Description

Delight in these rich and decadent Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls, combining the warm spices of cinnamon and the deep flavor of cocoa for a perfect sweet breakfast treat or dessert. Soft, fluffy dough is generously filled with a luscious chocolate-cinnamon blend, then topped with a smooth cocoa glaze for irresistible indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

1 cup (240 grams) whole milk, warmed to 100-110°F
2 1/4 teaspoons (one packet) active dry yeast
1/2 cup (90 grams) brown sugar
1 whole egg plus 1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (50 grams) dark cocoa powder, sifted
1 teaspoon instant coffee (optional)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 ounces (1/2 stick) butter, soft room temperature

Filling

2 tablespoons dark cocoa powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (90 grams) dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon instant coffee (optional)
2 ounces (1/2 stick) butter, soft room temperature

Glaze

1 cup (130 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
1/4 cup (25 grams) cocoa powder, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
About 4 tablespoons cream or milk (to create a smooth spreadable consistency)

Instructions

Bloom the Yeast: Place the warm milk in a mixing bowl and sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface. Allow the yeast to bloom and become foamy, which should take about 5-10 minutes, indicating it’s active and ready.
Mix Wet Ingredients: To the bloomed yeast mixture, add the brown sugar, whole egg plus egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until completely combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Incorporate the flour, instant coffee (if using), kosher salt, softened butter, and sifted dark cocoa powder to avoid lumps. Stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
Knead the Dough: Using a dough hook attachment, mix on speed 2 for 6-7 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. You should form a soft, slightly sticky dough; if it feels too wet or soupy, add a little more flour gradually.
First Proofing: Scrape the dough down, cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare for Filling: Turn the risen dough onto a surface dusted with cocoa powder. Roll it out into a large rectangle to create the base for your filling.
Mix and Spread Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the filling ingredients – dark cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, dark brown sugar, vanilla extract, instant coffee (optional), and softened butter – mixing well until smooth. Spread the filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.
Shape Rolls: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log shape, then slice into 12 even pieces with a sharp knife or dental floss.
Second Proofing: Arrange the rolls inside a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and allow them to rise again for 60-90 minutes or until puffed up. Test readiness by poking a roll gently; if the dough springs back quickly, it needs more rising, but if it leaves an indentation, it’s ready to bake.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 30-35 minutes, until cooked through and fragrant.
Glaze: While the rolls are still slightly warm, combine powdered sugar, sifted cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and cream or milk to make a smooth glaze. Spread this over the warm rolls for a luscious finishing touch.

Notes

Warming the milk to 100-110°F is critical to activate the yeast without killing it.
Instant coffee in both the dough and filling enhances the chocolate flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
Use unsalted butter for better control over salt content.
Make sure not to over-flour the dough; it should remain slightly sticky for best texture.
Allowing the rolls to fully proof twice ensures a tender and fluffy texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm before serving.
Freeze the baked rolls without glaze and thaw before glazing and serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 320
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg

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