Step 1

In a saucepan, combine 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup lard or unsalted butter. Heat the mixture over medium heat until very warm and a cooking thermometer reads 120 to 130 degrees F. Allow mixture to cool until it is just slightly warm. When cooled, add 2 eggs, beaten. Now add this mixture to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.

Step 2

Add 4 heaping cups of all-purpose flour (stir in one cup at a time) and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir until dough is soft and easy to handle. The dough may be slightly sticky.

Step 3

Sprinkle all-purpose flour lightly onto a large cutting board or large baking mat. Place dough onto floured surface. Knead the dough by folding the dough, then push into the dough with the heel of your hands (pushing away from your body). You may find that a slight rocking motion helps. Turn the dough about a quarter of a turn. Repeat the process. Continue kneading for about 5 minutes. If the dough starts to stick, sprinkle the surface with more flour.

Step 4

Knead until the dough is smooth, springy and resembles a soft baby's bottom. Spray a large glass or crock bowl with cooking spray. Place the dough into the bowl and turn dough until all sides have a light covering of grease. This will prevent the dough from sticking to your bowl and aid in the rising process.

Step 5

Lightly cover the dough with a clean, lightweight tea towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size. Things such as humidity, the room temperature and the recipe itself will all determine how long it will take your dough to rise.

Step 6

You can check to see if the dough is ready by gently sticking two fingers (to your second knuckle), into the center of the risen dough. Remove your fingers. If your fingers leave an indentation, the dough is ready. If not, cover and let the dough continue to rise.

Step 7

Once your dough is ready, it needs to be gently "punched down." This process releases some of the gas bubbles formed during the rising process. Push your fist quickly, but gently into the center of the dough. Pull the edges to the center and reform a ball. Place dough on a working surface that has been lightly dusted with flour. Knead the dough 2 to 3 times to help release additional air bubbles. Now, allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax and your dough will be easier to work with.

Step 8

After your dough has rested, use a rolling pin to flatten the dough out into a rectangle. Spread 1/4 cup melted butter over the top surface of the dough (come within 1/2 inch from the edge). Sprinkle the mixture of 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon over top. (You may also add chopped nuts and raisins if you'd like.)

Step 9

Start at one end and roll dough up tightly, forming a log shape. Using a 12-inch piece of thread or dental floss, cut the roll into approximately 1-inch segments. Place each segment into two well-greased 9x13 baking pans. Leave a little space between each slice (they swell as they bake). Lightly cover the pan with a lightweight dish towel. Let dough rise again for approximately 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Step 10

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove towel, bake for 20 - 30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove cinnamon rolls from pan and place right side up on a cooling rack. Cool for 5 minutes.

Step 11

While rolls are cooling you can prepare the icing. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon butter, softened, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or maple extract, 1 to 2 tablespoons whole milk. Stir all of the ingredients together and drizzle over top of warm cinnamon rolls. Smear icing over top of rolls with the back of a serving spoon. Serve warm.