chocolate cinnamon rolls

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

If you love classic cinnamon rolls and can’t resist chocolate, these Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls are the best of both worlds. Soft, fluffy yeast dough is swirled with a rich chocolate-cinnamon filling, baked until pillowy and golden, then finished with a silky chocolate or vanilla glaze.

Perfect for weekend baking, holiday mornings, or when you want an extra-special treat, these rolls are indulgent without being overly sweet. The chocolate flavor is deep and balanced, complementing the warmth of cinnamon rather than overpowering it.

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Soft, fluffy texture with gooey centers
Rich chocolate filling with warm cinnamon spice
Perfect for brunch or dessert
Make-ahead friendly for stress-free mornings
Crowd-pleasing recipe for special occasions

Ingredients

For the Dough

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
½ tsp salt
¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
1 large egg
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Cinnamon Filling

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate

For the Glaze (Choose One)

Chocolate Glaze

¾ cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2–3 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract

Vanilla Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Add remaining sugar, egg, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.

Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips until well combined.

Step 3: Roll and Fill

Roll the risen dough into a rectangle about 16 × 12 inches. Spread the chocolate cinnamon filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.

Starting from the long side, roll tightly into a log. Slice into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 4: Second Rise

Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover loosely and let rise for 30–40 minutes, until puffy.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F.
Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through.

Step 6: Glaze

While rolls are warm, whisk together glaze ingredients and drizzle generously over the top. The glaze will melt into the rolls, creating a gooey finish.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Warm milk, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast
Don’t overfill or the rolls may leak while baking
Slice gently to keep rolls round and even
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor
Add cream (¼ cup) to the pan before baking for extra gooey rolls

Variations

Double Chocolate Rolls

Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the dough for an extra chocolate boost.

Nutty Chocolate Rolls

Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the filling.

Cream Cheese Glaze

Swap glaze for cream cheese frosting for a richer finish.

Overnight Rolls

Prepare rolls up to slicing, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking.

Storage & Reheating

Room temperature: 2 days, covered
Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
Freezer: Freeze unfrosted rolls up to 2 months
Reheat: Microwave briefly or warm in oven at 160°C / 325°F

Serving Suggestions

Serve with coffee, espresso, or hot chocolate
Pair with fresh berries to balance richness
Perfect for holiday mornings or brunch spreads

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls are soft, rich, and irresistibly indulgent. With fluffy dough, gooey chocolate-cinnamon filling, and a sweet glaze, they’re the kind of bake that makes any morning feel special. Whether you serve them for brunch, dessert, or a cozy weekend treat, they’re guaranteed to impress.