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Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 122 reviews

Delight in these rich, soft homemade cinnamon rolls infused with a hint of cocoa and vibrant red color. The dough is tender and fluffy thanks to buttermilk and eggs, while a luscious cinnamon-cocoa filling adds depth and warmth. Finished with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, these cinnamon rolls are perfect for a special breakfast or cozy dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 4 cups All-purpose flour (may substitute bread flour)
  • 2 ¼ tsp Active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup Buttermilk, warmed to 110°F
  • ¼ cup Granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup Unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large Eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp Cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • 1 tbsp Red gel food coloring (adjust for color intensity)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp Fine salt

Filling

  • ½ cup Light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp Ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup Unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp Cocoa powder (optional, for extra depth)

Frosting

  • 8 oz Cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup Butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups Powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp Heavy cream (add more for desired texture)
  • 1 tbsp Sour cream (optional, adds tanginess)
  • 1 pinch Salt (balances sweetness)

Instructions

  1. Make Dough: Warm the buttermilk to 110°F and activate the yeast by mixing it with a pinch of granulated sugar until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, softened butter, eggs, red gel food coloring, vanilla extract, and fine salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.
  2. Knead & Rise Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until it’s smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky, about 8-10 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours.
  3. Prepare Filling & Roll: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and optional cocoa powder until well combined. Roll the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling mixture over the dough.
  4. Slice & Second Rise: Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from one long edge. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into evenly sized rolls, about 12 pieces. Arrange the rolls tightly in a greased baking pan, cover, and allow them to rise again for about 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  5. Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the risen rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn lightly golden on top and are cooked through.
  6. Make Frosting & Serve: While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream, sour cream (if using), and a pinch of salt. Spread the creamy frosting evenly over warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • To enhance the cocoa flavor, add the optional tablespoon of cocoa powder to the filling.
  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • Reheat rolls gently in the microwave before serving to restore softness.
  • Adjust the amount of red gel food coloring to achieve the desired intensity without affecting taste.
  • Sour cream in the frosting adds a pleasant tang but can be omitted if unavailable.

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, cinnamon roll recipe, homemade cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, breakfast rolls, sweet rolls, cocoa, red velvet cinnamon rolls

Find it online: https://deliciousdishspot.com/cinnamon-rolls-recipe/