Step 1

In a small bowl, stir the yeast in warm water until dissolved. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large bowl, stir together milk, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/3 cup melted shortening or butter, salt, and egg. Add two cups of flour and stir until smooth. Stir in the yeast mixture. Add the remaining flour until the mixture turns into a dough.

Step 3

Dust a clean, dry, and flat surface with flour. Knead the dough for 5 to 10 minutes. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky. Transfer the dough to a well-greased bowl and let rise until doubled, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Step 4

Punch down the dough to remove air bubbles. With a rolling pin, roll the dough into a 15x9-inch rectangle. Spread the melted butter over the dough.

Step 5

In a bowl, combine 3/4 cup sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle mixture over the dough. Top with raisins, walnuts, or pecans, if using.

Step 6

Roll the dough lengthwise towards you and finish with the seam side down so the filling is sealed in. Pinch the edges to seal the roll. Slice into 12 slices.

Step 7

Grease a baking pan with butter and sprinkle with sugar. Place the cinnamon roll slices close together in the pan. Set aside until the dough has doubled in size, about 45 minutes.

Step 8

Bake the puffy cinnamon rolls in a preheated 350 °F oven for about 25-30 minutes or until browned.

Step 9

While the rolls bake, mix the glaze ingredients - butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla - in a small bowl. Add hot water if it's too thick. Spread over warm, cooked rolls and serve!