Preheat oven to 350°F . In a small saucepan, scald your milk. Put the shortening into the bowl of a standmixer (or a large mixing bowl if you are using a hand mixer) while the milk is scalding. Once the milk is done, pour it over the shortening until it melts and becomes lukewarm.

Soften the yeast in the half cup of water. Add a half tablespoon of sugar to activate the yeast. While the yeast is activating, add the eggs, sugar, salt, mashed potatoes (I know, it sounds crazy but it makes them gooey and extra moist!), and 4 cups of flour into the mixing bowl. Once yeast is foaming, add it in. Mix on low speed with the dough hook for about 2 minutes until it is well blended. Add in remaining 3 cups of flour and mix for another 2 minutes on medium speed until the dough is well formed and peels from the sides of the bowl.

Cover the dough and allow it to rise until doubles in size. This usually takes about an hour depending on how warm or cool your house is. Also, be sure to use a damp cloth to cover the dough so it doesn't lose any moisture.

Once the dough double in size, punch it down with your hands. Make sure your hands are well floured once you start handling the dough! Divide the dough in half onto a well floured surface. (Keep an extra half cup of flour on the side to mix in if it is a bit too sticky.) Roll the dough into a rectangle, which should be ½ inch thick. Liberally spread your melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture. Tightly roll up from the long side, and then cut it into 1 inch slices with using dental floss. Wrap it around and pull. It will make a clean slice. Place on a greased baking sheet, cover and allow them to rise again until doubled in size. Once they are ready, bake on 350°F for 18-20 minutes or until edges are barely golden. Repeat this step with the second half of dough.

While the cinnamon rolls are baking, mix your butter, cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar in a stand mixer until it is smooth. Drizzle the icing over the cinnamon rolls once they are fresh out of the oven. Sit yourself down with a huge glass of milk and an ooey, gooey cinnamon roll from heaven. Enjoy!