Irresistible Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
These irresistible chocolate cinnamon rolls combine the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls with rich cocoa and melty chocolate chips for a decadent twist. Soft, fluffy dough is perfectly spiced and sweetened, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze for a truly amazing treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- Author: Viktoria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Filling Ingredients
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- Prepare the Dough: Heat the milk in a small saucepan until warm (about 110°F or 43°C). Remove from heat and combine with granulated sugar and yeast in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes bubbly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to these wet ingredients and stir well.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let It Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together.
- Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 16 by 24 inches.
- Add the Filling: Brush the rolled-out dough with melted butter, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top. Finally, scatter the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the filling.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log shape and pinch the seams to seal the roll.
- Cut into Rolls: Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap or a towel and allow the rolls to rise for another 30 to 45 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: While the rolls undergo their second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they are golden brown on top.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until smooth and pourable.
- Cool and Drizzle: Once baked, allow the rolls to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before drizzling the glaze generously over them to finish.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate yeast without killing it.
- Use fresh yeast for best rising results.
- Knead dough until elastic for soft rolls.
- Do not skip the second rise; it ensures fluffy texture.
- Adjust milk quantity in glaze for desired consistency.
- Chocolate chips can be substituted with chunks or chopped chocolate.
- Keep rolls covered during rising to prevent drying out.
Keywords: chocolate cinnamon rolls, chocolate rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, sweet rolls, baked cinnamon rolls, chocolate pastry