Okay, let’s be real. Cinnamon rolls are amazing. But sometimes, you want something…different. Something a little unsettling. Something that looks like it crawled straight out of a Halloween nightmare. Enter: Spooky Cinnamon Roll Guts. This isn’t your grandma’s perfectly swirled, delicately frosted treat. This is a gloriously messy, intentionally grotesque, and surprisingly delicious take on a classic. We’re deconstructing the cinnamon roll, embracing the gooey, sticky center, and presenting it in a way that’s guaranteed to be a conversation starter (and maybe a little bit terrifying). Don’t worry, it tastes way better than it looks…though the look is half the fun!
Why You’ll Love This
Forget pristine presentation! This recipe is all about embracing the chaos. Here’s why you need to try Spooky Cinnamon Roll Guts:
- Unique & Fun: It’s a guaranteed hit at Halloween parties or any event where you want to shock and delight.
- Super Gooey: We’re maximizing the cinnamon-sugar filling, so prepare for maximum stickiness and flavor.
- Easy to Make: While it looks complicated, it’s actually a simplified version of cinnamon roll making. No perfect swirls required!
- Kid-Friendly (with a twist): Kids will love the messy, playful nature of this dessert. Just maybe warn them about the “guts” aspect first!
- Deliciously Cinnamon-y: At its heart, it’s still a cinnamon roll, so you get all that warm, comforting flavor.
Ingredients & Equipment
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this spooky creation to life:
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 3 – 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- For the Filling:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- For the “Guts” Effect:
- Red food coloring (gel is best)
- Optional: Raspberry jam or strawberry puree (for extra “gore”)
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl (or stand mixer with dough hook)
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Rolling pin
- Small bowls for mixing
- Spoon or offset spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the Dough: Add remaining sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg to the yeast mixture. Mix well. Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes (or 4-5 minutes in a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the “Guts”: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle (approximately 12×18 inches). Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough.
- The Spooky Twist: Instead of rolling, use your hands to tear and pull the dough into irregular, messy pieces. Don’t aim for neatness! Drizzle a small amount of red food coloring over sections of the filling to create a “bloody” effect. If using, swirl in small dollops of raspberry jam or strawberry puree.
- Bake: Transfer the messy dough pieces to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Second Rise & Bake: Let rise for another 30 minutes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool & Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Embrace the mess!
Pro Tips
- Don’t Overknead: Overkneading can result in a tough dough.
- Warm Milk is Key: Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring provides a more vibrant and concentrated color than liquid food coloring.
- Embrace the Mess: Seriously, the messier, the better! This is not a recipe for perfection.
- Add-Ins: Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Presentation: Serve with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a contrasting sweetness.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Spooky Cinnamon Roll Guts left (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but can be reheated briefly in the microwave. Be aware that the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
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Spooky Cinnamon Roll Guts Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creepy and delicious Halloween treat that looks like oozing guts but tastes like sweet, cinnamon-spiced heaven.
Ingredients
1 can refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (8 rolls)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red food coloring
1/3 cup cream cheese frosting (from cinnamon roll can or homemade)
Optional: raspberry or strawberry jam for extra “bloody” effect
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Unroll the cinnamon rolls and cut each strip in half lengthwise to create thinner strips.
3. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
4. Brush the cinnamon mixture onto each strip generously.
5. Twist and coil the strips randomly on the baking sheet to resemble messy “guts,” overlapping for effect.
6. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
7. While the rolls are baking, mix a few drops of red food coloring into the cream cheese frosting until it reaches a blood-red shade.
8. Remove from oven and let cool slightly, then drizzle the red frosting all over the twisted rolls.
9. For an extra gruesome look, spoon or drizzle raspberry or strawberry jam on top before serving.
Notes
Perfect for Halloween parties or spooky movie nights. Use gloves while adding the red dye for easier cleanup. You can also add a drop of black food coloring for darker “bloody” tones.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg