Amazing Cinnamon Rolls

I love a nice, hot cinnamon roll in the morning.  The canned variety are okay but nothing beats a hot, sticky homemade roll.  Here is an easy recipe that is sure to become a family favorite. 

Cinnamon Rolls
Makes 15

2 packages rapid rise yeast
1/4 c. warm water
1 1/2 c. buttermilk
1/2 c. vegetable oil
6 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. butter, melted
1 1/4 c. dark brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water.  Let stand until mixture is creamy (about 10 minutes).  Meanwhile, in a saucepan, heat the buttermilk until warm (about 2 minutes).  Pour buttermilk and oil into yeast and mix.  Combine flour, salt & baking soda.  Gradually add flour mixture into yeast mixture a little at a time (about 1 cup).  Mix until a soft dough forms.  Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 20 times.  Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.  In a small bowl mix brown sugar, cinnamon and butter.  After dough has rested, roll dough, on a lightly floured surface, into a rectangle.  Spread brown sugar mixture over entire surface.  Roll into a log.  Slice into 1 inch pieces and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet.  Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Bake for 15 - 20 minutes. 

Icing

1 c. sugar
1 Tbsp. Karo syrup
1/3 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 Tbsp. butter

Boil all ingredients except butter in a small saucepan until it reaches soft ball stage on a candy thermometer.  Add butter and immediately plunge pan in a bowl of ice water.  Beat until white & smooth and pouring consistency.  Spread over hot cinnamon buns. 

Triple Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

These little sandwich cookies are easy to make a absolutely delicious.  They also store well and taste great up to a week after making.  I hope you enjoy!

Chocolate Cookies
Makes 30 cookies (15 sandwiches)

1/2 c. butter, chilled and cubed
1 1/4 c. all purpose flour
2 Tbls. dutch processed cocoa powder
1/4 c. sugar
Nutella
Melted chocolate chips
 
Put butter, flour & cocoa in a food processor.  Process until mixture is crumbly.  Add sugar and process again until mixture forms a dough.  Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly (note:  the dough will be very crumbly).  Put in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut in small bars.  Placed on parchment lined cookie sheet.  Prick each cookie with a fork.  Bake for 12-15 minutes.  Cool on a wire rack. 

For Topping:

Melt 1 package of chocolate chips over a double boiler until spreadable consistency.


To Assemble:

Spread desired amount of Nutella on one cookie.  Top with second cookie.  Top with melted chocolate.  When all are assembled place in freezer for a couple of minutes to set the chocolate.