These are one of my favorite slow food breakfasts. Sure, they take time to make, but the results are one of the best cinnamon rolls you’ll eat. Enjoy.

Ingredients

Instructions

1) Combine all dough ingredients except flour in a large bowl and stir to combine.  Let sit for 5 minutes for yeast to activate.

2) Add two cups of flour to mixture and stir to combine.  If using a stand mixer you can use the whisk attachment still to combine.

3) Once those ingredients are together, stir in all the rest of the flour, leaving about 3/4 of a cup.  Either stir well with a wooden spoon to combine and then knead on a counter, or use a dough hook on low speed to knead the dough for 5 minutes.

4) With either method, you might need to add some of the reserved flour.  The dough should be soft, but not sticky at all.  It should be moist though and not cracking.  If it’s too wet, mix in a bit more flour.  Too dry?  Add a tiny amount of buttermilk.

5) Knead for 5 more minutes and then add to a lightly oiled bowl.  Cover and let the dough rise for at least 2 hours until it doubles in size.

6) Remove dough and roll into roughly an 18×12 inch rectangle.

7) Brush rectangle with melted butter.  Fix filling ingredients together in a separate bowl and add to rectangle.  Leave an inch at the top so the rolls will seal well.

8) Roll the dough up tightly and slice into 12 equal pieces.  A serrated knife works well for this.

9) Add the rolls to a buttered baking dish, cover, and store overnight in the fridge.

10) The next day, remove from fridge and stick the rolls in an OFF oven.

11) Add a tray of boiling water (3-4 Cups) on the rack below the rolls in the oven and close the door.  Let the rolls steam for 45-60 minutes until they are big and fluffy.  If you want to be really thorough you could even replace the water halfway through.

12) Remove rolls and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

13) Cook rolls until golden brown, about 30 minutes.

14) Meanwhile, whisk cream cheese and milk together for icing.  Once combined, whisk in powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.

15) Remove rolls and let them cool for a few minutes.  Ice and serve immediately!