Step 1

To make the dough, sprinkle 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 envelope) yeast over 1 1/4 cups lukewarm milk in the bowl of a stand mixer and set aside for 5 minutes until slightly bubbly. Use the paddle attachment of a stand mixer to beat in 1/2 cup sugar, 6 tablepoons very soft butter, 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon vanilla, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir in the 4 1/2 to 5 cups flour, 1 cup at a time, until the dough is thick but still a little sticky.

Step 2

Switch to dough hook and knead in the stand mixer for 5 minutes or until dough clears side of mixer and is taut and smooth. (Alternately, knead by hand on a floured countertop for 6 to 8 minutes or until smooth and springy.)

Step 3

Spray the dough and bowl lightly with cooking spray. Shape the dough into a ball and place in greased bowl, turning it to make sure it's coated in oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled — about 2 hours.

Step 4

For the filling, grind the spices in a spice grinder until fine and mix with the brown sugar. (If you want to skip the extra spices or use powdered cinnamon instead of whole, substitute 3 to 4 tablespoons cinnamon for all the spices.) Cream the butter with the spices and sugar in a mixer or with hand beaters.

Step 5

Lightly grease two 9-inch cake pans (a 9x13-inch pan works fine as well). On a floured surface roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 14 inches by 24 inches. When the dough is rolled out, slather it thickly with the creamed butter and sugar, making sure to spread it nearly to the edges. Roll up along the long side, stretching and pulling the dough into a taut and tight roll. Use a bench scraper or knife to cut into 24 individual rolls.

Step 6

Divide the rolls among the prepared pans and let rise in a warm place until the rolls double in size — 45 to 60 minutes. While rolls are rising, heat oven to 350F.

Step 7

Bake the rolls for 20 to 27 minutes. The best way to determine doneness is to take their temperature; they are done when between 190 and 200F.

Step 8

For the icing, beat the cream cheese, milk, vanilla, and sugar together, adding more powdered sugar as necessary to get the consistency you prefer. Drizzle over hot rolls with a fork. Serve warm.