Perfect Maple Cinnamon Rolls

Directions

1. 1
   Set up your stand mixer and set aside.
2. 2
   In a small saucepan, heat the milk, water, butter, and sugar over medium heat until it reaches about 120 degrees. This will be just before boiling and you will see it start to foam a tiny bit with bubbles. Do not let it scald or boil. Keep an eye on it and stir frequently so that the sugar wont burn. This really only takes a few minutes even when doing it slowly over medium heat.
3. 3
   In the bowl of your stand mixer, stir together 2 cups of the flour, the yeast, and salt. Set aside remaining 2-3 cups flour for later.
4. 4
   Take the liquid mixture off the heat and slowly pour in to stand mixer with dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed with the paddle attachment until smooth.
5. 5
   Add in the egg and 1/2 cup more flour and beat for another two minutes with the kneading hook attachment.
6. 6
   Gradually add in enough of the remaining flour while mixing to make a soft dough. The dough should be slightly sticky to the touch but should not stick to your hands or the sides of the bowl.
7. 7
   Knead dough on speed 2 or 4 for about 6 minutes and then let the dough rest in the bowl for 20 minutes, covered with a dish towel or saran wrap.
8. 8
   Once the dough has rested and risen, roll out on to a floured surface and roll into the shape of a long rectangle.
9. 9
   In a small bowl, mix together 3/4 cup melted butter, the brown sugar, and the cinnamon.
10. 10
    Spread this sugar mixture evenly over the rectangle. Use the remaining 1/2 cup melted butter and drizzle it over top of that mixture.
11. 11
    Roll up like a jelly roll starting with the long side and rolling to the other long side keeping the roll tight.
12. 12
    Pinch the dough ends together and use a sharp knife to cut into 12 rolls.
13. 13
    Grease a 913 pan or line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
14. 14
    I like my rolls a little more soft so I bake them in a dish with just a bit of space between each roll, but if you want the edges of each one a little more brown, place them spaced apart about 2-3 inches on a baking sheet.
15. 15
    Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
16. 16
    Let cool mostly before topping with frosting.