- 1/4 cup white sugar, divided
- 2 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup applesauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 cup raisins
- Stir 1 tablespoon of the sugar and the yeast into the warm water in a small bowl. The water should be no more than 100 degrees F (40 degrees C). Let stand for 5 minutes until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam. Whisk together the cinnamon and 2 tablespoons sugar in a small bowl; set aside.
- Beat together the eggs, applesauce, salt, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar in a large bowl. Stir in the yeast mixture. Beat in half of the flour mixture until no dry spots remain. Stir in the remaining flour, a 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to form a sticky dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until fairly smooth but still sticky, about 8 minutes.
- Lightly oil a large bowl, then place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a light cloth and let rise in a warm place (80 to 95 degrees F (27 to 35 degrees C)) for 30 minutes. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 16×20 inch rectangle. Spread the honey over the dough; sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar and raisins. Beginning with the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log shape, and pinch to seal the seam. Cut into 12 equal size pieces. Place the rolls into the prepared pan cut side up. Cover the pan with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes.
- Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 30 minutes.