Do you ever read cozy mysteries with recipes?

Have you ever made one of the recipes from the book?

When I started writing the Spirited Sweets Mysteries, I knew I wanted to include recipes. 

The main character, Claire London, owns a bakery in northern Michigan. Together with her ghostly husband, they solve mysteries (think of the movie Ghost, only Patrick Swayze sticks around, and Demi Moore can see him all the time.)

In the first book, Bittersweet Betrayal, Claire’s bakery is in trouble. Her recipes have lost their magic, and customers have noticed. It’s only one of the mysteries Claire has to solve. 

You don’t have to worry, though. The recipe below is an A+. I’ve made it several times with plenty of substitutions. Sometimes I even top the rolls with this sweet orange icing (especially when I’m baking them dairy-free.)

I’ve also substituted almond milk for cow milk. The recipe turns out perfect.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below.

And, if you want to read more about Claire, northern Michigan’s very own female Sherlock Holmes, you can download the first book in the series for FREE on all major retailers: books2read.com/u/3GrvLK

Claire’s Famous Cinnamon Rolls

INGREDIENTS

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk 

• 1 packed of instant dry yeast 

• 2 large eggs at room temperature

• 1/3 cup butter melted

• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup butter (softened)

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons cinnamon

For the Frosting:

• 6 ounces cream cheese (softened)

• 1/3 cup butter (softened)

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract 

INSTRUCTIONS

Dough:

1. Pour the warm milk into the mixing bowl and sprinkle the yeast and sugar on top. Let the yeast bubble (about 5 minutes).

2. Add the eggs, butter, salt, and flour. Make sure the eggs and butter are room temp. 

3. Mix well until the dough is elastic and smooth (about 5-7 minutes). The dough will be sticky.

4. Spray a large bowl with cooking spray and add the dough.

5. Cover the bowl with a towel.

6. Set the bowl in a warm place and allow the dough to rise until it doubles. It should take about 30 minutes. 

**Note: you can also make the dough in your bread machine if you have one. That’s what I do. Put all your dough ingredients in the machine and let it mix it for you. While it rests, make the filling.

Filling:

1. Combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.

2. Set aside.

Assembly:

1. Sprinkle your counter and rolling pin with flour (or a pastry mat works even better). 

2. The dough will be sticky. Sprinkle a little flour onto the dough and roll into a rectangle. 

3. Cover the entire dough rectangle with the filling.

4. Starting on the long end, roll the dough up jelly-roll style. 

5. Cut into 1-inch slices and place them in a greased 9×13 baking pan.

6. Cover the pan with a towel and allow the rolls to rise for 20 minutes.

7. Bake at 375 degrees for 18-20 minutes, until the rolls are golden and the center rolls are cooked through.

Icing: 

1. Cream together the softened cream cheese and butter.

2. Add in the vanilla and powdered sugar. Mix until combined.

3. Spread the frosting over the warm rolls.