Cinnamon Rolls

Let’s start by making the dough:

1. Combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup whole wheat flour, and yeast into large mixing bowl. Place cottage cheese in a sieve over the sink, press it into a ball, and squeeze out moisture from cottage cheese (there should be about 1/4 cup of solids remaining).

2. Pour cottage cheese solids into a small saucepan. Stir in 1 cup milk, granulated sugar, oil, and salt. Heat until mixture is “scalding,” (just before boiling point). Then remove pan from heat and pour liquid mixture into flour mixture. Add eggs and egg white. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, beat mixture together until combined thoroughly. Stir in 2 more cups of all-purpose flour.

3. Knead the dough in the bowl until mixture is partially-combined. Turn it onto a lightly floured surface and knead completely (about 3 minutes – keep in mind, the dough will be slightly sticky. If this is the case, add remaining flour to dough). Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl and turn once over, coating the other side. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk (about 1 hour).

Now on to the delectable filling:

1. Combine brown sugar, corn syrup, and cinnamon in saucepan. Heat over medium heat and stir until smooth. Set aside to cool.

2. Once dough has risen, spread it out on a floured surface. Spread dough out and roll the dough thin, maintaining a long, rectangular shape. Let dough rest for 10 minutes.

3. Drizzle the brown-sugar mixture over the dough. Sprinkle on some raisins or nuts if desired.

4. Roll up the dough into a long log, pinching the edges together along the length of the roll.

5. Slice the roll into 12 pieces with a sharp knife.

6. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with spray and place cinnamon rolls, cut-side up and slightly apart, in the dish (rolls will rise and expand). Cover with plastic wrap or paper towel and let rise until nearly doubled (about 30-45 minutes).

To bake:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Bake rolls until light brown (about 20-25 minutes). Transfer to rack and let cool slightly in pan.

Lastly, the maple glaze to coat the rolls:

1. Stir together 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, 4 Tablespoons milk, cinnamon, and 1/2 cup maple syrup in bowl. Refrigerate mixture while rolls bake. Once ready, drizzle the glaze over the rolls and serve them warm.