One hour cinnamon rolls

1.  In mixer or large bowl combine:

-2 ¾ cups flour

- ¼ cup sugar

-2 ¼ tsp yeast (or 1 pkg instant (quick rise))

-1 tsp salt

2.  In microwave safe bowl combine:

-4 Tbsp butter

-1/2 c water

-1/4 c whole milk

3. 1 egg

Heat butter, milk, & water mixture in microwave until mixture is hot and the butter is almost melted. Gradually add the milk mixture into the flour mixture. Add one egg and mix until a soft and sticky dough forms.  Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Mix on lowest speed for 4 minutes (or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 3-4 minutes).  Cover dough with plastic wrap and allow to rest on counter for 5 minutes.

Combine & mix cinnamon roll filling in small bowl:

⅔ cup brown sugar

1 Tbsp ground cinnamon

¾ tsp vanilla extract

¼ tsp almond extract (optional)

(Tip: add ½ Tbsp flour to help keep the filling in the roll instead of falling and sticking to the bottom of the pan.)

 ½ cube butter

After dough is finished resting, roll dough onto lightly floured surface until it measures a 16x9 inch rectangle. Spread ¼ c (½ stick) butter, room temperature on top of rolled dough, then sprinkle and spread filling on top of butter.  Tightly roll the dough and cut into 12 portions.  Dental floss work great for cutting dough. (Tip: cut in half, then fourths, etc… then your pieces will be uniform in size, there might be a few smaller ones from the ends, just arrange them in the pan around the larger rolls.)

Place rolls in a lightly greased 9x13 baking dish and gently press a piece of aluminum foil over top of rolls.  Turn off your oven and place covered rolls in oven to rise for 25 minutes. (Tip: If you live in a dry place (which we do), fill a separate 9x13 inch baking dish with boiling water and put on the lowest rack in your oven right before you let them rise. This will ensure that the rolls stay moist and elastic.  Keep the water in the oven until they are baked.)

Remove rolls from oven and turn oven to 375 degrees.  Once heated, remove the foil and bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes or until the centers are lightly golden brown in color.  Remove rolls and let cool for a few minutes before frosting.

Frosting:

1 ½ cups powdered sugar

¼ cup ( ½ stick) butter, melted

1 tsp vanilla extract

2-3 Tbsp milk

Combine all ingredients in small mixing bowl with hand mixer or beat by hand until smooth.  Spread over top of rolls.