Cinnamon Rolls w/Cream Cheese Frosting

1/4 -ounce package yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup scalded milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup shortening
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
3 1/2 - 4 cups flour - half all-purpose, half cake flour


FILLING
1/2 cup melted butter, plus more for pan
3/4 cup sugar, plus more for pan
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
3/4 cup raisins, walnuts, or pecans, optional


Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and set aside. In a large bowl mix milk, sugar, shortening, salt and egg. Add 2 cups of flour (1/2 all purpose, 1/2 cake flour) and mix until smooth. Add yeast mixture. Mix in remaining flour until dough is easy to handle. Knead dough on lightly floured surface for 5 to 10 minutes. Place in well-greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled in size, usually 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

When doubled in size, punch down dough. Roll out on a floured surface into a 15 by 9-inch rectangle.

Mix melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon together. Spread melted butter mixture over dough. Sprinkle with walnuts, pecans, or raisins if desired. Beginning at the 15-inch side, role up dough and pinch edge together to seal. Cut into 12 to 15 slices.

Coat the bottom of baking pan with butter and sprinkle with sugar. Place cinnamon roll slices close together in the pan and let rise until dough is doubled, about 45 minutes. Bake for about 30 minutes or until nicely browned.

(Source (adapted slightly): http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/cinnamon-rolls-recipe.html)


FROSTING:

1/2 cup butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract

Beat softened butter and cream cheese until well blended.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until creamy. Spread over cinnamon rolls.