Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup buttermilk, warm
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp red food coloring
- 1/4 tsp salt
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
Glaze Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Activate the active dry yeast in warm buttermilk mixed with a pinch of sugar; let it bloom for 5-10 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Mix eggs, melted butter, red food coloring into the yeast mixture, then gradually add to the dry ingredients. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and set it in a warm spot to rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix softened butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar until well combined to form the cinnamon filling.
- Roll Out and Assemble: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, then tightly roll it into a log starting from the longer side.
- Cut and Arrange Rolls: Slice the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife. Place the rolls in a greased baking pan with space to expand. Cover and let rise an additional 30-45 minutes.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes until cooked through and lightly golden on top.
- Make the Cream Cheese Glaze: Beat softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread the glaze generously over warm rolls after baking.
Notes
- Use fresh yeast and high-quality cocoa powder for best flavor and rise.
- Avoid adding too much flour to keep rolls soft and fluffy.
- Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for optimal texture.
- Slice rolls gently with a serrated knife or dental floss for clean edges.
- Apply glaze while rolls are warm for a melty, luscious finish.
- Allow the second rise to produce soft, airy cinnamon rolls.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cinnamon roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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