Gooey Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Homemade Bliss in Every Bite

Warm, gooey chocolate cinnamon rolls dance with decadent flavors that promise pure breakfast bliss.

These spiraling pastries blend rich chocolate and aromatic spices into an irresistible morning treat.

Sweet dough swirls with dark cocoa ribbons create a luxurious bakery-style experience at home.

Soft, tender layers melt in your mouth with each delectable bite.

cinnamon warm embrace mingles perfectly with deep chocolate undertones.

Weekend mornings deserve something extraordinary, and these rolls deliver comfort and indulgence in every single slice.

Bake these sensational rolls and watch smiles spread as quickly as the aroma fills your kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 13

Chocolate Cinnamon Roll Ingredients

• Warm Milk: Awakens yeast and helps create soft, pillowy texture.
• Active Dry Yeast: Magical rising agent that brings dough to life, choose fresh package for best results.
• Large Eggs: Provides richness and structure to the dough, ensure room temperature for smooth mixing.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds luxurious flavor and tender crumb, use high-quality butter for best taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces deep, warm undertones to enhance overall flavor profile.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and supports yeast fermentation.

• All-Purpose Flour: Foundational ingredient creating tender, stretchy texture.
• Salt: Enhances flavors and controls yeast growth.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates silky, spreadable base for filling.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Delivers rich caramel-like sweetness.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Introduces deep chocolate intensity.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy aromatic notes.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar: Provides luxurious chocolate chunks throughout.

• Espresso Powder: Elevates chocolate flavor with robust coffee notes.
• Hot Water: Dissolves espresso for concentrated flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, luscious glaze base.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides perfect sweetness and glossy finish.
• Cocoa Powder: Deepens chocolate complexity in topping.

Tools for Baking Rich Cinnamon Rolls

• Stand Mixer: Essential for effortlessly mixing and kneading dough with paddle and dough hook attachments.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining ingredients and rising dough.
• Rolling Pin: Perfect for rolling out dough into a smooth rectangular shape.
• 9: Ideal for baking and presenting the rolls with a rustic touch.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Whisk: Great for blending glaze and milk bath ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Necessary for slicing the rolled dough into even rolls.
• Kitchen Towel: Used to cover dough during rising process.

Directions to Swirl Chocolate Rolls

Chocolate Cinnamon Roll Adventure

• Dough Preparation

Warm milk and awaken yeast in a cozy mixer bowl. Let the mixture bubble and dance for a relaxing moment. Add eggs, butter, sugar, and vanilla for a flavor party. Gradually introduce flour and salt, allowing the ingredients to mingle and get acquainted. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, like a soft pillow. Let the dough rest and rise in a snug, warm spot, transforming into a puffy cloud.

• Filling Magic

Create a delightful spice blend that will make taste buds dance. Sprinkle chocolate pieces across the rolled-out dough like delicious confetti.

• Rolling and Shaping

Gently roll the dough into a beautiful log, slicing it into plump, inviting rolls. Nestle these sweet spirals into a welcoming skillet.

• Baking Brilliance

Heat the oven to a toasty temperature. Drench the rolls in a luxurious espresso milk bath that promises rich, deep flavors. Bake until golden and fragrant.

• Glamorous Glaze

Whip up a silky chocolate glaze that will make the rolls shine. Drizzle the glossy topping over the warm rolls, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Sweet Dough Tips & Toppings

• Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Cooking Tips & Variations
• Dough Temperature Trick: Always check milk warmth carefully to activate yeast without killing it; 110°F is the sweet spot for perfect rising.
• Chocolate Selection Magic: Experiment with dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate chips for different flavor intensities and melting textures.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare rolls the night before, refrigerate overnight, then let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking for maximum flavor development.
• Spice Adventure: Swap ground cinnamon with cardamom or add a pinch of nutmeg for an unexpected flavor twist that elevates the entire dessert.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Replace regular flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend to make these rolls accessible for everyone without compromising taste or texture.

