Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Rolls are just such a luscious treat. They are so versatile, too. Eat them for a dessert, an afternoon snack, or breakfast. There are many recipes for cinnamon rolls. I found this recipe from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe. She also has a recipe for Cream Cheese Frosting, but I don’t like cream cheese frosting. At. All. Not on any cake or any other dessert. Never have. So I used the tub of Betty Crocker Vanilla frosting. Perfect for me.

In a small bowl combine water, yeast and sugar. Stir until dissolved. Set aside. In large bowl, take pudding mix and prepare according to package directions. Add butter, eggs and salt. Mix well. Then add yeast mixture. Blend. Gradually add flour; knead until smooth. Do not overflour the dough! It should be very soft but not sticky. Place in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled. Then roll out on floured board to 34 X 21 inches in size. Take 1 cup soft butter and spread over surface. In bowl, mix 2 cups brown sugar and 4 teaspoons cinnamon. Sprinkle over the top. Roll up very tightly. With knife put a notch every 1 1/2 inches. Cut with thread or serrated knife. Place on lightly greased cookie sheet 1 inch apart. 

Cover and let rise until double again. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Remove when they start to turn golden (don’t overbake). Frost warm rolls with cream cheese frosting (combine butter and cream cheese and mix well, then add vanilla and sugar and mix again, then add milk for desired consistency) or whatever vanilla frosting you like. You could also try adding a dash of lemon, almond, or orange extract instead of the vanilla.


 Makes about 24 very large rolls.

 

*Freezable Recipe: After shaping the rolls and placing them on the baking sheet, cover with lightly greased saran wrap and a layer of tin foil. Store in the freezer. The night before you want to serve them take out the rolls and put them in the refrigerator. Let them thaw in the refrigerator. Take them out about 8-9 hours after being in the refrigerator and let them rise until doubled. Bake according to the recipe. (If you have less time, you can take the rolls out of the freezer and let them come to room temperature on the counter – about 4 hours, then let rise until doubled).


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