Get ready for a spooky treat with these Halloween Bloody Cinnamon Rolls! They’re soft, sweet rolls filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a bright red icing that looks like blood—perfectly themed for the season!
These rolls are not just tasty; they bring a fun and creepy twist to any Halloween gathering. I love serving these with a side of warm apple cider—it makes the perfect combo to enjoy while getting spooky! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is essential for making the rolls rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use it in the same amount without proofing. Just mix it in with the dry ingredients!
All-Purpose Flour: This gives structure to your rolls. If you want a gluten-free version, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It works surprisingly well!
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness. If you want a lower sugar option, you can use coconut sugar or even a sugar substitute. Just keep in mind the taste may vary slightly.
Red Food Coloring: The vibrant color adds to the Halloween theme. If you prefer natural coloring, try beet juice or pomegranate juice. It will give a different hue but still be fun!
How Do I Get the Dough to Rise Perfectly?
A key to fluffy cinnamon rolls is ensuring your dough rises well. Here are some tips to help you out:
- Use warm liquids (like milk and water) but make sure they’re not too hot—about 110°F is perfect. Too hot can kill yeast.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. An oven set to the lowest temperature works great, or a sunny spot in your kitchen.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth to keep moisture in, helping the yeast do its job.
With these tips, your dough will rise beautifully, giving you those light and fluffy rolls that are a delight to eat!
Halloween Bloody Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup water, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Bloody Red Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Red food coloring (gel or liquid)
- Optional: A few drops of corn syrup for shine
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20-30 minutes for prep, and a total of about 2 hours for the dough to rise and bake. With 25-30 minutes in the oven, you’ll be enjoying your spooky treats in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, and yeast. Stir lightly and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets frothy. Adding the yeast to warm liquids activates it, resulting in deliciously fluffy rolls!
Next, add the granulated sugar, salt, melted butter, and eggs to your yeast mixture, whisking until it’s all combined. Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, stirring well until the dough begins to form. Once it’s coming together, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, you can sprinkle on a bit more flour. Now, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Make the Cinnamon Filling:
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon together. Keep your softened butter handy because you’ll be spreading it on the dough shortly!
3. Assemble the Rolls:
Once your dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 15 x 12 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough. Then, sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mixture generously on top, making sure it covers every nook and cranny!
4. Form the Rolls:
Now comes the fun part! Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 9 equal pieces, about 1 1/2 inches thick, and arrange the rolls in a greased square baking pan. They can be close together, but don’t squish them! Cover the pan again and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes until they’ve puffed up nicely.
5. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). When the rolls are puffy and ready, bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and deliciously fragrant!
6. Prepare the Bloody Icing:
While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring in a bowl until you achieve a smooth, blood-red glaze. If it’s a bit thick, add another splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. For extra shine, mix in a few drops of corn syrup!
7. Finish and Serve:
Once the rolls are done baking, allow them to cool for about 5-10 minutes. Finally, generously drizzle the sticky bright red icing over the warm cinnamon rolls, allowing it to drip down the sides to create a perfect “bloody” effect. Serve them warm and enjoy these spooky, delicious treats!
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These Halloween Bloody Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful combination of sweet warmth and a ghoulish red icing, making them a fun centerpiece for your Halloween festivities. Share them with friends and family, and watch their faces light up with surprise and joy! 🎃
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Absolutely! If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step. Just mix it directly into the dry ingredients, and proceed with the recipe as directed!
Can I Make These Cinnamon Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the dough a day ahead. After step 1, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate it after the first rise. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, then continue with steps 2-7!
How Should I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warm!
Can I Substitute the Red Food Coloring?
Yes! If you prefer a natural option, you can use beet juice or pomegranate juice for coloring. Just keep in mind that the final color may vary slightly, but it will still be festive!