Serving Ideas for Dessert Rolls

• Cozy Brunch Companion: Pair these chocolate cinnamon rolls with a steaming mug of french press coffee or a creamy cappuccino for a decadent morning treat that feels like a warm hug.
• Dessert Transformation: Turn these rolls into an after-dinner sensation by serving them slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Party Presentation: Create an impressive breakfast spread by arranging the rolls on a rustic wooden board, garnishing with fresh mint leaves and a light dusting of powdered sugar for elegant, Instagram-worthy appeal.
• Weekend Sharing Platter: Invite friends over and set up a interactive brunch station where guests can slice their own rolls, drizzle extra glaze, and sprinkle additional chocolate shavings for a personalized touch.

Storing Cinnamon Rolls Without Drying

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Cover cooled chocolate cinnamon rolls tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, storing them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Enjoy delicious flavors even after initial baking.
• Freezing Magic Technique: Wrap individual rolls separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen rolls maintain excellent quality for 2-3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Success Method: Warm refrigerated or thawed rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or reheat in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Add a small splash of milk to prevent dryness and restore soft texture.
• Make-Ahead Breakfast Hack: Prepare rolls up to the point of final rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to allow dough to reach room temperature and complete rising process.

Decadent Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade chocolate cinnamon rolls deliver a rich, indulgent breakfast experience from scratch. Sweet cocoa-infused dough and warm spices create a delightful morning treat you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups / 480 g all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 ½ tsps active dry yeast
• 1 cup / 237 mL warm milk
• ½ cup / 100 g granulated sugar
• 5 tbsps / 71 g unsalted butter, melted
• 6 tbsps / 85 g unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz / 113 g semi-sweet chocolate bar, chopped
• ½ cup / 100 g dark brown sugar
• 2 tbsps unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 package espresso / 0.09 oz / 2.5 g
• ½ cup / 120 mL hot water
• ½ cup / 120 mL heavy cream
• 1 ¼ cups / 150 g powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ tbsp cinnamon
• ½ tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: Warm milk to lukewarm and dissolve yeast, allowing it to bloom for 10 minutes until frothy and aromatic.
2. Develop Dough Base: Blend eggs, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract into the yeast mixture, creating a smooth, uniform liquid foundation.
3. Form Dough Structure: Integrate flour and salt using a dough hook, kneading until the mixture transforms into an elastic, silky dough with robust gluten networks.
4. First Proofing Stage: Transfer dough to an oiled container, cover, and let rise in a warm environment until volume doubles, creating a puffy, pillowy texture.
5. Prepare Filling Components: Combine cinnamon, butter, and sugar into a rich, fragrant spread while simultaneously rolling the proofed dough into a precise rectangular shape.
6. Assembly and Rolling: Distribute filling evenly across the dough, strategically scatter chocolate pieces, then tightly roll into a compact log, maintaining consistent tension.
7. Portioning and Positioning: Slice the log into generously sized rolls and arrange in a well-greased skillet, allowing minimal spacing for potential expansion.
8. Moisture Enhancement: Create an espresso milk bath by mixing espresso and heavy cream, then gently pour half the liquid over the rolls to infuse depth and moisture.
9. Baking Finale: Preheat oven and bake until rolls achieve a golden-brown exterior with a tender, pillowy interior.
10. Finishing Touch: Craft a decadent glaze by whisking remaining espresso milk with powdered sugar and cocoa powder, then drizzle over warm rolls and garnish with reserved chocolate fragments.

Notes

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure milk is lukewarm (110-115°F) to help yeast bloom without killing it, creating a fluffy texture.
• Master Dough Consistency: Knead until smooth and elastic, which develops gluten and prevents dense, heavy rolls.
• Control Rising Environment: Place dough in warm, draft-free spot around 80-85°F for optimal proofing and volume expansion.
• Glaze Application Technique: Pour glaze while rolls are warm for maximum absorption and most decadent flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg