Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
If you’re in the mood for something irresistibly comforting yet delightfully indulgent, Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls are just the thing to brighten up your breakfast table or afternoon coffee break. Imagine the pillowy softness of classic cinnamon rolls, but swirled with pockets of melty chocolate and a touch of warming spice. Each bite is a celebration of sweet, gooey filling and golden-baked dough, crowned with a luscious vanilla glaze. Whether you’re baking for a special brunch or simply treating yourself, these Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls will make any day feel like a cozy occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You might be surprised by how simple and familiar these ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role—some bringing rich flavor, others providing the perfect texture or that golden color we all crave. Let’s break down what you’ll need to create truly unforgettable Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Active dry yeast: This is what gives your rolls their lovely rise and fluffiness.
- Warm milk (110°F): Helps activate the yeast and creates a rich, soft dough.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough itself.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Infuses the dough with richness and a subtle buttery flavor.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and adds tenderness.
- Salt: Balances all the sweet notes and deepens the overall flavor.
- Brown sugar (packed): The star of the filling, lending caramel-like depth and moisture.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for that signature spicy warmth in every swirl.
- Mini chocolate chips: Melty pockets of chocolate tucked into every roll—perfection!
- Unsalted butter (softened, for filling): Ensures the cinnamon-sugar mixture sticks to the dough and keeps the centers gooey.
- Powdered sugar: The base for your dreamy glaze, making every bite extra special.
- Milk (for glaze): Loosens up the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant, creamy note to the finishing glaze.
How to Make Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start your Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls journey by combining the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for a foamy, bubbly surface—this means your yeast is awake and ready to lift your dough! If nothing happens, your yeast may be expired, so it’s worth checking before moving on.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Once your yeast is foamy, add the melted butter, egg, and salt to the bowl. Begin stirring in the flour, a little at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is where the magic happens—the kneading develops gluten, giving your rolls their signature chewy texture.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer your kneaded dough to a greased bowl, turning it once to coat, then cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Set it in a warm, draft-free spot and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This is the perfect moment to prep your filling and maybe sneak a cup of coffee in anticipation!
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Have your softened butter and mini chocolate chips handy. This trio is going to transform your dough into the most decadent Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls imaginable.
Step 5: Shape and Fill the Dough
Punch down your risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 14×9-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter all over the surface—don’t skimp! Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly, then scatter the mini chocolate chips across the dough. Gently but firmly roll up the dough from the long side, creating a gorgeous spiral of chocolate and spice.
Step 6: Slice and Second Rise
Using a sharp knife (or unflavored dental floss for super-clean cuts), slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. This second rise ensures your rolls will bake up light, fluffy, and beautifully tall.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and your kitchen smells like absolute heaven. Keep an eye on them toward the end—overbaking can dry them out, and you want those centers to stay soft and gooey.
Step 8: Glaze and Enjoy
While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze. Drizzle it generously over the warm rolls, letting it seep into all the nooks and crannies. This final touch makes your Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls truly irresistible.
How to Serve Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
A simple vanilla glaze is classic, but you can get creative with your toppings! Try a dusting of extra cinnamon, a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for a truly decadent finish. If you’re in the mood for something richer, a swoop of cream cheese frosting takes these Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls over the top.
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet rolls with a side of fresh fruit or a tangy yogurt parfait to balance out the richness. For brunch, they’re delicious alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a steaming mug of strong coffee. The chocolate and cinnamon flavors play well with just about anything you’d serve on a cozy morning.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls warm from the oven in the baking dish for a rustic, family-style vibe, or plate them individually and top with extra glaze and berries for a more elegant touch. For special occasions, you can even arrange them in a circle for a pull-apart bread effect—guaranteed to impress your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls (lucky you!), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, though they’re best enjoyed fresh and soft.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully! Once baked and cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw and reheat as needed.
Reheating
To bring your Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls back to their pillowy best, reheat individual rolls in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds. For larger quantities, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through. Add a little extra glaze if desired to freshen them up.
FAQs
Can I make Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble the rolls and let them rise in the pan overnight in the fridge. In the morning, let them come to room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed for fresh, gooey rolls with zero morning fuss.
What chocolate chips work best in this recipe?
Mini chocolate chips melt more evenly and distribute beautifully throughout the rolls, but you can use dark, semi-sweet, or even milk chocolate chips depending on your taste. Chopped chocolate bars also work for extra melty pockets!
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast using the same amount. Just skip the proofing step—add it directly to your dry ingredients and proceed with the recipe as written.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
The tops should turn a lovely golden brown, and the centers should look set but still soft. If you’re unsure, insert a toothpick into the center of a roll—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
What’s the best way to cut the dough without squishing the rolls?
A sharp serrated knife works well, but unflavored dental floss is a baker’s secret weapon for neat slices. Slide the floss under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull tight for perfect swirls every time!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about pulling a tray of Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls from the oven—the anticipation, the aroma, and that first sweet, melty bite. I hope you give this recipe a try and share it with the people you love. Trust me, once you taste these, you’ll want to make them part of every special morning!
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Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the sweet, gooey goodness of Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls. These homemade pastries combine classic cinnamon and sugar filling with mini chocolate chips, offering a perfect breakfast or dessert treat fresh from your oven. Soft, fluffy dough topped with a simple vanilla glaze makes these rolls irresistible and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in all-purpose flour until a dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon together for the filling.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 14×9-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture and mini chocolate chips on top.
- Roll and Cut: Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log, then slice into 12 equal rolls.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- For extra decadence, top with a cream cheese frosting instead of the vanilla glaze.
- You can use either dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips depending on your taste preference.
- These rolls can be prepared the night before and baked fresh the following morning for convenience.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
