Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer whisk ½ cup of the milk, 1 tablespoon of the sugar, and the yeast and let stand until frothy, about 5 minutes. Using the paddle attachment with the mixer on low speed, add the remaining ¾ cup milk, the remaining ¼ cup sugar, the salt, and eggs and beat for 1 minute. Change to the dough hook and gradually add 5½ cups of the flour. Starting on low speed and working slowly up to medium, mix until the dough is fairly smooth, about 3 minutes. Reduce the speed to medium-low and add ½ cup butter and the remaining ½ cup flour. Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead until the dough is soft, smooth, and tacky (but not sticking to the work surface), about 2 minutes. Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1½ hours.
- Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Press the dough down, and then turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough two to three times, and then roll out into a rectangle 24 inches long by 12 inches wide. Spread the dough all over (do not leave a border) with ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons of the butter. Sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar. Starting at the long side closest to you, tightly roll up the dough, and then pinch the seam closed. Cut the log of dough into twelve 2-inch pieces. Generously grease the bottom and sides of a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or metal cake pan with the remaining butter and arrange the rolls, cut side up, in a single layer. Cover with aluminum foil and let stand at room temperature for 1 hour, or refrigerate overnight. (If refrigerating, return to room temperature before proceeding, about 2 hours.)
- Prepare the grill for indirect cooking over medium heat (as close to 375°F as possible).
- Place the skillet with the rolls covered with foil over indirect medium heat, close the lid, and cook for 25 minutes. Wearing insulated barbecue gloves, rotate the skillet 180 degrees, close the lid, and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the foil from the skillet and continue cooking until the dough is cooked through and the tops are lightly browned, 20 to 30 minutes more. Remove from the grill, set on a heatproof surface, and let cool for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, make the icing.
- Place the skillet with the rolls covered with foil over medium heat, close the lid, and cook for 25 minutes. Wearing insulated barbecue gloves, rotate the skillet 180 degrees, close the lid, and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the foil from the skillet and continue cooking until the dough is cooked through and the tops are lightly browned, 20 to 30 minutes more. Remove from the grill, set on a heatproof surface, and let cool for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, make the icing.
- In a large bowl mash the cream cheese with the milk. Sift the confectioners' sugar into the bowl, and then stir to combine. Add the vanilla and salt and whisk until smooth. Spread the icing over the top of the warm rolls and let stand for 10 minutes. Using a thin-edged knife, cut between the seams of the rolls and transfer to a platter or cooling rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Dough
Filling
Icing
Special Equipment
- [conversion imperial="10-inch" metric="25-centimeter"] cast-iron skillet or metal cake pan
- stand mixer with paddle and dough hook attachments
Take your grill anywhere
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