Name: Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F); ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 large egg; 1 cup mini chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2–3 tablespoons milk; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you adore the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls but crave a chocolatey twist, this Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine soft, pillowy rolls generously swirled with rich cocoa and cinnamon, bursting with mini chocolate chips that melt into every bite. It’s that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and indulgent, bringing both breakfast and dessert dreams to life. This recipe is straightforward enough to make at home, yet so impressive that it’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls lies in their simple, inviting ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and that perfect soft texture. Each element is carefully chosen to enhance the dough, filling, and glaze, making every bite unforgettable.

All-purpose flour (4 cups): The base of your dough, providing structure and chewiness when kneaded just right.
Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): Acts as the leavening agent to give the rolls their iconic rise and fluffiness.
Warm milk (1 cup, about 110°F): Feeds the yeast and enriches the dough with a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds subtle sweetness that balances the cocoa and cinnamon.
Unsalted butter, softened (¼ cup): Creates moisture and richness to keep each roll delectably soft.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and prevents the dough from tasting flat.
Large egg (1): Brings structure and a lovely golden color to the dough.
Mini chocolate chips (1 cup): Infuses bursts of melty chocolate throughout the rolls.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (2 tablespoons): Adds deep, chocolatey flavor without extra sweetness.
Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Offers that classic warmth and spice we all love in cinnamon rolls.
Brown sugar (¼ cup): Provides rich caramel notes in the filling.
Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Used in the filling to help everything stick and melt together.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): The base of the glaze for a smooth, sweet finish.
Milk (2–3 tablespoons): Thins the glaze to just the right consistency.
Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the glaze’s sweetness.

How to Make Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the yeast and prepare the dough

Start by combining warm milk and active dry yeast in a large bowl, then let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy on top. This tells you that your yeast is alive and kicking—essential for those fluffy rolls. Next, stir in sugar, softened butter, salt, and the egg, mixing everything well. Slowly add flour, one cup at a time, until you have a soft dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 6 to 8 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. Then, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the filling and roll the dough

While your dough is rising, mix together cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar in a small bowl. When the dough has doubled, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle roughly 16 by 12 inches. Brush the melted butter over the entire surface—it acts as the perfect glue for the filling. Sprinkle the cocoa-cinnamon mixture evenly atop, then scatter mini chocolate chips. Now comes the fun part: starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.

Step 3: Slice and rise again

Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Place them in a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish, making sure to leave a little space to allow for rising. Cover with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes—this second rise will make them extra fluffy and tender.

Step 4: Bake and glaze your rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. While they bake, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth to create a luscious glaze. Drizzle this glaze generously over the warm rolls as soon as they come out of the oven, allowing it to melt into all those chocolatey swirls.

How to Serve Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

To make your Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls extra special, try sprinkling a few chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder over the glaze. A pinch of flaky sea salt on top can also elevate the flavors by balancing sweetness and adding subtle crunch.

Side Dishes

These rolls are a delight on their own, but if you want to make your breakfast spread truly luxurious, consider pairing them with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a glass of cold milk or hot coffee. The creamy or fruity sides complement the rich chocolate and cinnamon beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving these rolls in a rustic wooden box or a charming ceramic dish adds a touch of warmth to the table. For brunch parties, consider placing individual rolls in cupcake liners for easy handling. You can even drizzle extra glaze tableside for a theatrical, interactive experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the rolls soft and moist without drying out, making your next snack feel freshly baked.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked rolls after slicing by placing them on a tray, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and let rise before baking. Baked rolls also freeze well; simply wrap them tightly to retain moisture for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To bring leftover rolls back to life, warm them gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. Add a fresh drizzle of glaze after reheating for an irresistible treat.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?

Absolutely! Regular chocolate chips work just fine, but mini chips distribute more evenly and melt beautifully throughout each roll.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the milk and butter for plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter to keep it allergy-friendly and still delicious.

Can I make the dough the night before?

You sure can. After kneading the dough, cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. Just remember to let it come to room temperature and rise a bit before rolling out.

What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?

A similar-sized baking dish will work fine. Just ensure there’s enough room for the rolls to expand and rise comfortably while baking.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

They should be golden brown on top and feel firm but springy when gently pressed. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s a cozy weekend morning or a special celebration, this Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe offers a tasty way to bring joy to your table. With its luscious chocolate swirls and comforting cinnamon warmth, these rolls are sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to dive in and share this delicious treat with friends and family—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!