Get ready for some spooky fun with these Halloween Bloody Cinnamon Rolls! Soft and fluffy, these rolls are drizzled with a red icing that looks just like tasty blood. Perfect for a frightful breakfast!
Honestly, who wouldn’t want to eat something that’s both yummy and a little creepy? I love serving these at Halloween parties. They always make people smile and giggle! 🎃
Making these rolls is easy; just roll out the dough, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar, and bake. Top them off with the red icing, and you’ve got a treat that’s as delicious as it is fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is essential for making the dough rise properly. If you can’t find active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast; just mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing.
Whole Milk: Warm milk activates the yeast and keeps the rolls tender. If you want a dairy substitute, almond or oat milk works well, just make sure it’s warm.
Granulated Sugar: This gives the rolls sweetness. Brown sugar can be a substitute in the dough for a slight difference in flavor, adding moisture and a hint of caramel.
Ground Cinnamon: A key flavor component! If you’re looking for a twist, try adding nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the filling for extra warmth.
Red Gel Food Coloring: This gives the glaze a spooky “bloody” look. If you want a natural option, pomegranate or berry juice can provide a similar color, but the gel is more vibrant.
How Do I Ensure My Rolls are Soft and Fluffy?
Getting perfectly soft cinnamon rolls is all about handling the dough correctly. Here are some tips:
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. It should feel like warm bath water.
- Give the dough enough time to rise. A warm, draft-free spot is perfect, like an oven turned off but slightly warmed.
- Make sure to knead the dough well. This builds gluten, giving your rolls that fluffy texture.
- When you roll the dough for the filling, be sure it’s tight but not so tight it squishes the filling out.
- Don’t skip the second rise after cutting the rolls. This allows them to puff up before baking, ensuring a light texture.
With these tips, you’ll be sure to impress with your Halloween Bloody Cinnamon Rolls that not only look fabulous but taste great too!
Halloween Bloody Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm whole milk (around 110°F / 43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the “Bloody” Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Red gel food coloring (enough to get a vibrant “bloody” red)
- (Optional) A few drops of corn syrup for glossy finish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Halloween treat takes about 20 minutes of preparation, plus 1 hour and 10 minutes for the dough to rise. Baking will take around 25 minutes, for a total time of about 1 hour and 55 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it stand for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter, and egg until smooth. Once the yeast is bubbly, add it to the large bowl and mix everything together. Gradually stir in the flour and salt until you have a soft dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Make sure your softened butter is ready for spreading.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 16×12 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the butter layer. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 8 equal-sized rolls and place them in a greased 8-inch square baking pan, making sure to space them evenly. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise again for 30-40 minutes, or until they look puffy.
4. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for about 22-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
5. Prepare the Bloody Glaze:
In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until it becomes a smooth icing. Add red gel food coloring to achieve a deep blood-red color. For an extra glossy shine, you can add a teaspoon of corn syrup to the glaze.
6. Decorate:
Let the rolls cool for about 5 minutes after baking. Then, spoon or drizzle the red glaze generously over the cinnamon rolls, allowing it to drip and pool for a fabulous “bloody” effect.
7. Serve:
Serve these deliciously spooky rolls warm and enjoy your Halloween treat!
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These cinnamon rolls are not only super tasty with their sweet cinnamon flavor, but they also get a fantastic Halloween twist with that eerie red glaze! Imagine the looks on your guests’ faces when they see these cute yet creepy rolls sitting on the table. Perfect for a Halloween party or a fun breakfast treat!
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough Instead?
Yes! If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought cinnamon roll dough. Just follow the package instructions for baking and glazing, and add the red icing for that spooky touch!
What If I Don’t Have Red Gel Food Coloring?
If red gel food coloring isn’t available, you can use powdered beetroot or pomegranate juice for a natural alternative. However, the color might be less vibrant. Start with a small amount and increase until you reach your desired shade.
Can I Make These Cinnamon Rolls in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise. Cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, just microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven.
