Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth that craves something warm, gooey, and full of rich flavors, this Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls infused with deep cocoa and melty chocolate chips, topped with a decadent chocolate glaze that simply melts in your mouth. This recipe takes a classic comfort food and gives it a luscious twist, turning any morning or dessert moment into a celebration. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a household favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is surprisingly straightforward, and each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and richness. From the tender dough to the gooey filling and silky glaze, every component works in harmony.

• 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F): Activates the yeast and helps create a soft, fluffy dough.
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): The magic leavening agent that makes the rolls rise beautifully.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds that touch of sweetness and feeds the yeast for better rise.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings tenderness and richness to the dough.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind ingredients and gives the dough structure.
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together with just the right chewiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates flavor complexity.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Essential for making the luscious filling.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling for that irresistible caramelized touch.
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor.
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The warm spice that makes cinnamon rolls so comforting.
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The star ingredient for that rich chocolate cinnamon combo.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky chocolate glaze that crowns the rolls.
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips: Melts into the glaze for that extra chocolatey delight.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds aromatic sweetness and depth to the glaze.

How to Make Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming your milk to about 110 degrees Fahrenheit—just perfect to wake up the yeast without killing it. Combine the warm milk with the yeast and let it sit until it becomes foamy, signaling that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. Then, mix in the melted butter, sugar, and egg, stirring them together for a velvety base. Next, gradually add in the flour and salt, stirring until the dough begins to come together. Knead the dough on a clean surface until it feels smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes. Pop it into a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour until it has doubled in size. This step creates the airy texture that makes every bite so dreamy.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, whisk together the softened butter, both sugars, cinnamon, and unsweetened cocoa powder until everything is well combined and smooth. This rich, chocolaty cinnamon filling is where the magic begins, infusing the rolls with layers of gooey sweetness and spice.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, roughly 16 by 12 inches. Spread the luscious filling evenly over the dough, making sure every edge is covered with that irresistible chocolate-cinnamon mixture. Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal pieces, which will be your rolls. Place these pieces in a greased baking dish with a little space between them and cover again, letting them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise ensures the rolls bake into fluffy, tender pillows of joy.

Step 4: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it’s ready and the rolls have puffed up, place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the rolls are golden brown on top and smell absolutely irresistible. The aroma alone will have you eagerly waiting to dig in.

Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze

While the rolls are baking, warm the heavy cream until it’s just simmering—avoid boiling. Pour the hot cream over the semisweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and let it sit for a minute, then whisk until smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract for that added touch of warmth and sweetness. This glaze is pure decadence, ready to drape over the warm rolls for an extra indulgent finish.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

Once the rolls come out of the oven, allow them to cool for just a few minutes before drizzling the chocolate glaze generously over the top. The glaze will melt slightly from the residual heat, soaking into the rolls and creating an ooey-gooey chocolate finish. Serve these beauties warm for maximum happiness.

How to Serve Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, sprinkle chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts over the glaze for crunch and nuttiness. Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar also add a lovely contrast in both flavor and aesthetics. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes these rolls straight to dessert heaven.

Side Dishes

Chocolate cinnamon rolls are rich enough to shine solo, but if you want to enhance the breakfast or brunch experience, serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad to balance the richness. A hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or creamy hot chocolate pairs perfectly with the chocolatey-spicy notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual rolls on little dessert plates drizzled with extra glaze and a sprig of fresh mint for that elegant touch. Alternatively, slice the rolls thicker for a more generous serving or bake them in muffin tins for personal-sized treats that are perfect for parties or gift-giving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, no worries. Place cooled rolls in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap to keep them moist and fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. You can also refrigerate to extend freshness if your kitchen is warm.

Freezing

Chocolate cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy one, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven softness, reheat rolls in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a 350°F oven wrapped loosely in foil for 10 minutes. If frozen, thaw before reheating. After warming, don’t forget to add a fresh drizzle of chocolate glaze for maximum gooey goodness.

FAQs

Can I use quick-rise yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute quick-rise yeast, but keep in mind it acts faster. You may want to shorten the rising times to prevent over-proofing the dough.

Is it necessary to use unsweetened cocoa powder in the filling?

Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the filling a deep, rich chocolate flavor without adding extra sweetness. Using sweetened cocoa or chocolate powder could make the rolls overly sweet, so unsweetened is best.

Can I make these rolls dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute dairy milk and butter with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter. For the glaze, use coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate chips for a similar luxurious texture.

How long does it take to prepare the rolls from start to finish?

The total time for the Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is about 2 hours and 25 minutes, including dough rises and baking—perfect for a lazy weekend morning.

Can I make the dough or rolls ahead of time before baking?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before rolling, filling, and baking. You can also assemble the rolls and refrigerate them overnight, then bake fresh the next day.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is the ultimate way to brighten your day with warm, chocolatey comfort baked right at home. It’s a wonderfully satisfying twist on a beloved classic that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for any cozy morning treat. Trust me, once you try making these rolls, you’ll be planning your next batch before the last crumb disappears!

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

These Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic warmth of cinnamon rolls with rich chocolate flavor, perfect for a decadent breakfast or dessert. Soft, fluffy dough is filled with a luscious cinnamon-cocoa mixture, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a smooth chocolate glaze that melts in your mouth.

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Ingredients

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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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Combine the warm milk and active dry yeast in a small bowl and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and egg. Add the yeast mixture to this and stir to combine. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring continuously until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, granulated sugar, packed light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and unsweetened cocoa powder until the ingredients are fully combined and form a spreadable paste.
3. Assemble the Rolls: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 16×12 inches. Evenly spread the prepared cinnamon-chocolate filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from the longer side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss. Arrange the rolls, cut side up, in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes until puffy.
4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish with the risen rolls in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Prepare the Chocolate Glaze: While the rolls are baking, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour the hot cream over the semisweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt, then whisk until smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
6. Glaze and Serve: Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and allow to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Drizzle the warm chocolate glaze generously over the rolls. Serve warm and enjoy the indulgent blend of cinnamon and chocolate in every bite!

Notes

• Ensure the milk is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast; 110°F is ideal.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream with plant-based alternatives.
• You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight for a quicker morning bake.
• Use a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the dough to maintain the shape of the rolls.
• Let the rolls cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off completely.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American