The Yummiest Cinnamon Buns

Well, actually, they're not the yummiest I've ever tasted (Cinnabon, mmmmmm), but they're close, and the best recipe I've found so far. Don't be put off by the whole yeast thing - it's easier than it looks! (P.S. This recipe makes about 15 rolls, so you can half it if you just want to try making a few.)

INGREDIENTS
1 cup milk (warmed in microwave)
1/4 cup warm water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (get the real one people - the fake 'vanilla flavoured' one is yuk!)
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
5 cups flour (bread flour if you have it)
3 teaspoons instant dry yeast
Cinnamon Filling: 1/2 cup butter, melted or softened 1 cup brown sugar 5 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Unless you have a mixer with a dough hook, flex those biceps do this by hand with a wooden spoon
1.Combine all the ingredients in the above order until you get to the cinnamon filling. You'll soon have a nice dough. Turn the dough out onto a flat surface (wiped with a tiny bit of oil so it doesn't stick) and give it good kneading - thinking of an old boss or ex-boyfriend - until it's elastic-y.

2. Put the dough back in the bowl, cover with clingfilm, and let it rest for ten minutes - you've both worked hard.

3. Roll out the dough until its thin but not flimsy (sorry, that's a terrible description - about 15X24 inches, if you want to be exact!) and brush it with the soft butter from the cinnamon filling. If you're fancy, use a pastry brush, If you're me, stick your fingers in.

4. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle over the butter, then starting from the long edge, roll up like a swiss roll (not too tight or the centres will pop up later.)

5. Cut slices off the roll to make individual buns. I can never do this with a knife, but if you take thread or dental floss, slip it underneath, then criss-cross the ends over the top and pulling the strings in opposite directions, they come off perfect.

6. Lay out the rolls on a tin lined with baking paper (not touching, they're gonna grow!) Cover and let them rise in a warm place for about an hour (now they'll be touching!)

7. Bake in a 350f/180c oven for about 20mins till deliciously golden brown


FOR THE BUTTER FROSTING (the best bit!)
2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 1/4 cup butter, room temperature 1 cup icing sugar 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Combine the cream cheese and butter till creamy with no lumps
2. Add sugar and vanilla and mix
3. Pour LIBERALLY on top of warm cinnamon buns.

Voila! Now see how many you can eat before feeling ill and just taking a spoon to the bowl of leftover frosting....