Holiday Cinnamon Rolls

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 ½ teaspoons instant dry yeast (2 packets)

• 1 cup lukewarm water

• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, to proof the yeast

• 6 tablespoons shortening or unsalted butter

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 9 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (more if the dough is sticky, up to 10 cups)

• 2 cups hot water

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1 tablespoon salt

• ½ cup softened butter, divided

• 1 ½ cups brown sugar, divided

• 1 cup raisins, optional

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, divided