Chocolate Sweet Rolls

These Chocolate Sweet Rolls are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With a rich, buttery dough and a delicious chocolate filling, they offer a unique blend of flavors reminiscent of flaky chocolate babka. These rolls are not only easy to make but can also be prepared in advance for added convenience. Ideal for special occasions or cozy family gatherings, these sweet rolls are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate and warm dough creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert; these rolls fit any occasion.
• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making these rolls is a breeze.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare the dough the night before for an effortless morning treat.
• Customizable Filling: Feel free to add nuts or different types of chocolate according to your preference.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Chocolate Sweet Rolls, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl
• Dough hook or wooden spoon
• Rolling pin
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Ensures thorough mixing and kneading, saving time and effort.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even thickness when rolling out the dough for consistent baking.
• Baking dish: A 9×13-inch dish provides the perfect size for baking your rolls evenly.

Ingredients

These rich and fluffy chocolate sweet rolls come together with a buttery soft fresh homemade dough and brown sugar chocolate filling. They’re shaped like cinnamon rolls but taste like flaky chocolate babka. You can make the chocolate rolls within a few hours or get started the night before using the overnight preparation option.

For the Dough

• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to about 100°F (38°C)
• 6 Tablespoons (75g) granulated sugar, divided
• 1 Tablespoon (9g) active dry or instant yeast
• 5 Tablespoons (71g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups (530g) bread flour, plus more as needed for hands/work surface

For the Filling

• 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 2 Tablespoons (10g) unsweetened natural or Dutch process cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup (135g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or a 4-ounce semi-sweet chocolate bar, finely chopped*

For the Icing

• 3 Tablespoons (45ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted (sift after measuring)
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

How to Make Chocolate Sweet Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Whisk together the warm milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and yeast in your stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook. Cover it and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

Add in the remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, and 1 cup of flour. Beat on medium speed for about a minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Step 3: Forming Dough

Add another 3 cups of flour while switching to low speed. Beat until you form a soft dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If sticky, add more flour gradually.

Step 4: Knead Dough

Knead in your mixer with a dough hook for another 6-8 minutes or by hand on a floured surface until soft but slightly tacky.

Step 5: First Rise

Grease a large bowl with oil and place your dough inside it. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm area until doubled in size—about 2 hours.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

After rising, punch down your dough on a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle measuring about 10×16 inches.

Step 7: Prepare Filling

Mix all filling ingredients except for chopped chocolate/chocolate chips. Spread this mixture over rolled-out dough. Sprinkle with chopped chocolate/chocolate chips.

Step 8: Shape Rolls

Tightly roll up your dough into a log shape measuring about 16 inches long. Cut into twelve evenly-sized pieces.

Step 9: Second Rise

Place cut rolls in your prepared baking dish and cover tightly to let rise again until doubled—around one hour.

Step 10: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake for about 25-28 minutes until lightly browned on top. Tent with foil after about fifteen minutes if browning too quickly.

Step 11: Make Icing

Warm cream on low heat; whisk in espresso powder followed by confectioners’ sugar until combined. Drizzle icing over warm rolls before serving.

With these steps in mind, you’re now ready to enjoy your homemade Chocolate Sweet Rolls!

How to Serve Chocolate Sweet Rolls

Serving chocolate sweet rolls is a delightful experience that can be tailored to various occasions. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, here are some suggestions to elevate your serving game.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Serve with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Bananas: Sliced bananas pair wonderfully with the rich chocolate flavor.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Caramel Topping: A warm drizzle of caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness that complements the chocolate.

Accompanied by Coffee or Tea

• Coffee: A hot cup of coffee brings out the rich flavors of the rolls, making it a perfect pairing.
• Herbal Tea: For a lighter option, herbal tea offers a soothing contrast to the sweetness.

Topped with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top creates a decadent dessert experience.
• Chocolate Ice Cream: For chocolate lovers, this combination takes indulgence to the next level.

Garnished with Nuts

• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added crunch and flavor contrast.

How to Perfect Chocolate Sweet Rolls

Perfecting chocolate sweet rolls requires attention to detail and a few helpful techniques. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Bold ingredients: Use high-quality chocolate and fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
• Bold dough temperature: Ensure your dough rises in a warm environment for optimal fluffiness.
• Bold kneading technique: Knead until the dough is soft but not sticky; this helps achieve the right texture.
• Bold resting time: Allow adequate rising time so the rolls become light and fluffy.
• Bold baking method: Tent the rolls with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Sweet Rolls

Pairing side dishes with chocolate sweet rolls can enhance your meal. Here are some tasty options that complement their rich flavor.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness to your plate.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit provides a creamy contrast to the soft rolls.
3. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein and balance out the sweetness of the rolls.
4. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns offer a savory element that pairs well with sweet pastries.
5. Smoothie Bowl: A smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds creates a nutritious side option.
6. Crispy Bacon or Sausage Links: The salty flavor from meat contrasts beautifully with sweet rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chocolate sweet rolls can be a delight, but there are common mistakes that can hinder your success.

• Ignoring dough temperature: Make sure your milk is warmed to about 100°F (38°C). Too hot or too cold milk can kill the yeast, preventing proper rising.
• Over-kneading the dough: Knead just until the dough is soft and slightly tacky. Over-kneading can make your rolls tough instead of fluffy.
• Skipping the rise time: Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size. Rushing this step will result in denser rolls that lack fluffiness.
• Not rolling evenly: Ensure your dough is rolled into an even rectangle for consistent baking. Uneven thickness may lead to some rolls being undercooked while others are overcooked.
• Using stale ingredients: Always check that your yeast is fresh. Expired yeast will not help your rolls rise properly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store chocolate sweet rolls in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Chocolate Sweet Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Chocolate Sweet Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds per roll, checking often.
• Stovetop: Place rolls in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Chocolate Sweet Rolls overnight?

You can prepare the dough and filling, then assemble the rolls. Cover them tightly and store in the refrigerator overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning!

What can I substitute for bread flour?

You can use all-purpose flour, but note that the texture may be slightly different. For best results, stick with bread flour if possible.

Can I add nuts or fruit to my Chocolate Sweet Rolls?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding chopped nuts or dried fruits along with the chocolate filling for added texture and flavor.

Why are my Chocolate Sweet Rolls dense?

If your rolls are dense, it’s possible that you didn’t allow enough rising time or used expired yeast. Always ensure proper rising conditions for light and fluffy rolls.

How should I store leftover chocolate sweet rolls?

Store any leftover chocolate sweet rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

Final Thoughts

These chocolate sweet rolls are not only rich and indulgent but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. You can customize them with different fillings like nuts or spices. Try making these delightful rolls today; they’re sure to impress family and friends!