Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Frosting

Directions

1. Combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and the dry yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer and combine on low until mixed well.

2. Next place the water and butter in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high in 15-20 second intervals until the water reaches 125 degrees F.

   (This should take about 4-5 rounds depending on your microwave.)

3. Then, add the water butter mixture to your mixing bowl along with the egg and beat on medium speed until combined.

4. Scrape down the sides of your bowl and slowly add another cup of flour.

5. Mix until combined, then change to your dough hook attachment, and add the remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time until it forms a ball. (You may need to add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky- a few Tbsp at a time.)

6. Scoop the dough out onto a lightly floured surface (this may be a bit sticky/messy) sprinkle with some flours and continue to knead until it is smooth and elastic with a spring back consistency.

7. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for about 10-15 minutes.

Filling

1. Prepare your filling by combining the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.

Assembly

1. Next, roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface to about 18” x 16” rectangle and about 1/4 “ thick, shaping with your hands if needed.

2. Heat your butter in the microwave until very soft and almost melted.

3. Then, using a pastry brush, spread the butter all over the top of the dough cover almost to edges.

4. Sprinkle your Cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the top of your buttered dough and roll up your dough by beginning at the long end of your dough and tightly rolling it up into a long log.

5. Next, cut your dough into 12 equal pieces using a dough cutter or unflavored dental floss starting with the center and working your way out to the ends.

6. Grease or line with parchment paper a 13” x 9” baking pan and place the rolls, cut side down into your pan (Usually 4 rows of 3 across.)

7. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and place in a warm place. ( I usually turn the oven on low -250 F. and place my pan on top of the stove.)

8. Let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

9. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

10. Brush the tops of rolls with a bit of melted leftover butter (or melt an additional Tbsp.)and bake on center rack for about 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden brown and dough is cooked.

11. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes, then transfer the rolls carefully to a cooling rack over a baking sheet and continue to let cool for another 10 -15 minutes while you prepare the frosting.

Frosting

1. Combine first 5 frosting ingredients into a small mixing bowl and combine with an electric mixer until smooth, then add the milk 1 Tbsp. at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Add more milk if needed. The frosting should be smooth but not too runny.

2. Topping

3. Drizzle the frosting over the Cinnamon rolls evenly once cooled and add a bit more orange zest if desired.

4. Serve warm or store in an airtight container on the counter for 1-2 days then transfer to the refrigerator until munch time!