Spooky Halloween Cinnamon Rolls
These soft, gooey cinnamon rolls feature warm, spicy filling with a slightly crispy edge, perfect for a cozy fall brunch or Halloween gathering. The recipe involves yeast activation, rolling, filling, and baking to achieve a golden-brown, aromatic treat with swirled cinnamon goodness. A delightful balance of textures, from tender dough to caramelized edges, makes these rolls irresistibly comforting.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or dental floss
- Baking dish
- Pastry brush
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 packet active dry yeast proof if unsure
- 240 ml warm milk about 110°F / 43°C
- 50 g granulated sugar
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 60 g unsalted butter softened
- 1 large egg
- 150 g brown sugar for filling
- 3 tbsp ground cinnamon preferably Ceylon cinnamon
- 50 g butter melted, for spreading
- 150 g cream cheese for icing, softened
- 150 g powdered sugar for icing
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix warm milk with yeast and a teaspoon of sugar in a bowl. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy and fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add softened butter and the frothy yeast mixture.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes, either by hand or with a mixer.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle roughly 30x20 cm (12x8 inches).
- Spread melted butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle generously with cinnamon and brown sugar to create a flavorful filling.
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log, sealing the edge.
- Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the rolled dough into 12 equal slices, revealing the spiral pattern.
- Place the slices evenly spaced in a greased baking dish, then cover and let rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant with cinnamon.
- While baking, whip together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk to make a smooth glaze.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly before drizzling with the cream cheese glaze for a sweet, creamy touch.
Notes
For an extra spooky touch, decorate with Halloween-themed sprinkles or icing shapes. Make sure not to overbake to keep the rolls soft and gooey inside.