Freeze Ahead Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

ingredients

1/2 cup instant potato flakes
1 cup water
2 envelopes (1/4 ounce size) active dry yeast
2 cups warm water (100 to 110 degrees F)
9 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
5 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup sugar
1 cup shortening, melted
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
1/2 cup raisins, optional

Glaze
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened

directions

Stir together potato flakes and 1 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH 3 minutes; stir.

Combine yeast and 2 cups warm water in a 2 cup glass measuring cup; let stand 5 minutes. Combine mashed potatoes, 4 cups flour, eggs, and next 3 ingredients in a 6 quart bowl. Stir in yeast mixture until blended.

Gradually stir in remaining 5 1/2 to 6 cups flour until soft dough forms. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85 degrees F), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.

Divide dough in half. Roll each portion on a lightly floured surface into an 18x15 inch rectangle. Spread each with half of butter; sprinkle with 2/3 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/4 cup pecans, and, if desired, 1/4 cup raisins. Roll up, jelly roll fashion, starting at a long edge.

Cut each roll into 1 inch thick slices. Arrange in 4 (9x13 inch) pans or in 8 (8-inch) square pans. (Rolls can be place in foil pans and frozen at this point.)

Cover and let rise in a warm place (85 degrees F) free from drafts, 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk. Bake at 375 degrees F for 25 minutes or until golden. Drizzle with glaze.

GLAZE: Whisk together first 4 ingredients (powdered sugar, milk, water and vanilla) until blended; add cream cheese and butter, whisking until smooth.

cook's notes

You can stir up a batch of these cinnamon rolls a month ahead of time, place them in disposable pans, and store in the freezer.

nutrition data

Nutritional data has not been calculated yet.

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