Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls

Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls 

Rolls:

1/2 cup warm water

2 Tbsp. yeast

2 Tbsp. sugar

1 (3 1/2 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix

1/2 cup butter, melted

2 eggs

1 tsp. salt

6+ cups flour

Filling:

1 cup butter, softened

2 cups brown sugar

2 Tbsp. cinnamon

1/2 cup mini cinnamon chips

Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 tsp. vanilla

3 cups powdered sugar

2 to 3 Tbsp. half & half

1.  In small bowl, combine water, yeast and sugar. Stir to dissolve; set aside.

2.  In a large bowl, take pudding mix and prepare it according to the package directions. Add butter, eggs and salt; mix well.  Add yeast mixture; blend.  Gradually add flour; knead until smooth. Do not overflour - it should be soft but not sticky.  Place in a greased bowl.  Cover and let rise until doubled - about 1 hour.

3.  Roll dough out on a floured board to measure 34 x 21 inches. Spread 1 cup softened butter over the surface. In a bowl, mix 2 cups brown sugar with 2 Tbsp. cinnamon. Sprinkle this over the butter. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon chips over that.  Now, from the long side, roll up as tightly as possible. Cut into 1 1/2 inch slices using a serrated knife or thread.  Place 1 inch apart on a greased baking sheet.  Cover and let rise until doubled. 

4.  Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.  Remove when they're a nice, golden brown. Don't overbake! Cool.

5.  Mix together the Frosting ingredients until nice and smooth.  Spread over the rolls while they're still a bit warm.  Enjoy!

Makes 24 very large rolls.

Adapted from a recipe at melskitchencafe.com