In a medium bowl, gently warm 1 cup of whole milk until it’s warm to the touch but not hot. Sprinkle 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 egg, ¼ cup melted butter, and 2 teaspoons of gel food coloring. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, but not sticky. If necessary, sprinkle additional flour, a little at a time, to prevent sticking. Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning to coat.

Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and place it in a warm area to rise. Allow the dough to double in size, which will take approximately 1 to 2 hours.

While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing ½ cup of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon in a small bowl.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air. Turn it out onto a floured surface, and use a rolling pin to roll it into a rectangle, about 16 x 12 inches in size.

Spread ¼ cup of melted butter over the rolled-out dough, making sure to coat the surface evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture evenly across the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.

Starting from the long edge closest to you, carefully roll the dough away from you into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal the dough and place the seam side down.

Using unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal pieces, each about 1 ½ inches thick.

Cover the baking pan with a dish towel and allow the rolls to rise for another 30-60 minutes.

While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Once the rolls have risen, place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.

While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth.

Once the rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before drizzling the creamy vanilla glaze over the warm rolls. Add delightful heart sprinkles on top for a festive touch.