, watch a movie, or enjoy some other fun activity.

When the dough cycle is complete, I roll the dough out on a lightly floured board.  I then spread 1/4 cup soft (not melted) butter over the dough.  (Actually sometimes when I am trying to soften it in the microwave, I melt it by mistake, and it still works just fine).  Sprinkle with brown sugar (whatever looks good to you), and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon.  Raisins are also a good item to add if you like them.

Roll the dough up, and cut into 12 equal pieces.  Place the rolls on a lightly greased cookie sheet, and let them sit in a warm location to rise until doubled in size (at least an hour or so depending on the temperature of your kitchen).  Bake at 350 deg. for about 12 minutes. 

After they have cooled, I like to frost mine; however, that is not necessary.  It just depends on your personal preferences.  For my frosting recipe I melt 1/3 cup butter.  And then I add 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla, and anywhere from 1-3 tablespoons hot water, until you have just the right frosting consistency.  Enjoy!!