Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
There is something utterly magical about the combination of soft, fluffy dough and rich chocolate swirled with the warm, spicy hug of cinnamon – that’s exactly what makes this Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe an irresistible treat. These rolls strike the perfect balance between a classic cinnamon roll and a chocolate lover’s dream, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that brightens any morning or cozy afternoon. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a home cook looking to impress, this recipe is like sharing a slice of happiness with your closest friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these chocolate cinnamon rolls just right starts with a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role. Every component is chosen to build the perfect dough, luscious filling, and decadent glaze, creating a symphony of flavor, texture, and aroma.
- Warm milk (3/4 cup at 110°F): Activates the yeast to give the dough its soft, airy texture.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Helps the dough rise beautifully and adds a subtle fermented flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup + 1/2 cup): Sweetens and caramelizes the rolls to golden perfection.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup melted + 1/2 cup softened): Adds richness to both dough and filling for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough together and enriches the crumb.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups): The sturdy base that creates the perfect roll structure.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Light brown sugar (1/2 cup packed): Brings moistness and a deeper caramel flavor to the filling.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): Infuses the rolls with that signature warm, spicy aroma.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Gives a rich chocolate backbone to the filling without overpowering.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Used in the glaze to create a creamy, luscious finish.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melt into a dreamy, velvety glaze that crowns the rolls in chocolatey goodness.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the glaze’s flavor profile.
How to Make Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating the yeast—combine warm milk and active dry yeast, then let it sit until it’s wonderfully foamy. This step ensures that the yeast is alive and ready to make your rolls fluffy. Next, mix the melted butter, sugar, and egg in seamlessly, which helps create a tender dough. Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring to form a smooth, elastic dough. Once kneaded by hand or mixer, allow it to rest and rise in a greased bowl covered with a damp cloth for about an hour, letting it double in size, which sets the stage for wonderfully airy rolls.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While your dough rises, the filling comes together in no time. Simply blend softened butter with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder. This dark, fragrant mixture fills each roll with layers of spicy-sweet, chocolaty magic that will melt into the dough as it bakes.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Roll your risen dough out into a large rectangle—this is where the fun truly begins. Spread the luscious filling evenly across the surface, then carefully roll the dough up like a jelly roll. Cut the log into 12 generous slices and place them in a greased baking dish. Allowing the rolls to rest and rise again for 30 minutes gives them that perfect puff before baking.
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and bake your rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This baking process caramelizes the sugars while setting the dough’s tender crumb perfectly.
Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze
This glaze is the finishing touch that takes these rolls to legendary status. Warm the heavy cream until it’s just simmering, then pour it over the semisweet chocolate chips and let them sit for a couple of minutes. Whisk until silky smooth, then stir in vanilla extract. This luscious chocolate glaze is every bit as dreamy as you imagine.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the warm chocolate glaze generously over the rolls while they are still warm, so it melts beautifully into every crevice. Serve right away and enjoy the gooey, chocolate-cinnamon heaven you just created.
How to Serve Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra bit of flair, sprinkle some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top to add texture and a toasty note. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh raspberries on the side also make for a stunning presentation that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
Chocolate cinnamon rolls are quite the indulgence on their own, but pairing them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a chilled glass of milk elevates the experience. For a heartier breakfast, they go wonderfully alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance sweetness with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Pipe a swirl of whipped cream on top before serving, or serve the rolls warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert twist. You could even take individual rolls, toast them lightly, and spread a bit of nut butter for a delightful snack variation that still honors this Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe’ charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep the rolls soft, avoid refrigerating if you plan to eat them quickly. This way, every bite maintains that fresh-baked softness.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap each one separately in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, then gently warm them to restore that just-baked feel.
Reheating
Reheat rolls in a microwave for about 20 seconds or in a warm oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes. For a little extra freshness, briefly cover with foil to avoid drying out. Don’t forget to add a little more glaze if you want that ooey-gooey goodness back.
FAQs
Can I make this Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, use a vegan butter substitute, and replace the egg with a flax egg or applesauce. Keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will still be amazing.
Do I need special equipment to make these rolls?
No special tools are required! A mixing bowl, rolling pin, baking dish, and a whisk for the glaze will do the trick. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, that can make kneading easier but it’s not essential.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to the first rising, then cover and refrigerate it overnight. The cold slow rise helps develop more flavor. Just remember to take it out an hour before shaping so it comes to room temperature and rises properly.
What type of chocolate works best for the glaze?
Semisweet chocolate chips are ideal because they balance sweetness with a deep chocolate flavor. You could also use bittersweet chocolate if you prefer less sweetness or a high-quality chopped chocolate bar for a richer texture.
Can I add nuts or other fillings to this recipe?
Definitely! Toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts make a wonderful crunch addition to the filling. You can also experiment with dried fruit like raisins or chopped dried cherries for a fruity twist.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines all the cozy joy of cinnamon rolls with the luscious charm of chocolate. Whether making them for a special occasion or your weekend breakfast ritual, these rolls deliver a delightful treat full of warmth and indulgence. I encourage you to dive in, savor every bite, and share the smiles that come from baking such a nostalgic, chocolaty treasure.
Print
Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls combine the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and rich cocoa for an indulgent breakfast treat or dessert. Soft yeast dough is layered with a luscious chocolate-cinnamon filling, baked until golden, and finished with a decadent chocolate cream glaze that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Chocolate Glaze
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm milk and yeast in a bowl and let it sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, and the egg. Add the yeast mixture to this and stir well. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, thoroughly mix the softened butter with granulated sugar, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and unsweetened cocoa powder until well combined and creamy.
- Assemble the Rolls: Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle about 16×12 inches. Spread the chocolate-cinnamon filling evenly over the surface. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between them. Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes to puff up.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top and are cooked through.
- Prepare the Chocolate Glaze: While the rolls bake, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the semisweet chocolate chips in a bowl. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk gently until smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the warm chocolate glaze generously over the freshly baked cinnamon rolls. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, gooey flavors.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warmed to around 110°F; too hot can kill the yeast.
- Kneading the dough properly helps develop gluten for a soft, fluffy texture.
- The dough rising times can vary depending on room temperature.
- Use good quality semisweet chocolate for the glaze for best flavor.
- Serve rolls warm for the best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
