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Irresistible Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

4.4 from 106 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 23 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder to distribute the ingredients evenly.
  3. 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.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Roll the Dough: Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log shape and pinch the seams to seal the roll.
  11. 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.
  12. Second Rise: Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap or a towel and allow the rolls to rise for another 30 to 45 minutes.
  13. Preheat the Oven: While the rolls undergo their second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  14. Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they are golden brown on top.
  15. Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until smooth and pourable.
  16. 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