heavenly cinnamon rolls

Ingredients

• Servings: 12
• 1/4 cup white sugar, divided
• 2 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup applesauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 cup raisins

Recipe

Preparation Time: 45 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Ready Time: 2 hrs 15 mins


• stir 1 tablespoon of the sugar and the yeast into the warm water in a small bowl. the water should be no more than 100 degrees f (40 degrees c). let stand for 5 minutes until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam. whisk together the cinnamon and 2 tablespoons sugar in a small bowl; set aside.
• beat together the eggs, applesauce, salt, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar in a large bowl. stir in the yeast mixture. beat in half of the flour mixture until no dry spots remain. stir in the remaining flour, a 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to form a sticky dough. turn it out a lightly floured surface and knead until fairly smooth but still sticky, about 8 minutes.
• lightly oil a large bowl, then place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. cover with a light cloth and let rise in a warm place (80 to 95 degrees f (27 to 35 degrees c)) for 30 minutes. grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
• deflate the dough and turn it out a lightly floured surface. roll the dough into a 16x20 inch rectangle. spread the honey over the dough; sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar and raisins. beginning with the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log shape, and pinch to seal the seam. cut into 12 equal size pieces. place the rolls into the prepared pan cut side up. cover the pan with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes.
• preheat an oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c).
• bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 30 minutes.