3tablespoonsButter or Margarinesoftened, if you want extra to spread on the dough
For the filling...
¼cupButteror margarine softened
⅓cupGranulated sugar
2tablespoonsBaking cocoa powderunsweetened
2teaspoonsCinnamon
For the glaze...
1 ½cupsPowdered sugar
1-2tablespoonsMilkjust enough to make a consistency to drizzle over rolls. Start with about 1 tablespoon.
Instructions
If using bread machine...
Put all the ingredients for the dough in your bread machine according to the manufacturer's instructions. Set the machine for dough cycle.
If using a stand mixer...
Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer.
Warm the milk and melt the butter, making sure the temperature is about 110 degrees. Add the sugar and yeast. Let stand until the yeast starts to bubble, this will take a few minutes.
Add the eggs to the yeast mixture and mix well.
Next, place about 3 cups of flour in the mixing bowl. Add the salt and whisk together. Add the yeast mixture start to mix with the machine on low. Scrap the sides of the bowl if necessary. Gradually add more flour a little at a time until the dough is workable without being too sticky. Let the dough knead in the machine for about 5 minutes. Let the dough rest in a covered, oiled bowl for about 30 -40 minutes.
Making the dough by hand...
Warm the milk and melt the butter, making sure the temperature is about 110 degrees. Add the sugar and yeast. Let stand until the yeast starts to bubble, this will take a few minutes.
Add the eggs to the yeast mixture and mix well.
Place about 3 cups of flour in the mixing bowl. Add the salt and whisk together. Add the yeast mixture and start to mix with a heavy wooden spoon. Gradually add more flour a little at a time until the dough is workable without being too sticky.
Knead the dough by hand, either in the large bowl or on a floured surface, for about 5 minutes. Let the dough rest in a covered, oiled bowl for about 30 - 40 minutes.
Making the cinnamon rolls...
Mix together the butter, cocoa powder, sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside until ready to use.
Roll out the dough into a rectangle, approximately 18" x 15". Spread the softened butter over the dough. Then, spread the cocoa mixture covering as much dough as possible.
Roll up the dough and slice into 12 pieces. Place rolls into a 13" x 9" pan that has been coated with non-stick spray.
Let the rolls raise until double in size.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 - 25 minutes, until golden brown.
Make the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with the milk. Drizzle over the slightly cooled cinnamon rolls.
As with all cinnamon rolls, best served warm. Enjoy!
Notes
I usually watch my bread machine for the first few minutes to make sure the dough isn't too wet. Add more flour, a tiny bit at a time, and scrape down the sides of the pan if necessary.