Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup softened butter (for filling)
- 1 cup brown sugar (for filling)
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon (for filling)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (for filling)
- 8 oz softened cream cheese (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- Splash of vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast, and 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Mix them together until well combined.
- In a saucepan, heat 1 cup of buttermilk, 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt over low heat until warm (not hot). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Add the warm buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture, followed by 2 large eggs. Mix until a dough forms.
- If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes until smooth. If kneading by hand, work it for about 10 minutes. The dough should be soft and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of cocoa powder until well combined.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
- Cut the log into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased baking dish, leaving space between each roll.
- Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once baked, let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes before generously spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top.
Notes
For a seasonal twist, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling. Frosting the rolls while they’re still warm allows the cream cheese frosting to melt slightly, creating a luscious glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American