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Halloween Cinnamon Rolls – Proven, 5 Tips for Soft, Happy Bites

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Soft, vividly purple Halloween Cinnamon Rolls with cocoa‑cinnamon spirals and cream cheese icing for a bakery-style brunch. Heavy cream in the pan keeps bottoms custardy and tender.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup warm whole milk

2 1/4 tsp instant yeast

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp fine salt

5 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

1–2 tsp ube extract or violet gel

Filling:

6 tbsp softened butter

3/4 cup dark brown sugar

1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon

1 tbsp cocoa powder

1/2 tsp espresso powder

1/4 tsp fine salt

Bake Aid:

1/2 cup heavy cream

Icing:

4 oz cream cheese, room temperature

4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature

1 1/4 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Pinch fine salt

1–2 tbsp warm milk

Instructions

1. Make dough: Combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Stir in flour, remaining sugar, egg, salt, butter, and ube extract; knead until smooth and slightly tacky. Rest and allow dough to rise until doubled.

2. Mix filling: Cream together butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cocoa, espresso, and salt until smooth.

3. Shape rolls: Roll dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle; spread filling evenly. Chill 5 minutes if needed, then roll tightly and slice into 12 buns using dental floss.

4. Proof: Arrange rolls in a buttered 9×13-inch pan; cover and allow to rise until puffy and touching.

5. Bake: Pour heavy cream around rolls; bake at 350°F for 22–28 minutes, until set and lightly golden at edges. Cool 10 minutes.

6. Ice: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; thin with milk as needed. Spread icing on warm rolls and optionally garnish with cocoa powder or chocolate nibs.

Notes

For a more vivid color, add a touch more ube gel, but avoid overuse as it may add bitterness.

If skipping heavy cream, brush rolls with milk before baking to prevent dry tops.

Overnight option: Shape and pan the rolls, then chill. Proof at room temperature in the morning until puffy before baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.recipesloop.com/halloween-cinnamon-rolls/