Sweet Cocoa Rolls!

There's a saying that I'm sure most of you have heard: "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach." Well, I've found that good cooking can also win the hearts of MANY! As you know, my hubby became the pastor of a small church about eight months ago. It is an older congregation, with many of the members being related in some way or another. That can make an intimidating circle to try to break in to. After each Sunday service, the congregation meets in the back of the church and fellowships over coffee and baked goods. Conversation is usually about family matters of some sort, which leaves the "outsider"...... well.....outside of the fun! Early on into this adventure, I decided I would find a way to make inroads into this tight-knit group.......and baked goods helped me find that path! Now I usually spend a few moments Saturday night mixing up and shaping something tasty for Sunday morning. When I get up on Sunday, I grab the pan of rolls out of the frig and bake them up......so when they get to church they're warm and fresh! This, of course, makes for GREAT conversation - recipe exchanges, ideas, memories, etc. Fresh baked goods have been a life-saver! 

I made these cocoa rolls a couple of weeks ago for the gang and they were a huge hit! In addition to their tastiness, the dough is heavenly - it's silky to the touch and so tender when it's baked up. And the aroma!!!!!!! There are all sorts of reasons to love this recipe........So, the only question left now is: Who do YOU want to share the love with? ! 

Sweet Cocoa Rolls

Dough:

1 1/2 cups warm water

1 pkg/Tbsp Red Star Platinum yeast

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup oil

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

3 1/2 cups all-purpose unbleached flour

 Filling:

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Vanilla Drizzle:

¾ Cup powdered sugar

½ tsp. vanilla

½ Tbsp. butter, softened

1-3 Tbsp. milk 

1 Cup mini chocolate chips, if desired –

Can be sprinkled over the filling, before rolling up OR can be sprinkled on top of warm rolls (this is what I did)

Place warm water and yeast in EZ DOH bucket and stir to dissolve yeast. Let rest 1 minute. Add one cup of flour, then additional dough ingredients. EZ DOH-it for 2-3 minutes, or until dough is smooth and soft and all ingredients are incorporated, adding additional flour, if necessary for a dough that is not sticky. Remove dough from bucket, spray bucket with cooking spray, “smooth” dough and replace in bucket. Cover and let rise until doubled.

Remove dough from bucket and roll out onto a floured surface into an approximately 9 x 12 rectangle. Brush rectangle with melted butter. Combine sugar and cocoa powder (filling ingredients). Sprinkle onto dough, spreading evenly . Roll dough tightly from the long side, cinnamon-roll style. Seal seams.  Cut the log into 12-15 evenly-sized rolls. Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 pan. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for approximately 20-30 minutes, till done. If sprinkling with chocolate chips, do so right out of the oven. Cool slightly. Combine icing ingredients until smooth and drizzle over rolls. ENJOY!! 


Recipe adapted from chickenintheroad.com 

Sweet Cocoa Rolls!