Best Cinnamon Rolls

My husband and I only have one tradition that we consistently keep up with:

New Year's Eve Cinnamon Rolls.

This is my favorite cinnamon roll recipe-- and I can easily eat an entire pan by myself.

And that's why we only make them once a year :)

Seriously.

New Year's Eve Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients: 

Rolls:

• 1 c. warm water
• 3 tbsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. salt
• 3 tbsp. butter or margarine
• 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 3 c. AP flour
• 2 1/4 tsp fast acting yeast
• 1/4 c. dough enhancer* (optional, but recommended)

Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• 1/2 c. butter or margarine
• 3 c. brown sugar (may vary according to desired taste and texture)
• 3 tsp. cinnamon (may vary according to desired taste)
• 1 c. chopped pecans (optional)

 Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 c. butter, softened
• 3 c. powdered sugar (may vary according to desired taste and consistency)
• 2 tsp. vanilla (optional)

Directions:

I like to make my dough in the bread machine, so that's what these instructions are based on. If you don't own a bread machine, or you simply prefer not to use it--  you can simply adjust these instructions to make dough by hand-- 

kneading every 1/2 hour.

1. Pour the sugar and the yeast into a small cup or bowl with the warm water. Let it sit (proof) while you complete the remaining dough preparation.
2. Place the salt, 3 tbsp. butter, oil, flour, and dough enhancer into the bread machine.
3. Once the yeast has proofed (looks foamy), pour it into the bread machine (make sure to scrape all of the sugar out).
4. Set the machine for a dough cycle and start.
5. Melt 1/2 c. butter and mix in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans. Feel free to adjust the brown sugar +/- about 1/2 cup. I didn't even really measure-- just kept stirring in brown sugar until it was a smooth "goo."
6. Divide the dough into two balls. Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Divide the brown sugar mixture evenly over the two portions of dough.
8. Roll up the dough jelly-roll style and pinch closed at the ends.
9. Slice each into 12 rolls. Place each roll in a greased 9x13 baking dish and cover. Let rise for 30 minutes.
10. Bake at 350º for 20-30 minutes (start watching carefully after 20) until just golden brown on top.
11. Whisk together in a stand mixer the cream cheese, butter,  and vanilla. Whisk in the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time-- using more or less depending on the consistency you want.
12. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the rolls while warm and serve!

*I like Augason Farms brand dough enhancer. If you live in Utah (and maybe elsewhere, but I don't know), you can find this product at Macey's grocery stores in the food storage section. Or you can buy it online here.

*Augason Farms has not compensated me in any way for writing this post. They are unaware of my endorsement.

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