grandpa don's disneyland cinnamon rolls

my grandpa gave me this recipe years ago. he loved to bake and these were his specialty! supposedly the recipe comes from the pastry chef at the disneyland hotel in anaheim, ca.

disneyland cinnamon rolls

1/2 c warm water 

2 pkgs yeast

2 tbsp sugar

1 (3 1/2 oz) pkg vanilla instant pudding

2 cups milk

1/2 c unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs, beaten

1 tsp salt

8 cups all purpose flour

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 cups brown sugar

2 tbsp cinnamon

in small bowl, combine water, yeast and sugar. stir until dissolved. set aside.

in large bowl, mix pudding with milk. add 1/2 c melted butter, eggs, and salt. mix well, then add yeast mixture and blend well. gradually add flour and knead until smooth. place in a large greased bowl. cover & let rise in a warm place until double in size. punch down & let rise again.

roll dough onto a large floured surface into a large rectangle, 34" x 21". pour 1 cup melted butter over the entire surface.

in a small bowl, mix together brown sugar & cinnamon. sprinkle over the top of buttered dough. roll up like a jelly roll. measure every two inches and cut with a knife. pack each roll gently in the palm of your hand to keep it from coming apart while baking. place rolls in a greased baking pan and allow to rise for 20 minutes.

bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes. 

cream cheese frosting

8 oz. pkg cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 cups powdered sugar

2 tbsp milk

combine all ingredients until smooth. spread on warm rolls.

i made these rolls this week for owen's moms day out teachers. i added a little tag that says "thanks for a 'sweet' year!".

my grandpa don passed away last week. these rolls are pretty great but i know he is having sweeter treats than these with jesus!