Cinnamon Rolls {how to}

1 c. sugar
1t. Salt
3 pkg or 3 T. yeast
7-7 1/2 cups flour
2 c. milk
1 c. Butter
2 eggs

.

In a mixer combine sugar, salt and yeast. 

In 2 qt. sauce pan slowly heat milk and butter until very warm {butter does not need to melt.}

With mixer at low speed, gradually beat milk mixture into dry ingredients. 

Beat at medium speed 2 minutes more.

Beat in eggs and 2 c. flour.
Continue beating 2 minutes more.

Mix in 4 ½ c flour to make a soft dough.

Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. {approx 1/2-1 cup}

Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.

Shape into a ball and put into a large greased bowl.
Turn mound of dough to grease top.

Cover and let raise until double, about 1 hour. {put in oven with light on}

Punch down dough.

Roll out onto floured counter into a large rectangle.

{Pictures Below from: http://cindergirlphotography.blogspot.com}

Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon mixture and raisins if desired. 
Roll up in a nice roll, sealing edges at the outside edge. Cut into aprox. 1" rolls with a long piece of string. {This is easier than using a knife!}

Place 12 rolls onto a baking sheet and let raise till double. {this can take up to an hour and is torture. Go take a nap or something.} {also, I like to sit them in the sunshine comeing through the kitchen window. If this is not possible, place back in the oven with light on.}Bake at 400 degrees for about 12-14 minutes or til lightly browned. Cool.

Frost when slightly warm.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

1/2 cup butter 

1 brick cream cheese

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 lb powdered sugar

A little milk to thin until desired consistency. {a little milk goes A LONG way.}