Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.

In a small bow, disolve…

  • 1 envelope active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 3/4 cup warm water

In a medium bowl, sift…

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Using a stand-mixer, combine…

  • sifted flour mixture
  • 3/4 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1 egg

Once combined, add…

  • yeast mixture

Beat until smooth.

Stir in…

  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Dough will be stiff.

Place the dough in a well-greased bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until dough has doubled in size.

Punch down the dough.

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 14x9-inch rectangle. On the dough, spread…

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, soften

In a small bowl, combine…

  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Sprinkle the mixture over the dough.

Loosely roll up jelly roll-style. Moisten the edgeso with water and press together to seal.

Cut the rolls into 1-inch wide pieces. And place the slices into the prepared pan.

Cover with a kitchen towl and let rise 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

In a 375 degree oven, bake the rolls for 25 minutes.

For the topping, combine…

  • 1 cup sifted powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk

Spoon the topping over the warm rolls.

Over the glaze, sprinkle…

  • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts