Terrific Tangzhong Cinnamon Rolls from Your Bread Machine

Step 1

Measure out 1 cup of milk. In a separate small bowl, measure out 3 cups flour.

Step 2

Make flour paste by whisking 3 tablespoons of the flour you just measured out and half of the milk (1/2 cup) together in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Cook on HIGH in the microwave for 1 minute, whisking every 30 seconds. Cook an additional 15-30 seconds, if necessary until the mixture is as thick as pudding.

Step 3

Add egg, heavy cream or egg yolk, sugar, salt, 4 tablespoons of softened butter, remaining flour, and yeast to the pan and select the dough cycle. Press "Start."

Step 4

Check the dough at least twice by lifting the lid to take a peek. Do this right after the machine starts to see if the paddles are correctly engaged and the dough is starting to form a ball.Recheck the consistency of the dough again 15 minutes into the DOUGH cycle.If your dough is too wet, add flour one tablespoon at a time. The dough should stick to the side, then pull away cleanly.Conversely, if the dough is too dry, add one tablespoon of liquid at a time until the dough looks just right. Find out more about this surprising secret to success with a bread machine here.

Step 5

When the DOUGH cycle finishes, check to see if the dough has risen to double its original size. If so, remove it to a floured surface. If not, allow the dough to remain in the machine until it is double, then remove and proceed with the next step.

Step 6

Remove it from the bread pan, push down gently and divide dough in half. On a generously floured surface, roll each half into a rectangle size about 13 x 10 inches.

Step 7

Spread each rectangle with approximately 2 tablespoons of softened butter or heavy cream.

Step 8

Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves.

Step 9

Distribute half of this mixture over first rectangle and half over the second. Sprinkle about 1/4 c. chopped, toasted, pecans over the brown-sugar/cinnamon layer.

Step 10

Roll up dough the long way. Slice into 8 equal pieces. Place cut side down into greased 8-inch pan or glass dish.

Step 11

Cover and let rise until almost double in a warm, moist place.

Step 12

About 15 minutes before rolls will be ready to bake, preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Step 13

Bake rolls for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 14

Ice with 2 cups confectioners sugar mixed with 1-ounce cream cheese and 2 tablespoons coffee. You may need more or less liquid depending on how thick you like your icing.