A Festive Twist on a Classic Favorite
Why You’ll Love These
🎄 Perfect for holidays – striking red swirls make them ideal for Christmas or Valentine’s Day
🍫 Rich cocoa flavor paired with classic cinnamon spice
🧀 Cream cheese glaze takes them over the top
💃 Surprisingly easy – no fancy skills required
Ingredients
Dough
- 2¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (25g) cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp red food coloring (gel works best)
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (120ml) warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- ¼ cup (60g) very soft butter
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (60g) butter, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough (15 min + rise)
- Whisk dry ingredients: flour, cocoa, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: warm milk, egg, melted butter, and food coloring.
- Combine wet and dry, knead 5-7 min until smooth (stand mixer works great).
- Let rise 1 hour or until doubled (or overnight in fridge).
2. Roll & Fill (10 min)
- Roll dough into 12×16-inch rectangle.
- Spread soft butter over surface.
- Mix brown sugar and spices; sprinkle evenly over butter.
3. Cut & Proof (20 min)
- Roll tightly from long side into a log.
- Cut into 9-12 slices using dental floss or sharp knife.
- Place in greased 9×13 pan. Cover and rise 30-45 min.
4. Bake (22-25 min)
Bake at 350°F (175°C) until puffed and set (not doughy inside).
5. Glaze & Serve
Beat glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Expert Tips
🔴 Color boost: Add 1 tsp vinegar to enhance red hue
⏳ Overnight option: Refrigerate after shaping, then bake in morning
🌡️ Don’t overbake – slightly underdone keeps them soft
Serving Suggestions
☕ Perfect with hot chocolate or coffee
🍓 Garnish with white chocolate shavings for extra flair
🎁 Great as edible gifts in festive boxes
“The cinnamon roll upgrade you didn’t know you needed!” ❤️🔥
Storage: Best eaten day-of, but can be reheated 10 sec in microwave.