Description
These Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls take everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls and give them a dark, dramatic upgrade.
Ingredients
Scale
- ¾ cup whole milk (Warm (100–110°F))
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
- 1 large egg (room temp)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2–1 tsp black food coloring (optional)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup black cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp espresso powder (optional)
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- 1½ tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp black cocoa powder
- ¼ cup warm heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (for consistency)
- Gel food coloring: orange or neon green
Instructions
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add the egg, yolk, and black food coloring if using, and mix to combine.
- Add flour, black cocoa, salt, and espresso powder. Mix for about 2 minutes, then add in the softened butter.
- Knead on medium speed for 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and shiny black.
- Shape into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled (about 60–90 minutes).
- Mix butter, sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa until it forms a smooth paste.
- Once the dough has doubled, roll it into a 12×14.5-inch rectangle.
- Spread the filling evenly all over the surface, reaching close to the edges. Sprinkle some chocolate chips if you’d like.
- Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the dough into 9 long strips along the 14.5-inch side. Each strip should be about 1.5-1.6 inches wide. Roll each one up from one short end to another to form individual cinnamon rolls.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×9-inch pan. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy. Right before baking, pour the warm heavy cream between and around the rolls.
- Bake at 350°F for 22–25 minutes, until just set and the centers are puffed but still soft.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat until fluffy.
- Mix in milk until you reach a spreadable consistency. Add as much or as little milk as you want.
- Optional: Add food coloring until your frosting is vivid and Halloween-ready. Top with Halloween sprinkles.
- Spread generously over slightly warm rolls so it melts a little into the spirals. Decorate with sprinkles and enjoy!
Notes
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 507 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg