• Gather the ingredients so you have everything close at hand on the counter or table. 

Prepare the Dough

• In a small saucepan, combine over medium heat 1/2 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup warm water, and 1/3 cup butter. Heat until butter begins to melt.
• Pour the warm milk mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add in 5 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 large egg, mixing to combine.
• In a large bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tablespoon instant yeast. Gradually add the flour mixture to the liquids. Mix together until smooth. Continue adding the remaining flour until dough is easy to handle and forms into a ball.
• Knead dough on lightly floured surface or by machine with a dough hook for 4-5 minutes. Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover and allow to rise until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.

Assemble the Rolls

• While the dough is rising, gather the filling ingredients. Melt 1/2 cup melted butter in the microwave. Chop 1/2 cup chopped pecans with a nut chopper or knife.
• When the dough has doubled, gently punch down. Roll out on a lightly floured surface into a 15″ x 9″ rectangle.
• Spread 1/3 cup melted butter over dough. Sprinkle buttered dough with 1 cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon. If desired, top that with 1/2 cup raisins and chopped nuts.
• Roll up the dough, beginning with a long edge, and pinch ends together to seal. Cut into 12 slices. (I like to use plain dental floss for slicing the rolls.)

Prepare to Bake the Rolls

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat the bottom of a 9″ x 12″ baking pan or baking sheet (depending on how you want to bake the rolls) with the remaining melted butter and brown sugar. Place cinnamon rolls on top of the buttered sugar. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean cotton towel and allow to rise until nearly double, about 40-50 minutes.
• Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes.

Make the Cream Cheese Icing

• In a small bowl, mix together 4 oz. cream cheese (softened), 1/4 cup butter, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add 3-4 tablespoons hot water a tablespoon at a time until the icing reaches desired consistency.
• Spread the icing over warm rolls. For greatest enjoyment serve the rolls while warm. Makes 12 rolls.