Cinnamon Buns

For the dough:
In a large mixer bowl mix together the yeast, hot tap water and the first amount of sugar. Let the mixture sit and cool for a few minutes.

In a large saucepan heat the milk, butter, second amount of sugar and salt over medium-low heat until butter melts. Take pan off heat and let the mixture cool down. Once lukewarm add the eggs and stir to combine.

Add milk mixture to the yeast mixture. If using a stand mixer add your dough hook. If not, use a spoon and add 3 1/2 cups of flour. Beat until smooth (in a mixer this takes 2 minutes at speed 3. By hand, well, keep mixing until it’s smooth). Slowly incorporate the remaining 4 1/2 cups of flour.

When formed into a sticky ball keep mixer on speed #2 for 5 minutes (by hand; knead dough on a floured surface until it feels like a baby’s bum—about 8 minutes).

Place dough in a large bowl that you’ve sprayed with Pam. Spray a little Pam on top of the dough as well. Cover with plastic wrap. Place in oven (the oven should not be on) with the light on for 1 – 1/2 hours.

Once it’s risen, take that beauty out and ask for forgiveness as you punch the dough down. Roll it out on parchment paper until you have a 15″ x 18″ shape.

For the filling:
Combine filling ingredients in a bowl. Spread filling all over dough leaving 1/2 inch border on all sides.

Roll up the dough like a jelly roll. Pinch the ends to seal and also pinch all along the seam. Roll it over so the seam is on the bottom.

Cut the roll into 12 pieces with a bread knife. Place the pieces on a parchment paper or a Silpat lined baking sheet. I use 2 baking sheets and put 6 on each because they are huge when they rise.

Cover the pan(s) with plastic wrap and place back in the oven with light on for another 1 1/2 hours.

When the rolls are all big and gorgeous remove the plastic wrap and turn the temperature of the oven up to 350 F. Bake for 30 minutes. When done, remove them from the oven and allow to slightly cool on the pan. When cooled slightly (warm but not hot) drizzle on the glaze (see below).

For the glaze:
Mix together the glaze ingredients. Use as much water as needed to reach glaze consistency.

If you prefer, you can also flip the cinnamon bun so that all of the yummy stuff is now on the top. Enjoy!