Halloween Zombie Guts Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

These delicious red velvet cinnamon rolls are perfect for a sweet breakfast or dessert. Soft, fluffy, and filled with cinnamon and sugar, they are topped with a smooth glaze that makes them irresistible.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 1/2 cups red velvet cake mix
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus up to 1/4 cup more as needed
• 6 tablespoons softened butter
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 1/3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons milk, or more as needed

Directions

Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the yeast, light brown sugar, and water. Stir until just combined. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.

Step 2: Add the red velvet cake mix, kosher salt, and 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it sit at room temperature for about 2 hours or until the dough has doubled in size. Make sure to place the bowl in a draft-free area.

Step 4: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Grease an 11x7-inch baking dish lightly.

Step 5: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out into a rectangle measuring approximately 20x14 inches.

Step 6: Evenly spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Then, sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon evenly over the butter.

Step 7: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough into a log. Place the seam side down on a cutting board.

Step 8: Cut the dough log into slices, approximately 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick, to form rolls.

Step 9: Unroll each individual roll and carefully roll it from the long edges around the filling again to form long tube-like shapes. Place these rolls into the prepared baking dish, arranging them to resemble "intestines".

Step 10: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are lightly browned around the edges and the center is fully baked, with no sticky dough remaining.

Step 11: While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl to create a smooth glaze.

Step 12: Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven. Drizzle the glaze over the rolls while they are still warm.

Step 13: Cut the rolls into squares and serve them warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: 1 roll (based on 8 servings)

Calories	287
Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	6g
Cholesterol	23mg
Sodium	225mg
Total Carbohydrate	51g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	41g
Protein	2g
Calcium	58mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	52mg

Note: Nutritional information is based on available data. Consult a dietitian if you have specific dietary concerns.

The Story Behind Halloween Zombie Guts Cinnamon Rolls

Halloween Zombie Guts Cinnamon Rolls are a modern twist on the classic cinnamon roll, crafted to bring a playful, spooky element to Halloween festivities. The origin of this dish is relatively recent, emerging in the early 21st century alongside the rise of themed desserts for holidays. By combining traditional sweet yeast dough with red velvet cake mix, bakers created a vibrant, blood-like hue that instantly evokes the eerie aesthetic of Halloween. Unlike conventional cinnamon rolls, the "zombie guts" variation emphasizes both visual shock and fun, making it a centerpiece for holiday brunches or parties.

Regional Variations and Specialties

While cinnamon rolls themselves trace back to Northern Europe, particularly Sweden and Denmark, the Halloween-themed versions are uniquely American. In the United States, different regions have adapted the recipe with local flavors: the Midwest often incorporates extra cinnamon and brown sugar for a richer sweetness, while coastal areas may add cream cheese or pumpkin spice to the glaze. The red velvet base is a distinctly Southern American influence, providing a vivid color and slightly cocoa-infused flavor, making these rolls stand out from traditional white or golden-brown varieties.

How They Differ from Similar Dishes

Traditional cinnamon rolls are typically rolled and baked into neat spirals with a simple icing drizzle. Zombie Guts Cinnamon Rolls, however, are intentionally shaped into irregular, tubular forms to mimic intestines or zombie guts. This design gives them a playful, theatrical quality that regular cinnamon rolls lack. The use of red velvet cake mix not only enhances color but also gives a tender, slightly denser texture compared to standard rolls. The freeform rolling technique ensures each piece is unique and slightly grotesque, reinforcing the Halloween theme.

Typical Settings Where They Are Served

These rolls are most commonly served during Halloween events, from home parties to school bake sales. They make a fun breakfast for families celebrating the holiday or a spooky dessert at themed brunches and potlucks. Restaurants and cafes with seasonal menus may also feature them as a limited-time treat to attract festive crowds. Their visually striking appearance often sparks conversation before the first bite, making them ideal for gatherings where presentation is as important as taste.

Fun and Interesting Facts

• The term zombie guts is purely decorative; despite their gory appearance, the rolls are entirely sweet and safe to eat.
• Red velvet cake mix, typically used for cupcakes or layer cakes, is an unusual ingredient in a yeast dough but adds both color and subtle cocoa flavor.
• Because the rolls are shaped irregularly, no two batches look exactly alike, giving bakers a creative outlet akin to edible Halloween art.
• These cinnamon rolls have gained popularity online due to social media challenges and DIY Halloween baking videos, making them a viral dessert trend in recent years.
• The glaze is intentionally light to not obscure the guts effect, emphasizing the contrast between the dough and the filling.

FAQ about Halloween Zombie Guts Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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