Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

A delicious, different cinnamon roll recipe.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 27 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 12 rolls

Ingredients

• 1 (1/4ounce) package  yeast
• 3⁄4 cup water (110-115 degrees)
• 1⁄2 cup shortening
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1  egg
• 1⁄3 cup  cocoa
• 2 1⁄4 cups flour
• 1  teaspoon  softened butter
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons cinnamon
•  chopped  nuts (optional)

• Icing ingredients

• 3⁄4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 -3  teaspoons  cream
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. In medium bowl,dissolve yeast in water.
2. Stir in shortening, salt, sugar, egg, cocoa, and 1 cup flour.
3. Beat 2 minutes on medium speed of mixer, or 300 vigorous strokes by hand.
4. Scrape side of bowl, stir in remaining flour; blend well.
5. Cover and let rise in warm place until double (about 1 hour). Stir dough down by beating 25 strokes.
6. Turn soft dough into well floured surface; roll into 8x12-inch rectangle.
7. Spread with softened butter and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
8. Roll up beginning with wide edge.
9. Pinch edges together.
10. Cut into 12 pieces.
11. Place in greased 9x13-inch pan.
12. Let rise until doubled (about 40 minutes) Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
13. Combine icing ingredients, adding enough cream for good spreading consistency.
14. Spread on rolls immediately and then sprinkle with nuts if desired.
15. Serve warm.
16. Can also use favorite cream cheese icing to frost.