Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

These fluffy chocolate cinnamon rolls are the perfect treat for breakfast or brunch. With a rich dark chocolate cinnamon sugar filling and a luscious chocolate glaze, these rolls are indulgent yet easy to make. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a weekend morning, these rolls will impress your family and friends with their delightful flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and cinnamon gives a unique taste that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with coffee.
• Homemade Goodness: There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked rolls wafting through your kitchen.
• Perfect for Sharing: These rolls are great for gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a delicious treat.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your chocolate cinnamon rolls, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make baking easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl: Essential for thoroughly mixing your dough for the best texture.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly, ensuring consistent baking.
• Baking dish: A proper dish allows your rolls to rise beautifully while they bake.

Ingredients

These fluffy chocolate cinnamon rolls are made with a dark chocolate cinnamon sugar filling, and are drizzled with a delicious chocolate glaze.

Dough Ingredients

• 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar (133g)
• 2 Tbsp black cocoa powder (14g)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (3g)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (56g – to be spread on the dough)
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour + up to 1/2 cup addition flour to be added later in process (406-500g)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted (50g)
• 2 tsp or 1 packet instant dry yeast (7g, 1/4 oz.)
• 1 tsp fine salt (6g)
• 1 tsp instant espresso or coffee (2g)
• 1 cup whole milk (240ml)

Filling Ingredients

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (56g)
• 1 large egg, room temperature (56g)
• 2/3 cup milk or dark chocolate chips (120g)

Glaze Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp whole milk (45ml)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (125g)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4ml)

How to Make Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by combining the dry ingredients in your stand mixer. Mix together flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, salt, instant espresso, and yeast until well blended.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the whole milk and softened butter to the dry mixture. Mix until combined. If using a stand mixer, knead on low speed until a soft dough forms. If it’s too sticky, gradually add more flour.

Step 3: Let it Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 16×12 inches.

Step 5: Add Filling

Spread room temperature butter over the rolled-out dough. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar with black cocoa powder; sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough followed by chocolate chips.

Step 6: Roll Up

Starting from one long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch seams to seal after rolling.

Step 7: Cut into Rolls

Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 9 equal pieces. Place each piece in a greased baking dish.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover rolls again with plastic wrap and let them rise until puffy for about 30 minutes.

Step 9: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for about 25 minutes until golden brown.

Step 10: Prepare Glaze

While they bake, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and whole milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls once they come out of the oven.

Enjoy your homemade chocolate cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven!

How to Serve Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

These fluffy chocolate cinnamon rolls make for a delightful breakfast or dessert. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries – Serve with a side of fresh strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Banana Slices – Add banana slices on top for extra sweetness and texture.

Drizzled with Extra Chocolate

• Chocolate Sauce – Drizzle additional melted chocolate over the rolls for an indulgent treat.
• Nutella Spread – Offer Nutella on the side for those craving even more chocolatey goodness.

Accompanied by Beverages

• Coffee – Pair your chocolate cinnamon rolls with a cup of hot coffee to balance the sweetness.
• Milk – A cold glass of milk complements the rich flavors perfectly.

Topped with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream – Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a warm and cold dessert experience.
• Whipped Cream – Serve with whipped cream for an airy and light finish.

How to Perfect Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

To ensure your chocolate cinnamon rolls come out fluffy and delicious, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Yeast – Always check the expiration date of your yeast. Fresh yeast gives the best rise.
• Warm Milk – Use warm (not hot) milk when mixing; it helps activate the yeast properly.
• Knead Properly – Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. This develops gluten, giving your rolls structure.
• Let them Rise – Allow enough time for the dough to rise; this enhances flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on baking time to avoid dry rolls; they should be golden brown but soft inside.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Chocolate cinnamon rolls are delightful on their own, but pairing them with these side dishes can enhance your meal further.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness next to sweet rolls.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with granola and fruits offers a nutritious contrast.
3. Scrambled Eggs – Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein, balancing out the sweet flavors.
4. Sausage Links – Savory sausage pairs well, creating a hearty breakfast combination.
5. Smoothie Bowl – A thick smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds complements the sweetness beautifully.
6. Hash Browns – Crispy hash browns add texture and a savory element to your brunch spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making chocolate cinnamon rolls, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your rolls turn out perfectly.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold milk or butter can prevent proper dough rising. Always use room temperature ingredients for the best results.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry rolls. Use the spoon and level method for accurate flour measurement.
• Overworking the dough: Kneading too much can make your rolls tough. Knead just until smooth and elastic for fluffy texture.
• Skipping the rise time: Patience is key! Allow the dough to rise fully to achieve soft, pillowy rolls.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in a cold oven can affect cooking time and texture. Always preheat before placing your rolls inside.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store chocolate cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly with plastic wrap before placing them in the container for extra freshness.

Freezing Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

• Freeze unbaked rolls before they rise for up to 3 months; simply place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• Baked rolls can be frozen as well; store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place a roll in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing chocolate cinnamon rolls.

How do I make chocolate cinnamon roll dough?

To make the dough, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, yeast, salt, milk, butter, and egg. Mix until it forms a soft dough before kneading it lightly.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes! You can substitute dark chocolate chips with milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter flavor in your chocolate cinnamon rolls.

Can I prepare these chocolate cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight before baking in the morning.

What should I do if my chocolate cinnamon roll dough won’t rise?

Ensure that your yeast is fresh and that it’s activated properly by mixing it with warm milk. Also, give the dough enough time in a warm place to rise effectively.

Final Thoughts

These chocolate cinnamon rolls are not only fluffy but also decadent with their rich filling and glaze. They are perfect for breakfast or brunch and can be customized with nuts or different types of chocolate. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!