Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

These Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls are a heavenly twist on the classic cinnamon rolls you know and love. Infused with rich chocolate and a gooey cinnamon filling, each bite delivers a perfect combination of sweetness and warmth. Whether it’s for a holiday brunch, a special family breakfast, or a dessert craving, these rolls will become an instant favorite. Soft, fluffy, and decadently chocolaty, they’re a treat that your whole family will adore!

My family absolutely loves cinnamon rolls, but one day, I decided to surprise them with something even more indulgent: Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls. When the sweet, chocolatey aroma filled the house, my husband and daughter couldn’t wait to try them. After just one bite, they were hooked! Now, these rolls have become a staple in our home, especially for lazy Sunday mornings or when we want to celebrate a special occasion. It’s always fun to see their eyes light up as I bring these to the table—gooey, warm, and fresh from the oven!

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

•Rich Chocolate Flavor: These rolls are packed with chocolate in the dough and the filling, making them a dream for any chocolate lover.

•Gooey Cinnamon Center: A classic cinnamon roll filling with a chocolate twist, bringing together the best of both worlds.

•Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are always a hit!

•Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare them the night before and bake them fresh in the morning.

Ingredients Notes For Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

•Chocolate Dough: Cocoa powder mixed into the dough gives the rolls a deep chocolate flavor.

•Cinnamon Chocolate Filling: A blend of butter, sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa creates that signature gooey center with a chocolaty upgrade.

•Cream Cheese Glaze: A sweet, tangy glaze made with cream cheese and powdered sugar drizzled over the warm rolls.

Recipe Steps For Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

•In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of warm milk, 2 ¼ tsp of yeast, and ¼ cup of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes.

•Add 2 ¾ cups of flour, ¼ cup of cocoa powder, 1 large egg, and ¼ cup of softened butter. Knead the dough until smooth, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Filling

•In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of softened butter, ½ cup of brown sugar, 1 tbsp of cinnamon, and 2 tbsp of cocoa powder. Set aside.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

•Roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Spread the chocolate-cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.

•Roll the dough into a log and cut it into 12 even pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 4: Bake

•Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

•In a bowl, mix 4 oz of cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and 2 tbsp of milk until smooth. Drizzle over the warm rolls.

Storage Options

•Refrigerator: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.

•Freezer: Freeze unbaked rolls and bake them fresh when needed, or freeze baked rolls and reheat.

Variations & Substitutions

•Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a crunchy twist.

•Chocolate Lovers: Stir in mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

•Vegan Option: Substitute the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives and use a vegan cream cheese for the glaze.

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

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Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Kitchen: American

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 rolls

Ingredients

 

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• ▢ For the Dough:
• ▢ 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
• ▢ 1/2 cup warm milk about 110°F or 43°C
• ▢ 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
• ▢ 1 large egg
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ▢ For the Filling:
• ▢ 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• ▢ 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
• ▢ 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ▢ 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips
• ▢ For the Frosting:
• ▢ 4 oz cream cheese softened
• ▢ 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
• ▢ 1 cup powdered sugar
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 1-2 tablespoons milk to reach desired consistency

Instructions

• Prepare the Dough:
• Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
• Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the foamy yeast mixture and mix well.
• Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
• Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
• Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
• Prepare the Filling:
• Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
• Assemble the Rolls:
• Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
• Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top.
• Roll and Cut: Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
• Place in Baking Dish: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, leaving space between each roll. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
• Bake the Rolls:
• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Prepare the Frosting:
• Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Add milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.
• Serve:
• Frost and Enjoy: Once the rolls are baked, let them cool for a few minutes before spreading the frosting on top. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious chocolatey goodness!