Iowa State Fair Sweet Dough Caramel Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Ingredients for Iowa State Fair Sweet Dough Caramel Cinnamon Rolls

How to Make Iowa State Fair Sweet Dough Caramel Cinnamon Rolls

1. **Activate Yeast:** In a large mixing bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast in 1 cup warm (105-115°F) water. Let stand for 2-3 minutes until foamy.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** Add 1/2 cup dry milk powder, 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 large egg to the yeast mixture.
3. **Mix and Knead:** Mix well. Gradually add 4-5 cups all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled.
5. **Prepare Caramel Pecan Filling:** In a small, heavy saucepan, combine 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, 1 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce heat, and boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. **Assemble Rolls:** Grease two 8x8 inch baking pans. Pour half the caramel pecan mixture into each pan. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup toasted pecans (see step 14).
7. **Roll Out Dough:** Punch down the risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll it into a 16x12 inch rectangle.
8. **Add Cinnamon Filling:** Spread 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter over the dough. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
9. **Roll and Slice:** Roll up the dough tightly, jelly-roll style. Slice into 8 equal rolls.
10. **Second Rise:** Place 4 rolls, cut-side down, in each prepared pan on top of the caramel pecan mixture. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled.
11. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. **Cool and Invert:** Let the rolls stand in the pans for 5 minutes. Carefully invert onto a serving plate or parchment paper.
13. **Toast Pecans (if needed):** Spread 1/2 cup pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 7-8 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant.