Chocolate cinnamon rolls are the ultimate indulgent twist on a classic favorite. Imagine soft, pillowy dough swirled with a gooey mixture of rich chocolate, warm cinnamon, and brown sugar, then topped with a luscious glaze that melts right into every bite. If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls and a die-hard chocolate lover, this recipe was made for you. These rolls are perfect for cozy weekend breakfasts, brunch with friends, or even a special dessert. Once you make them from scratch, you’ll understand why they’re a must-bake recipe in any home kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls
- Rich and comforting: Chocolate and cinnamon are a dreamy flavor combo.
- Perfect texture: Soft, fluffy dough with gooey, melty filling.
- Impressive but easy: Looks bakery-quality but easy for beginners.
- Customizable: Add nuts, use dark chocolate, or top with cream cheese frosting.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep the night before, bake in the morning.
- Kid-approved and adult-adored: A crowd-pleasing treat for all ages.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the Chocolate-Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Add eggs and stir. Mix in flour and salt gradually until a soft dough forms. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon into a paste.
- Roll & Fill: Roll dough into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly. Sprinkle with chocolate chips.
- Shape the Rolls: Roll dough tightly from the long side. Cut into 12 equal rolls and place in a greased 9×13 pan.
- Second Rise: Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 22–26 minutes, until golden on top and set in the center.
- Glaze & Serve: Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over warm rolls. Serve immediately.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Rise Time: 2 hours
- Bake Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: ~2 hours 50 minutes
- Servings: 12 rolls
- Estimated Cost: $10
Nutrition Facts (per roll, approx.)
- Calories: 370
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
Tips & Variations
🧁 Glaze Ideas:
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Swap powdered sugar glaze with ½ cup cream cheese + 1 cup powdered sugar + 1 tbsp milk.
- Mocha Drizzle: Add a splash of espresso to your glaze for a rich twist.
🍫 Filling Add-Ins:
- Chopped hazelnuts or pecans for crunch
- Nutella instead of butter-based filling
- A sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking
🍞 Dough Tips:
- Use bread flour for a chewier texture
- Make the dough the night before and refrigerate after shaping — bake in the morning!
FAQs
Can I use pre-made dough?
Yes! Store-bought crescent dough or pizza dough works in a pinch, though homemade yields the best flavor.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Absolutely. Freeze after the second rise (before baking) or freeze baked rolls. Just thaw and warm.
How do I make these dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk, dairy-free butter, and chocolate chips. Skip the glaze or use almond milk in it.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes — shape the rolls and refrigerate overnight. Let come to room temp before baking.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can swap up to 50% of the flour with whole wheat — any more and the rolls will be more dense.
Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling Pin
- – 9×13” baking pan
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
Ingredients
- **For the Dough**
- – 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- – ¼ cup granulated sugar
- – 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
- – ½ tsp salt
- – ¾ cup warm milk
- – ¼ cup melted butter
- – 2 large eggs
- **For the Filling**
- – ½ cup softened butter
- – ⅓ cup brown sugar
- – 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- – 1 tbsp cinnamon
- – ¾ cup chocolate chips
- **For the Glaze**
- – 1 cup powdered sugar
- – 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
- – ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix warm milk, butter, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes.
- Add eggs, then gradually mix in flour and salt. Knead until smooth.
- Let rise 1–1.5 hours in a warm spot.
- Mix filling ingredients into a paste.
- Roll dough to 16×12 inches, spread filling, sprinkle chocolate.
- Roll and cut into 12 pieces. Place in greased 9×13 pan.
- Let rise again 30–45 min.
- Bake at 350°F for 22–26 min.
- Whisk glaze and drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
– Add chopped nuts or espresso to glaze
– Store in airtight container 2–3 days or freeze
Conclusion
These chocolate cinnamon rolls are soft, gooey, and outrageously delicious — the kind of homemade treat that turns any morning into a celebration. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or just because you deserve it, these rolls are guaranteed to satisfy. Don’t be surprised if they disappear within minutes of coming out of the oven!