Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls – A Rich and Decadent Twist on a Classic

These chocolate cinnamon rolls are a decadent twist on the classic cinnamon roll, with a rich cocoa dough and a gooey cinnamon filling. Soft, fluffy, and infused with the deep flavors of chocolate and cinnamon, these rolls are perfect for a cozy fall morning or an indulgent dessert. Topped with a luxurious chocolate sauce, these cinnamon rolls are irresistibly delicious, even without the topping! Serve them warm for the ultimate comforting treat.

Why You’ll Love This:

This recipe combines the rich, comforting flavors of chocolate and cinnamon, making it a must-try for any chocolate lover. The cocoa-infused dough is soft and tender, while the cinnamon-brown sugar filling creates a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The added touch of cream before baking makes the rolls incredibly moist and tender, and the optional chocolate sauce elevates them to a whole new level of indulgence. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy weekend breakfast, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress.

Perfect Occasion:

These chocolate cinnamon rolls are perfect for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or an indulgent dessert. Their rich chocolate flavor and warm cinnamon filling make them an ideal treat for cozy fall and winter mornings, paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They’re also a great choice for sharing with friends and family, whether for a special occasion or just to enjoy a sweet treat together.

Decoration Tips:

For a beautiful finish, drizzle the rolls generously with the chocolate sauce after they’ve cooled slightly. You can also dust them with a bit of powdered sugar for a classic touch, or sprinkle some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top for added texture. For an extra indulgent touch, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 1/2 tsp instant yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 75g (3/4 stick) room temperature butter
• 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (added gradually)

For the Filling:

• 100g (1 stick) room temperature butter
• 1 cup soft brown sugar
• 2 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

For the Chocolate Sauce:

• 3/4 cup chocolate chunks or chips (any type you prefer)
• 2 tbsp milk
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter

Before Baking:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (to pour over rolls)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast activates and the mixture becomes frothy.
   • Add the eggs, salt, cocoa powder, and flour gradually, mixing as you go until a soft dough forms.
   • Once the dough has formed, add the room temperature butter and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth, soft, and elastic.
   • Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a bowl, mix together the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
   • Set aside for spreading on the dough.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
   • After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
   • Spread the softened butter over the surface of the dough to help the filling stick.
   • Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture over the buttered dough.
   • Roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, forming a log.
   • Slice the log into even rolls and place them in a greased baking dish.
4. Second Rise:
   • Let the rolls rise again for about 1 hour until they double in size.
5. Bake the Rolls:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C).
   • Before baking, pour the heavy cream over the rolls to keep them moist.
   • Bake the rolls for 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
6. Prepare the Chocolate Sauce:
   • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate, milk, heavy cream, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is melted and smooth.
7. Serve:
   • Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle them generously with the chocolate sauce.

Enjoy your rich and indulgent chocolate cinnamon rolls – perfect for a cozy, sweet treat!