Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls offer a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite by blending rich chocolate flavor with spiced cinnamon, creating soft and gooey rolls that satisfy every sweet tooth.

If you’re tired of dry, overcooked chicken breasts or uninspired breakfasts, this recipe promises fluffy, chocolate-infused dough and a decadent filling that melts in your mouth. At dishfoody.com, the mission is to share easy, feel-good recipes that bring joy and creativity into your kitchen.

This article explores why this recipe works, choosing the best ingredients, preparation tips, step-by-step cooking instructions, expert advice, flavor variations, serving suggestions, and frequently asked questions.

Why This Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Works

• Uses affordable, easy-to-find pantry staples combined with cocoa and cinnamon
• Produces soft, fluffy rolls with a rich chocolate twist
• Perfect for weekend brunches, special occasions, or an indulgent treat

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Best Ingredients for This Recipe

Bread flour adds the perfect texture; unsweetened cocoa powder creates deep chocolate notes. Use fresh yeast and real butter for the best rise and flavor.

Buying Tips

Choose bread flour over all-purpose for chewiness. Use good-quality cocoa and fresh cinnamon to maximize aroma and taste.

Substitutions

Instant yeast can substitute for active dry yeast; milk alternatives like almond or oat milk work well in dairy-free versions.

Ingredients & Prep for Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

• 4 cups bread flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1½ cups lukewarm water
• 1 cup chocolate spread (Nutella or similar)
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Pre-Cooking Prep

Activate yeast in warm water for 5-10 minutes. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.

Cooking Method

1. In a stand mixer, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add softened butter, egg, and water; knead about 8 minutes till smooth dough forms.
2. Let dough rise in an oiled bowl, covered, until doubled, about 1.5 hours.
3. Roll dough on floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread chocolate spread evenly, sprinkle cinnamon and chocolate chips.
4. Roll tightly from the long edge and cut into 12 equal pieces.
5. Place rolls in a buttered baking pan, cover, and let rise 45-60 minutes.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to cool before frosting.

Doneness Check

Rolls should be soft and fluffy with a chocolate-swirled center.

Resting

Cool at least 20 minutes before frosting to prevent melting.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

• Use warm water for optimal yeast activity.
• Don’t over-knead to keep the rolls tender.
• Let dough fully rise to maximize fluffiness.
• Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife for clean slicing.

Flavor Variations for Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Spicy Twist

Add cayenne or chili powder in the filling for a subtle heat.

Keto/Paleo

Use almond flour dough and sugar alternatives.

Global Flavors

• French: Add orange zest and vanilla extract.
• Mexican: Incorporate cinnamon and chili into filling.
• Italian: Use mascarpone in frosting.

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Serve warm with cream cheese or chocolate frosting. Pair with coffee, espresso, or hot chocolate for a decadent breakfast or dessert.

FAQs for Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

• Can dough be made ahead? Yes, refrigerate overnight after kneading.
• How to store leftovers? Keep covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate.
• Are these kid-friendly? Absolutely, kids love the chocolate and cinnamon combo.

Conclusion

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls bring a perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and chocolate richness into a soft, luscious breakfast treat. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they’ll become a favorite. For more scrumptious recipes, visit dishfoody.com and check out our Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips next!

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Print Recipe

These Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate indulgent breakfast treat fluffy, soft dough swirled with rich chocolate-cinnamon filling and topped with a silky chocolate glaze. Perfect for brunch or dessert!

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough:

• 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Add remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and salt. Stir in flour gradually until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes, then place it in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

4. In a small bowl, mix together the filling ingredients: softened butter, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon.

5. Roll out the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle and spread the chocolate-cinnamon filling evenly over the top. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips if desired.

6. Roll up tightly from the long side and slice into 10–12 rolls.

7. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, cover, and let rise again for 30 minutes.

8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25–28 minutes, until golden brown.

9. Whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth, then drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

Notes

For an extra indulgent version, add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top.

You can prepare these the night before — just refrigerate the shaped rolls overnight and bake in the morning.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: chocolate cinnamon rolls, cocoa rolls, chocolate breakfast rolls, sweet brunch recipe