Ingredients:
For the Dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 package (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
Red food coloring (gel preferred, use to achieve desired color)
For the Filling:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tbsp milk (optional, to thin the icing)
Directions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Add the warm milk, melted butter, egg, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Stir until a dough begins to form.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm area for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Make the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and granulated sugar until well combined.
Assemble the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
Bake the Rolls:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing:
While the rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk (if using) until smooth and creamy.
Finish the Rolls:
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Spread the cream cheese icing generously over the warm rolls before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 320
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Carbs: 42g
