Ingredients:
2 and 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon red food coloring
3 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 tablespoon of the sugar in 1/4 cup of warm water. Let sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
Add the softened butter, buttermilk, cocoa powder, red food coloring, flour, salt, eggs, and remaining sugar to the bowl with the yeast. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Grease a large bowl with cooking spray or butter and place the dough in the bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until it has doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Brush the melted butter over the surface of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the butter.
Starting at the long end, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 even pieces.
Place the rolls into the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown.
While the rolls are baking, make the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix until the frosting is creamy.
Once the rolls are done baking, let them cool for about 5 minutes before spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top of them. Serve warm and enjoy!
