Almost Sugar-Free Cinnamon Rolls

Winter time finds me indoors trying to keep myself busy on the weekends. One thing that makes the day go by pleasantly is baking. While snowed-in this past weekend I chose to make cinnamon rolls from scratch. Being diabetic my worries centered around how to reduce the sugar content. Splenda as usual to the rescue! I did maintain 1/3 cup of sugar to allow the rolls to rise properly and to be able to make the right amount of gluten. The house smelled divine!!!

Ingredients 
· 1 1/2 cups splenda
· 3 Tbls. ground cinnamon
· (2) .25 oz. pks. active dry yeast (I use 2 TB instant yeast)
· 1/3 cups granulated sugar and 1/3 cup splenda
· 2/3 cup melted butter OR margarine
· 1 cup 110 degree water (approximately)
· 1 cup warm milk (must be warm)
· 2 tsp. salt
· 2 eggs – slightly beaten
· Up to 8 cups all-purpose flour
· 1/2 cup melted butter OR margarine


Directions
1. Mix together 1 1/2 cups Splenda and the cinnamon; set aside (this will be used later to spread on dough)
2. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water; set aside
3. In a large bowl, mix together milk, 1/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup Splenda, 2/3 cup melted butter, salt, and eggs; add yeast mixture and 4 cups of flour to mixture; beat until smooth; stir in enough flour to form a slightly stiff dough.
4. Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead for 8 minutes
5. Place dough into a large greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
6. Punch down dough and let rest for 5 minutes.
7. Roll dough out onto a floured surface into a 15″ X 20″ rectangle.
8. Brush 1/2 cup melted butter over dough; sprinkle cinnamon Splenda mixture  liberally over dough; 
9. Tightly roll up dough and pinch edges together to seal; cut the roll into 12 – 15 slices using dental floss or thread.
10. Coat the bottom of a 2 13″ X 9″ X 2″ baking pans with 1/4 cup melted butter; sprinkle 1/3 cup Splenda evenly in the bottom of the pan Typically, Place cinnamon roll slices close together in the prepared pan; cover pan and allow to rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes or until nearly doubled in size.
11. Bake rolls in a 350 degree oven for 20 – 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Makes 12-24 depending on thickness that you cut. Drizzle on heated cream Cheese frosting