Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons dry active yeast
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, warm
- 1/4 cup whole milk, warm
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, warm milk, eggs, melted butter, and red food coloring.
- Activate the yeast by sprinkling it over the wet mixture and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until it forms a spreadable paste.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving space between them. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
4. Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until they’re golden and the centers are set.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until fluffy.
6. Frost and Serve:
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.
- Serve immediately and enjoy their melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Notes
Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1.5 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: ~2.5 hours
- Servings: 12 rolls