Step 1

Whisk the warm water with the teaspoon of sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast on top and gently stir it into the water. Set aside for 5 to 10 minutes until the yeast is foamy.

Step 2

Add the 5 tablespoons of sugar, shortening, and salt to a heat-proof mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Pour the scalded milk on top and whisk until well combined. Set aside and allow to cool until it's warm and no longer hot (about 110°F or 43°C).

Step 3

Once the scalded milk mixture has cooled, mix in 2 cups (250 grams) of flour by hand or using the dough hook attachment on a stand mixer. Add the yeast mixture and mix until well combined, then mix in the egg.

Step 4

Mix in 2 more cups (250 grams) of flour until fully combined, then mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of flour at a time until the dough is easy to handle. Knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface or using the dough hook on a stand mixer on low speed for 5 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, adding a little extra flour if needed.

Step 5

Once the dough is kneaded, form it into a ball and place it into a lightly greased bowl. Cover and allow to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until double in size.

Step 6

Once double in size, punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12x18 inch rectangle (about 1/4-inch thick).

Step 7

Spread the softened butter all over the dough. Mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a mixing bowl until well combined, then sprinkle on top of the butter and gently press it down.

Step 8

Starting at the 18-inch side, roll the dough up tightly. Cut the roll of dough into 12 equal pieces and place each piece in a greased 9x13 baking pan. Cover and allow to rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes.

Step 9

After about 30 minutes of rising, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the oven is preheated, place the cinnamon rolls in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the cinnamon rolls are cooked through in the center. Cover loosely with foil after about 10 to 15 minutes of baking to prevent excess browning. Once the cinnamon rolls are done, remove them from the oven and set aside to cool.

Step 10

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fully combined. Then mix in the milk, adding more as needed until it has reached your desired consistency.

Step 11

Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled slightly, frost them, serve and enjoy!