To Make the Dough

• In a microwave-safe container, heat the milk for about 2 min, or until it starts to steam. Allow it to cool until it feels lukewarm(about 80-100 degrees F).
• In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast, milk, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar measurement. Mix well and set aside.
• Into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, add the eggs, vanilla, salt, remaining sugar, and butter. Mix to combine, then add the milk and yeast mixture. Add in the all-purpose flour and mix until a sticky dough forms.
• Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise for about an hour in a warm place until it doubles in size.
• Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangular shape. Spread the unsalted butter over the dough, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space around the edges. Mix the cinnamon roll filling and sprinkle it over the butter.
• Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long edge, and pinch the seam to seal.

To Make Cinnamon Rolls

• Cut the roll into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. Let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
• Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before icing or frosting.

To Frost Cinnamon Rolls

To Make Sticky Buns

• I like to make one batch of dough and make half cinnamon rolls, and half sticky buns. If you want to make a full batch of sticky buns, you'll need to double the sticky sauce recipe.
• Mix the sticky bun sauce by combining the brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla in a small bowl.
• Place sticky bun sauce in the bottom of an 8x8 baking dish, sprinkle thew chopped pecans over the sticky sauceand place 4 cinnamon rolls on top. If baking individually, use jumbo muffin pans or 4-inch cake pans. Place about 2 tablespoon sticky sauce on the bottom and top with 1 tablespoon chopped pecans. Top with a slice of cinnamon roll dough. Let the sticky buns proof for another 30-45 minutes and bake at 350 degrees F. for 20-25 minutes. Invert the pan to allow the sticky sauce to coat the cinnamon roll. Spoon any remaining sticky sauce or pecans over the top or the sticky buns.
• Mix the cinnamon roll glaze by combining the powdered sugar, water, and vanilla and mixing until smooth. Drizzle over the cinnamon rolls while they are still warm.