KITTENCAL'S JUMBO CINNAMON BUNS/ROLLS

Steps:

• For the dough; fit a heavy-duty stand mixer with the dough hook.
• Place 4 cups flour in the stainless steel bowl; set aside.
• Proof the yeast with 2 teaspoons sugar in 1/2 cup warm water for about 8-10 minutes or until foamy.
• Meanwhile in a microwave-safe bowl place the milk with butter cubes, salt and sugar; microwave on high until just slightly warmed (about 1 minute or a little more the butter does not have to be completely melted) stir to dissolve the sugar and salt.
• Add the mixture to the bowl along with the egg.
• When the yeast is foamy add to the bowl.
• Start kneading adding in more flour as needed to create a soft smooth dough (kneading will take about 8-10 minutes).
• Remove to a lightly floured surface, cover with a clean tea towel and allow the dough to rest for 5 minutes.
• Shape the dough into a ball and place into a greased bowl; cover and rise for about 1-1/2 hours or until doubled (the rising time will vary depending on how warm your kitchen is).
• Punch down the dough and allow to rest in bowl for 5 minutes.
• In a small bowl mix together the brown sugar with cinnamon.
• Transfer to a floured surface, roll into about 18 x 13-inch rectangle with short end facing you to make rolling up easier (I just spread out the dough using my hands, the measurments do not have to be exact).
• Spread the softened butter over the dough (you can use more than 1/2 cup buter if desired, I usually do!).
• Sprinkle the brown sugar/cinnamon mixture evenly over the butter, sprinkle with raisins and/or nuts if using.
• Starting at the short end roll up the dough as tightly as possible (the dough will spread out even more while rolling).
• Pinch the long seam together as best you can, you might also want to slice a small piece off both ends to even off the roll).
• Using a serrated knife slice log into two even halves, then slice each half into 6 even slices (this will give you 12 pieces, although I sometimes get less).
• Generously butter two 9-inch round cake pans (or use one 13 x 9-inch pan and place 3 rounds across, 4 rounds down in the pan).
• In each round cake pan place 5 dough rounds around the pan and 1 dough round in the middle placing cut-side down.
• Cover with a clean tea towel and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled (this may take about 1 to 1-1/2 hours or more depending on the temperature of your kitchen).
• Set oven to 375 degrees F.
• Bake until browned about 25 minutes.
• Cool the buns slightly then drizzle the icing over the warm buns.