Ethels Best Cinnamon Rolls
2 packages active dry yeast
2 1/2 cups lukewarm water (105 to 115)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 package (2-layer-size) white cake mix
6 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg
1/3 cup cooking oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter, melted
2/3 cup sugar
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Powdered Sugar Icing (recipe follows)
1.
For dough: In a large mixing bowl, stir the yeast into 1/2 cup of the warm water; add the 1 teaspoon sugar. Let the mixture stand for about 5 minutes or till the mixture is foamy.2.
Stir the cake mix, 1 cup of the flour, the egg, cooking oil, salt and the remaining water into yeast mixture. Beat with an electric mixer on high speed for 3 minutes, scraping sides of bowl constantly. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the remaining flour to form a moderately soft dough. (Dough will be sticky.)3.
Cover and let rise in refrigerator for 2 to 24 hours or till doubled.4. Lightly grease two 13x9x2-inch baking pans. Set aside. Stir dough. Divide in half. Turn 1 portion of the dough out onto a well-floured surface. Turn to coat lightly with flour. Roll the dough into a 12x8-inch rectangle. Brush with half of the melted butter.
5. For filling: In a small mixing bowl, combine the 2/3 cup sugar and the cinnamon. Sprinkle half of the sugar mixture over dough. Roll up, jelly-roll style, starting from one of the long sides. Pinch edge to seal. Repeat with the remaining dough, remaining butter and remaining sugar mixture.
6.
Cut each roll of the dough crosswise into 12 pieces. Arrange 12 pieces, cut sides down, in each of the prepared pans. Cover loosely; let the dough rise in a warm place till nearly doubled (about 1 hour).7.
Uncover pans. Place a baking sheet under each of the pans. Bake in a 350 oven for 25 to 30 minutes or till lightly brown and rolls sound hollow when lightly tapped.8.
Invert onto serving plates. Drizzle Powdered Sugar Icing over warm rolls. Serve warm. Makes 24 rolls.Powdered Sugar Icing:
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together 4 cups sifted powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla and enough milk (3 to 4 tablespoons) to make a drizzling consistency.