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Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

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These homemade chocolate cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a rich chocolate-cinnamon swirl. Topped with a velvety chocolate glaze, they’re the ultimate indulgence for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

  • 1 cup (240 g) whole milk, warmed to 100–110°F

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

  • ½ cup (90 g) brown sugar

  • 1 whole egg + 1 egg yolk

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

  • 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup (50 g) dark cocoa powder, sifted

  • 1 teaspoon instant coffee (optional)

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 2 ounces (½ stick) butter, softened

For the Filling

  • 2 ounces (½ stick) butter, softened

  • 2 tablespoons dark cocoa powder

  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

  • ½ cup (90 g) dark brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon instant coffee (optional)

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup (130 g) powdered sugar, sifted

  • ¼ cup (25 g) cocoa powder, sifted

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • About 4 tablespoons cream or milk (adjust to desired consistency)

Instructions

  • Activate the yeast: Warm the milk to 100–110°F. Pour into a mixing bowl and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

  • Mix wet ingredients: Add brown sugar, egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.

  • Make the dough: Add flour, sifted cocoa powder, instant coffee, salt, and softened butter. Knead with a dough hook on speed 2 for 6–7 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed, until the dough forms. It should be soft and slightly sticky. If too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time.

  • First rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 60–90 minutes or until doubled in size.

  • Prepare filling: Mix softened butter, cocoa powder, cinnamon, dark brown sugar, vanilla, and instant coffee into a smooth paste.

  • Shape the rolls: Turn the dough out onto a cocoa-dusted surface. Roll it into a large rectangle (about 14×18 inches). Spread the filling evenly. Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.

  • Second rise: Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 60–90 minutes until puffy.

  • Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 30–35 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through.

  • Make glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and cream until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.

Notes

  • Ensure the milk is not hotter than 110°F; otherwise, it can kill the yeast.

  • For an extra-rich flavor, mix melted dark chocolate into the glaze.

  • These rolls can be frozen (unbaked or baked) for up to 2 months.

  • Author: Evelyn
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Additional Rise Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian