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Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Perfection Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 132 reviews
  • Author: Luna
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x

Description

Indulge in these irresistibly soft and gooey Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls, combining the rich flavors of cocoa and cinnamon in a tender, fluffy dough. Perfectly topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these rolls elevate a classic favorite to a decadent treat ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

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 highly 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 ensure they are evenly mixed, creating a base for the dough.
  2. Activate the Yeast: In a separate bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm milk and let it stand for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add melted butter and beaten eggs to the yeast mixture, whisking to combine. Then pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes. Adjust flour as needed to achieve a slightly tacky but not sticky dough.
  5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat, cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
  6. Combine Filling Ingredients: While the dough rises, cream together the softened butter, sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl until smooth and well combined.
  7. Roll Out the Dough: Once doubled, punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
  8. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the prepared chocolate cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving a small border on one long edge. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the filling if using.
  9. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log and pinch the seam to seal.
  10. Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp serrated knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices.
  11. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  12. Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Tent with foil if tops brown too quickly.
  13. Cool Slightly: Allow the rolls to cool in the baking dish for 10-15 minutes before frosting.
  14. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: While the rolls bake, beat softened cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
  15. Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth, then stir in vanilla extract.
  16. Adjust Consistency: Add milk one tablespoon at a time to reach desired frosting consistency.
  17. Frost the Rolls: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm rolls.
  18. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chocolate cinnamon rolls warm for the ultimate indulgence.

Notes

  • You can substitute whole milk with any milk of choice, but whole milk offers the best texture.
  • Ensure the milk is not too hot when activating yeast to avoid killing it; 110-115°F is optimal.
  • Adding chocolate chips in the filling is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor and texture.
  • Allowing the rolls to cool slightly before frosting helps prevent the frosting from melting completely.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chocolate cinnamon rolls, baked cinnamon rolls, chocolate rolls, cream cheese frosting, breakfast pastry, homemade cinnamon rolls

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Find it online: https://bitesbyluna.com/chocolate-cinnamon-rolls-the-ultimate-guide-to-baking-perfection-recipe/