If you have a sweet tooth and a love for that heavenly combination of chocolate and spice, then you are in for a treat with this Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Imagine soft, tender rolls filled with a luscious mixture of cinnamon, cocoa, and melty chocolate, all topped with a silky chocolate glaze. This recipe takes the classic cinnamon roll to an absolutely irresistible new height, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert any day of the week. Once you take a bite, you’ll be smitten by that perfect marriage of gooey chocolate and warm cinnamon—making it an instant favorite to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each element brings something essential to the table, building layers of flavor, texture, and that iconic golden color.
- Warm milk (1 cup, 110°F): Activates the yeast for the softest dough texture.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The secret to that lovely, fluffy rise.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering.
- Melted unsalted butter (1/3 cup): Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- Large eggs (2): Provide structure and moisture for perfectly soft rolls.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): The base for a dough that’s easy to work with.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Softened unsalted butter (1/2 cup): For the filling’s luscious spread.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings caramel notes to the filling.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The warm, spicy heart of the filling.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup for filling, plus 2 tablespoons for glaze): Deepens chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
- Mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (1 cup): Because melty pockets of chocolate make everything better.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Forms a smooth and sweet glaze.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons for glaze): Perfectly thins the glaze for drizzling.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a delicate fragrance to the glaze.
How to Make Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Dough
Start by mixing the warm milk and active dry yeast in a large bowl, giving them a few minutes to become foamy. This bubbling activity is your sign that the yeast is alive and ready to puff up your dough. Then add the sugar, melted butter, and eggs, stirring them in before folding in the flour and salt. Knead the dough either by hand or with a dough hook for about 5 to 7 minutes, until it’s silky and elastic. Placing the dough in a greased bowl and covering it allows it to rise in a cozy warm spot, doubling in size over the next hour or so. This rise is crucial for achieving that tender, airy texture everyone adores.
Step 2: Roll and Fill the Dough
Once your dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out on a floured surface into a 16 by 12-inch rectangle—this is the blank canvas for your delicious filling. Spread softened butter generously over the surface, which will help the cinnamon and cocoa blend into luscious ribbons rather than just sitting on top. Mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder, then sprinkle that vibrant blend evenly across the butter. Scatter mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate over the top for dreamy pockets of melted goodness. Carefully roll the dough from the long edge to form a tight log, then slice the log into 12 equal rolls—the anticipation is building!
Step 3: Let the Rolls Rise Again and Bake
Arrange the chocolate cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan, covering them with a towel or plastic wrap for a second rise that brings out their fluffy, pillow-like character. This final rise takes 30 to 45 minutes and ensures they bake up soft and perfectly puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown on top and fully cooked. The smell is absolutely intoxicating by now!
Step 4: Make the Glaze and Finish
While the rolls cool for about 10 minutes, whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth chocolate glaze. Drizzle this over the rolls generously to add that glossy, sweet finish that makes these treats truly irresistible. If you want to take your indulgence to another level, try topping warm rolls with Nutella or cream cheese frosting!
How to Serve Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or some extra chocolate chips sprinkled on top can elevate the visual appeal and add texture. Toasted chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts also work brilliantly to introduce a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft rolls.
Side Dishes
Pair these decadent rolls with fresh fruit to lighten the mood—a bowl of ripe berries or sliced oranges works perfectly. A steaming mug of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate makes for a deeply comforting combination, perfect for slow weekend mornings or special gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls on a rustic wooden platter or in a beautiful ceramic dish to highlight their homemade charm. For a brunch party, consider placing them on a tiered stand surrounded by small bowls of fresh fruit, nuts, and yogurt parfaits for a picture-perfect spread that tempts everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep their freshness, bring them back to room temperature before reheating, as this helps restore their fluffy texture.
Freezing
You can prepare the rolls ahead of time up through the second rise. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, allow them to come to room temperature and rise a bit more, then bake as usual.
Reheating
Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds, or warm them in an oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to refresh their soft, gooey texture. Adding a light drizzle of warm milk or extra glaze after reheating will bring them back to life beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast can be used and even speeds up the rising process since it doesn’t require proofing in warm milk. Just mix it directly with the flour and adjust rise times accordingly.
Is there a substitute for the cocoa powder in the filling?
If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can increase the cinnamon slightly or add finely chopped chocolate for a similar depth—though cocoa powder lends that distinct rich chocolate flavor.
Can I make these chocolate cinnamon rolls vegan?
With some ingredient swaps like plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg replacers, you can absolutely adapt this recipe to be vegan while still enjoying a decadent treat.
How do I prevent the rolls from becoming dry?
Ensuring you do not over-bake and covering with glaze helps maintain moisture. Also, storing properly and reheating gently keeps them soft and delicious.
Can these rolls be made gluten-free?
Gluten-free flours vary widely, but a blend meant for yeast baking can work with this recipe. Expect some differences in texture, so experiment a bit and consider adding a binder like xanthan gum.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the joy of pulling fresh, warm rolls straight from the oven, especially when they’re infused with chocolate and cinnamon magic. This Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is more than just a treat—it’s a way to bring comfort, smiles, and a bit of everyday celebration into your kitchen. Whether you’re making them to share or indulging all by yourself, these rolls promise to become a beloved tradition worth repeating again and again. Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and start rolling your way to sweet, cinnamon-spiced chocolate heaven!
Print
Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these indulgent Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls, featuring a soft and fluffy dough swirled with a rich cocoa and cinnamon filling, studded with mini chocolate chips, and finished with a luscious chocolate glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these homemade rolls combine the classic cinnamon roll experience with a chocolate twist that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate Yeast and Make Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active. Add granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, flour, and salt. Mix everything until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough by hand or with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling and Roll Dough: Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface to a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered surface. Top with mini chocolate chips.
- Shape Rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape. Slice the log evenly into 12 rolls. Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly but leaving some space to expand.
- Second Rise: Cover the prepared rolls and let them rise for 30–45 minutes until they become puffy and nearly double in size again.
- Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk (start with 2 tablespoons and add more for desired consistency), and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
- Glaze and Serve: Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes once out of the oven, then drizzle the chocolate glaze over the top before serving. Enjoy warm for the best experience.
Notes
- For extra indulgence, serve warm rolls with a spoonful of Nutella or cream cheese frosting.
- These rolls can be prepared the night before, refrigerated after the second rise, and baked fresh in the morning for convenience.
