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Halloween Cinnamon Rolls


  • Author: Sarah Mendez
  • Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x

Description

Celebrate Halloween with these festive Halloween Cinnamon Rolls! Soft, fluffy rolls with a spiced chocolate filling, topped with vanilla icing and fun sprinkles, perfect for parties or a cozy breakfast treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Essentials:

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 6 tbsp granulated sugar (1/4 cup + 2 tbsp)
  • 2 1/4 tsp yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Orange food coloring (a few drops)
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Optional Add-Ons for Filling:

  • 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp black cocoa
  • 3 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
  • Halloween sprinkles

Vanilla Icing:

  • 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Substitutions & Shortcuts:

  • Use pre-made or refrigerated cinnamon roll dough to save time.
  • If you don’t have orange food coloring, mix yellow and red to achieve a similar hue, or skip entirely.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Milk Mixture: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 cup milk, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, and 6 tbsp granulated sugar over medium heat until hot but not boiling (170–180°F).
  2. Cool and Add Yeast: Pour the milk mixture into a stand mixer bowl (or large mixing bowl). Cool to ~110°F, then sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  3. Mix the Dough: Add 2 3/4 cups flour and 1 tsp salt. Mix on low until incorporated. Add orange food coloring and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth.
  4. First Rise: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
  5. Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the dough and roll into a 12×16 inch rectangle on a floured surface.
  6. Make the Filling: Spread softened butter over the dough. Mix brown sugar, black cocoa, cinnamon, 1/2 tsp salt, and vanilla; spread evenly. Sprinkle chocolate chips if using.
  7. Create the Rolls: Roll dough lengthwise into a log. Cut into 12 slices (~1 1/4 inch thick). Arrange in a greased 9×16 pan.
  8. Second Rise: Cover and let rise for 45 minutes while preheating oven to 350°F.
  9. Bake: Bake rolls for 20–22 minutes until golden brown. Let rest 5 minutes.
  10. Vanilla Icing: Whisk confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls and top with Halloween sprinkles.

Notes

  • For extra festive flair, add more sprinkles or themed decorations after icing sets.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Optional: Warm rolls slightly before serving for the softest texture.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: undefined
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: undefined
  • Trans Fat: undefined
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Halloween cinnamon rolls, spiced rolls, Halloween breakfast, festive cinnamon rolls