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Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.2 from 9 reviews

  • Author: Eliza
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich flavors of cocoa and cinnamon with a tender, buttery dough. Filled with a luscious chocolate cinnamon mixture and topped with a decadent chocolate glaze, these rolls are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Filling

  • 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar (133g)
  • 2 Tbsp black cocoa powder (14g)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (3g)

Dough

  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (406g), plus up to 1/2 cup additional flour (up to 500g total)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted (50g)
  • 2 tsp or 1 packet instant dry yeast (7g)
  • 1 tsp fine salt (6g)
  • 1 tsp instant espresso or coffee powder (2g)
  • 1 cup whole milk (240ml)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (56g) - for dough mix
  • 1 large egg, room temperature (56g)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (56g) - to spread on dough

Glaze

  • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature (8g)
  • 2/3 cup milk or dark chocolate chips (120g)
  • 3 Tbsp whole milk (45ml)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (125g)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4ml)

Instructions

  1. Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar, 2 Tbsp black cocoa powder, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon until well combined. Set aside for later use.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). This low temperature is used later for dough rising.
  3. Combine Dry Dough Ingredients: In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, add 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 packet instant yeast, 1 tsp instant espresso powder, and 1 tsp salt. Mix to combine.
  4. Heat Wet Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter. Heat on high for 60-90 seconds until warm to touch. Stir to mix.
  5. Form Dough: Slowly add the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients and mix on medium speed with a dough hook until the dough begins to form.
  6. Add Egg: Add 1 large egg and mix on low speed until a sticky dough ball forms.
  7. Knead Dough: Continue mixing at medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the dough becomes elastic. Add additional flour, 1 Tbsp at a time, until the dough pulls away from the bowl and feels tacky but not sticky.
  8. Rest Dough: Cover dough with plastic wrap and let rest for 15 minutes to relax the gluten, which makes rolling easier.
  9. Roll Out Dough: Generously flour your countertop and roll the dough into a 12-inch by 18-inch rectangle about 1/2 cm thick.
  10. Spread Butter: Spread 1/4 cup softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch strip uncovered along one long edge to help seal the roll.
  11. Add Filling: Sprinkle the prepared chocolate cinnamon filling evenly over the buttered dough, pressing lightly with the back of a spoon or spatula.
  12. Roll Dough: Starting at the long edge, tightly roll the dough toward the uncovered strip, creating a log shape.
  13. Cut Rolls: Using dental floss or a sharp knife, cut the dough roll into 9 equal pieces (or more for smaller rolls) and place them in a greased 8x8 inch square baking pan.
  14. First Rise in Oven: Turn off the oven. Cover the pan with foil and place it inside the turned-off oven for 30 minutes to allow the rolls to rise until puffy.
  15. Preheat to Bake: Remove foil, turn the oven on, and preheat to 350°F (175°C).
  16. Bake: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 26-32 minutes until cooked through and slightly firm on top. About 28 minutes is optimal for a gooey yet baked texture.
  17. Prepare Glaze: In a medium bowl, combine 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, 2/3 cup chocolate chips, and 3 Tbsp whole milk. Heat in microwave on medium-high (power level 7) for 60 seconds until melted. Stir until smooth, then add 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Whisk until glossy and smooth.
  18. Cool and Glaze: Let the cinnamon rolls cool for 5-10 minutes after baking. Drizzle the chocolate glaze evenly over the warm rolls.
  19. Serve: Serve warm to enjoy the gooey chocolate and cinnamon flavors at their best.

Notes

  • Use dental floss to cut rolls cleanly without squashing them.
  • Ensure milk mixture is warm, not hot, to activate yeast properly.
  • Adjust bake time if you prefer softer or firmer rolls.
  • Dough should feel tacky but not sticky for best texture.
  • Let rolls cool slightly before glazing to prevent glaze from melting away.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Baked Goods
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipekind.com/chocolate-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/