Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1

Stir together first 2 ingredients and 1 tsp. granulated sugar in a glass measuring cup; let stand 5 minutes.

Step 2

Beat 1/2 cup softened butter at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until creamy. Gradually add 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp. salt, beating at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs and next 2 ingredients, beating until blended. Stir in yeast mixture.

Step 3

Stir together 4 1/2 cups flour and 1/4 tsp. nutmeg. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating at low speed 1 minute or until well blended.

Step 4

Heavily flour a flat surface; turn dough out, and knead until smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes), adding up to 1/2 cup more bread flour as needed to prevent dough from sticking. Place dough in a lightly greased (with cooking spray) large bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (80° to 85°), free from drafts, 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until doubled in bulk.

Step 5

Punch dough down; turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 16- x 12-inch rectangle. Spread with 1/2 cup very soft butter, leaving a 1-inch border around edges. Stir together brown sugar, cinnamon, and remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and sprinkle sugar mixture over butter. Top with pecans.

Step 6

Roll up dough, jelly-roll fashion, starting at 1 long side; cut into 16 slices (about 1 inch thick). Place rolls, cut sides down, in 2 lightly greased (with cooking spray) 9-inch square pans. Cover with plastic wrap.

Step 7

Let rolls rise in a warm place (80° to 85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.

Step 8

Preheat oven to 350°. Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until rolls are golden brown. Cool in pans 5 minutes. Spread Cream Cheese Icing over rolls. Serve warm.