Description
Delight in these decadent Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls featuring a rich cocoa-infused dough, a sweet cinnamon sugar and chocolate chip filling, and a luscious chocolate cream cheese frosting. Perfectly fluffy and bursting with warm cinnamon and chocolate flavors, these rolls are a heavenly treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Dough
- ¼ cup warm water (105°F)
- ¼ cup + 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar, divided
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm whole milk (105°F)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Filling
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter, softened
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup salted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine the warm water, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and active dry yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active. Alternatively, mix by hand with a wooden spoon in a large bowl.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add warm milk, remaining ¼ cup sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Use the dough hook to mix until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Incorporate 2 cups of flour, cocoa powder, salt, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon into the wet mixture. Start mixing on low speed and gradually increase to high with the dough hook.
- Form Dough: Add remaining ¼ cup flour gradually, ¼ cup at a time, mixing until a smooth, slightly tacky ball of dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for 3-5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape it into a ball.
- First Rise: Grease a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with a warm, damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: While the dough rises, mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Melt the butter separately to brush on later. Optionally, combine butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar until uniform for easier spreading.
- Shape Dough: On a floured surface, gently press the risen dough to release gas and form into a rectangle. Roll it out to approximately 18 inches long by 10 inches wide, about ¼ inch thick.
- Apply Filling: Spread melted butter evenly over the dough with a pastry brush. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over it, pressing gently to adhere. Next, sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly on top.
- Roll and Cut: Roll the dough tightly lengthwise into a log about 18 inches long. Using a tape measure, mark every 2 inches and cut into 9 equal rolls.
- Second Rise: Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease. Arrange the rolls in 3 rows of 3, spacing evenly. Cover and let rise for 30-60 minutes until nearly doubled or slightly puffed.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Make Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Do not chill, keep at room temperature.
- Frost Rolls: Remove rolls from oven and immediately spread the chocolate cream cheese frosting on top while they are still warm.
- Serve: Allow rolls to cool slightly and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure water and milk are warm (not hot) at 105°F to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- The dough should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky; add flour gradually.
- Measuring and cutting rolls precisely ensures even baking and uniform size.
- Use softened butter and cream cheese for the frosting to achieve a smooth consistency.
- You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it for a slow rise to enhance the flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
