These spooky Halloween Bloody Cinnamon Rolls are a fun treat! Soft rolls are filled with sweet cinnamon and topped with a bright red icing that looks like blood. Perfect for your Halloween party!
Imagine serving these at a gathering—the kids will love them! I can’t help but chuckle when I watch my friends try to take a bite without getting “bloody”! 😂
Making these is super simple, too! Just roll, bake, and frost. They’re not just tasty; they also add a wickedly fun vibe to your Halloween celebration!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This flour works best for creating fluffy rolls. If you prefer a healthier option, try whole wheat flour. Just note it may yield denser rolls.
Active Dry Yeast: Yeast is crucial for rising. If you’re out of active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead, using the same amount. No need to proof it!
Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon gives the rolls their classic flavor. For a twist, try adding nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth. Little changes can really boost the flavor.
Red Food Coloring: This is what gives your glaze that bloody look! If you want to avoid artificial colors, consider beet juice powder or pomegranate juice for a natural red hue.
What’s the Key to Getting the Perfect Dough?
The dough is the heart of these cinnamon rolls! The perfect texture is soft and elastic. Kneading is key here—make sure to knead for about 8-10 minutes to develop the gluten.
- Start with warm milk to activate the yeast—it should feel warm but not hot!
- After mixing, if the dough is too sticky, gradually add a little more flour while kneading.
- Let it rise in a warm spot; check it after an hour. It should be doubled in size for light rolls!
How Can I Make My Glaze Really Stand Out?
The glaze is what makes these rolls so visually striking! For a great texture, ensure it’s pourable yet thick enough to cling to the rolls. Here’s how:
- Start with 2 tablespoons of milk; whisk it in with the powdered sugar until smooth.
- Gradually add red food coloring until you reach your desired bloody shade.
- For a nice gloss, add a few drops of corn syrup—this makes the glaze shiny and more appealing.
Enjoy these tips to make your Halloween Bloody Cinnamon Rolls a spooky hit!
Halloween Bloody Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cinnamon Rolls:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the “Bloody” Glaze (Red Icing):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Red food coloring (or natural beet juice powder for a natural color)
- Optional: a few drops of corn syrup for shine
Optional:
- A small dash of cocoa powder mixed into the dough for a slightly darker roll (adds a subtle spooky touch)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of active prep time, plus 2 to 2.5 hours for rising and baking. With a little patience, you’ll have delicious cinnamon rolls that are perfect for Halloween!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Dough:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, which means the yeast is active!
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Then, add the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and the frothy yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Filling:
While your dough rises, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together in a small bowl. This will be your sweet filling!
5. Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 16×12 inches.
6. Add the Filling:
Spread the softened butter evenly over the rectangle of dough. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the buttered dough.
7. Form the Rolls:
Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Cut the log into 9-12 equal rolls and place them tightly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Second Rise:
Cover the rolls loosely with plastic wrap or a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they are puffed up.
9. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and smell delicious!
10. Prepare the Bloody Glaze:
In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed. Add red food coloring until you get a bright, “bloody” shade. For an extra glossy finish, stir in a bit of corn syrup.
11. Drizzle the Glaze:
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the red glaze heavily over the warm cinnamon rolls. Be generous to make them look extra spooky!
12. Cool and Serve:
Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. The glaze will thicken as it cools, creating that perfect “bloody” effect.
Enjoy your delicious and eerie Halloween Bloody Cinnamon Rolls — spooky, sweet, and perfect for a festive treat!
Can I Prepare the Rolls in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise step, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes and then proceed to bake.
What If I Don’t Have Active Dry Yeast?
No worries! You can substitute it with instant yeast using the same amount. There’s no need to proof instant yeast; you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months—just reheat before serving!
Can I Add Other Flavors or Ingredients?
Definitely! You can mix in chopped nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips into the filling for an extra twist. Explore different spices like nutmeg or cloves in the cinnamon filling for a unique flavor profile.