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Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 112 reviews

These Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic fluffy cinnamon roll with a rich chocolate twist for an indulgent breakfast or dessert. Soft, buttery dough is filled with a luscious blend of cocoa powder, cinnamon, and sugar, sprinkled with melty chocolate chips, then baked to golden perfection and topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. This ultimate guide walks you through each step for perfect rolls every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C)
  • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Filling

  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (60g) chocolate chips (optional but recommended)

Frosting

  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–4 tablespoons milk, or more to reach desired consistency

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt to distribute evenly.
  2. Activate the Yeast: In a separate bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy to confirm yeast is active.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the melted butter and beaten eggs to the yeast mixture, whisk to combine, then pour into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the Dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead in a stand mixer with dough hook on medium speed for 5 minutes. Dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. Add flour in tablespoon increments if too sticky.
  5. First Rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.
  6. Combine Filling Ingredients: While dough rises, cream together softened butter, sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
  7. Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Roll out on floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
  8. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the chocolate cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving a small border along one long edge. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over filling if using.
  9. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, roll dough tightly into a log. Pinch seam to seal.
  10. Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp serrated knife or dental floss, cut log into 12 equal slices.
  11. Second Rise: Place rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes in a warm place until puffy.
  12. Bake the Rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Tent with foil if tops brown too fast.
  13. Cool Slightly: Let rolls cool for 10-15 minutes in the dish before frosting.
  14. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  15. Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth, then stir in vanilla extract.
  16. Adjust Consistency: Add milk one tablespoon at a time to the frosting to reach desired spreading consistency.
  17. Frost the Rolls: Spread cream cheese frosting evenly over warm rolls.
  18. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy these rich, fluffy chocolate cinnamon rolls.

Notes

  • Make sure the milk is warmed to about 110-115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • For best texture, do not add too much extra flour during kneading—dough should be slightly tacky.
  • Chocolate chips are optional but highly recommended for extra melty chocolate bursts.
  • If tops brown too quickly in the oven, cover loosely with foil partway through baking.
  • Leftover rolls can be reheated briefly in the microwave or oven to refresh them.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and use non-dairy milk.

Keywords: chocolate cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, chocolate rolls, breakfast pastry, cream cheese frosting

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