Step 1

Mix yeast, food coloring and warm water until dissolved.

Step 2

Combine cake mix, salt and flour in a large bowl.

Step 3

Add warm water/yeast mixture and vanilla to cake mix, salt and flour mixture. Mix well. This may require kneading with your hands a bit to completely combine ingredients.

Step 4

Cover tightly. Let rise for one hour. Punch down and let rise again for another 30-60 minutes.

Step 5

On a floured surface, roll dough into a rectangle shape, approx 1/4? thick.

Step 6

Once dough is rolled out, brush with softened butter. I found that one stick was adequate for this recipe, but you could use more (or less) if desired.

Step 7

Sprinkle with sugar. Sprinkle with cinnamon – use as little or as much as you like.

Step 8

Starting at end opposite from you, roll the dough towards you until all dough is rolled into one long piece.

Step 9

Slice dough into 24 equal sized pieces.

Step 10

Place rolls in two greased 9×13 pans. Cover and let rise until doubled in size. I usually sit my rolls on my stovetop while my oven preheats to 350 degrees. This allows them time to rise and provides a bit of warmth from the oven warming.

Step 11

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-25 minutes or until golden brown. My rolls took approx 22 minutes. This will depend on your stove and your preference for how brown you like your cinnamon rolls.

Step 12

Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

Step 13

Beat cream cheese and butter with a mixer until creamy. Add in vanilla and milk, mix until well combined. Slowly add in powdered sugar and salt and beat until fluffy. Spread onto cinnamon rolls while they are still hot, allowing frosting to melt into the cinnamon rolls.