CINNAMON BUNS (like Cinnabon's®)

CINNAMON BUNS (like Cinnabon's®)
Serves : 12 - 15
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 Tbls. ground cinnamon
(2) .25 oz. pkts. active dry yeast
1 tsp. granulated sugar
1 cup 110 degree water
1 cup warm milk
2/3 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup melted butter OR margarine
2 tsp. salt
2 eggs - slightly beaten
up to 8 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup melted butter OR margarine
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts OR pecans - optional
1/2 cup melted butter OR margarine
1/3 cup granulated sugar
4 cups powdered sugar
2/3 cup melted butter OR margarine
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. maple extract - optional, but recommended
up to 6 Tbls. hot water

-Mix together 1 1/2 cups sugar and the cinnamon; set aside.

-In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tsp. sugar in warm
water; set aside.
-In a large bowl, mix together milk, 2/3 cup sugar, 2/3 cup
melted butter, salt, and eggs; add yeast mixture and 4
cups of flour to mixture; beat until smooth; stir in enough
flour to form a slightly stiff dough.

-Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead for
8 minutes.

-Place dough into a large greased bowl, cover, and allow to
rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 - 1 1/2
hours.

-Punch down dough and let rest for 5 minutes.

-Roll dough out onto a floured surface into a 15" X 20"
rectangle.

-Brush 1/2 cup melted butter over dough; sprinkle cinnamon
sugar evenly over dough; sprinkle nuts evenly over dough,
if desired.

-Tightly roll up dough and pinch edges together to seal; cut
the roll into 12 - 15 slices using dental floss or thread.

-Coat the bottom of a 13" X 9" X 2" baking pan with 1/2 cup
melted butter; sprinkle 1/3 cup sugar evenly in the bottom
of the pan.

-Place cinnamon roll slices close together in the prepared
pan; cover pan and allow to rise in a warm place for 45
minutes.

-Bake rolls in a 350 degree oven for 25 - 30 minutes, or
until golden brown.

-Stir together powdered sugar, 2/3 cup melted butter,
and extracts; stir in hot water, 1 Tbls. at a time, until the
glaze reaches desired spreading consistency.

-Spread prepared icing over slightly cooled rolls.