Ingredients
2 pkgs. yeast, active dry
1 C. water
1 C. milk (warmed to 110deg.)
3/4 C. butter, melted
3 lg. eggs
1 1/4 C. sugar
7/8 Tbs. salt
1 3/4 qt. flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbs. water
1/2 C. sesame seed
Directions
In the large bowl of an electric mixer, combine the yeast and 1 C. water; let stand about 5 minutes. Add the milk, 6 Tbs. of the butter, 2 whole eggs, plus 1 egg yolk (set the white aside for glaze), 1/2 C. of the sugar, and the salt. While beating at medium speed, add 3 1/2 C. of the flour, about 1 C. at a time. Turn to medium-high and beat for about 5 minutes. With a heavy-duty mixer or by hand, gradually beat in about 3 more C. of flour.
Turn out on a floured board and knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes,) adding more flour as needed; dough should be quite soft, but not sticky. Turn over in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set in a warm place until doubled (1 1/2 to 2 hours.) Punch down, cover, and allow to double a second time, about 1 hour.
Punch down dough and divide in 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place, about 2 inches apart, on a floured tray. Cover and allow to rest at room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes. Working with one portion of dough at a time, roll out on a floured board to an 8 x 20” rectangle (keep remaining balls covered) Brush each rectangle with 1 Tbs. of the melted butter, sprinkle with 2 Tbs. of the sugar, and cinnamon.
Fold over 1” on a long side, then turn over and over (5 turns) to make a long 1”-wide strip. Flatten gently, then stretch to 20” long. Cut in 2” diagonal slices. Place at least 1/2" apart on well-greased baking sheets; cover and place in a warm spot to rise until puffy, 20-30 minutes.
Beat reserved egg white with the 1 Tbs. water, brush over tops of rolls, then sprinkle lightly with the seeds or nuts. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 12-16 minutes, until lightly browned. To bake 2 pans at once, reverse pans in oven about halfway through baking.
Remove rolls from pan immediately and cool on racks. Serve warm, or cool completely and freeze. (If frozen, defrost, then heat in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes to heat through. )