Description
Discover how to make decadent Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with a rich cocoa and cinnamon filling, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. This ultimate guide walks you through each step to achieve soft, fluffy rolls with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, ideal for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup warm water
Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and warm water. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and knead for 6–8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the risen dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Add filling and chocolate chips: Evenly sprinkle the sugar-cocoa-cinnamon mixture over the buttered dough, then scatter the mini chocolate chips on top.
- Shape the rolls: Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
- Second rise: Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for 30 to 45 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 22 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze and serve: Once the rolls come out of the oven and are still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- For extra indulgence, consider adding a chocolate drizzle or cream cheese frosting instead of the vanilla glaze.
- These rolls can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated overnight after shaping and before the final rise and baking.
- If mini chocolate chips are unavailable, finely chopped chocolate pieces or regular-sized chips can be used.
- Be sure not to overbake to keep the rolls soft and moist.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
