Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly brewed espresso combined with the warmth of sweet cinnamon and rich chocolate wafting through your kitchen. These Espresso and Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls bring together the robust flavors of coffee, the creaminess of a luxurious cream cheese topping, and the richness of chocolate, all wrapped in soft, fluffy dough. This recipe will not only fill your home with irresistible aromas but will also satisfy every craving for a perfect indulgent breakfast or afternoon treat.
Why You’ll Love This:
These espresso-infused cinnamon rolls combine two favorite indulgences: coffee and chocolate. The smooth and velvety cream cheese topping enhances the rolls with a luscious texture, perfectly balancing the slight bitterness of the espresso with the sweetness of the filling. Every bite is a harmony of flavors, from the soft, buttery dough to the rich cocoa filling, making these rolls a must-try for anyone who loves a twist on the classic cinnamon roll. You’ll love how easy they are to prepare, yet they taste like they came straight from a bakery.
Perfect Occasion:
These rolls are ideal for a weekend breakfast or brunch when you want to serve something special to family or friends. They’re also perfect for cozy autumn afternoons, accompanied by a hot cup of coffee, or as a decadent treat during the holiday season. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in some “me-time,” these espresso and chocolate cinnamon rolls will turn any moment into an occasion.
Decoration Tips:
After baking, drizzle the rolls generously with the cream cheese topping while they’re still warm, allowing it to melt slightly and seep into the nooks and crannies of the rolls. For an added touch, sprinkle some cocoa powder or a dusting of powdered sugar on top, which will give them a refined, bakery-style look. You can also garnish with a few espresso beans or a light chocolate drizzle for a visual and flavorful boost.
Ingredients for Dough:
- 200 ml warm milk (not hot)
- 50 ml brewed coffee or espresso shot
- 40 grams sugar
- 7 grams yeast
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 60 grams melted butter
- 430 grams flour (plus more if needed for kneading)
Instructions for Dough:
- Start by mixing the warm milk, brewed coffee, sugar, vanilla extract, and yeast in a large bowl. Let this mixture rest for about 10 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate.
- Once the yeast mixture is foamy, add the room-temperature egg and whisk until well combined.
- Slowly mix in the melted butter and gradually add the flour. Stir with a spatula until the dough begins to form, then transfer it to a floured surface.
- Knead the dough for 7-10 minutes until it is soft and smooth, but no longer sticky. If the dough is sticky, add a bit more flour as you knead.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 40-50 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, roll the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the filling (recipe below) evenly across the dough. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into individual buns.
- Place the buns in a greased baking pan, leaving some space between each one. Cover and let them proof for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 40-45 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
Filling Ingredients:
- 100 grams softened butter
- 60 grams sugar
- 20 grams cocoa powder
- 25 ml cream or milk
Filling Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and cream or milk. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture has a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Spread this filling evenly over the rolled-out dough before cutting and rolling the buns.
Top Filling Ingredients:
- 250 grams cream cheese or mascarpone
- 70 grams heavy cream
- 50 grams sugar
- 20 grams cocoa powder
Top Filling Instructions:
- Combine the cream cheese (or mascarpone), heavy cream, sugar, and cocoa powder in a bowl. Use a whisk or hand mixer to blend everything together until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and still warm, generously spread or drizzle this mixture over the top of the rolls. Allow the warmth of the rolls to melt the topping slightly.
Enjoy:
Serve these espresso and chocolate cinnamon rolls warm, with extra cream cheese topping on the side. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in every bite!
