Description
These Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and loaded with a rich dark chocolate cinnamon filling, then finished with a smooth chocolate glaze. A cozy, indulgent breakfast or brunch treat that feels bakery-worthy but is totally doable at home.
Ingredients
Dark Chocolate Cinnamon Roll Filling
2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons black cocoa powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Chocolate Cinnamon Roll Dough
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
1 teaspoon fine salt
1 teaspoon instant espresso or coffee
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 large egg, room temperature
Chocolate Glaze
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
2/3 cup milk or dark chocolate chips
3 tablespoons whole milk
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, black cocoa powder, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 200°F, then turn it off.
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, cocoa powder, yeast, salt, and espresso powder.
Heat milk, granulated sugar, and butter until warm to the touch.
Slowly mix the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients.
Add the egg and mix until a sticky dough forms.
Knead for 2–3 minutes, adding flour as needed until tacky but not sticky.
Cover and rest dough for 15 minutes.
Roll dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
Spread softened butter over dough, leaving one edge bare.
Sprinkle filling evenly and gently press it in.
Roll tightly and cut into 9 rolls.
Place in a greased 8×8-inch pan.
Cover and let rise in the warm oven for 30 minutes.
Remove pan, uncover, and preheat oven to 350°F.
Bake for 26–32 minutes.
Melt butter, chocolate chips, and milk for glaze.
Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla.
Drizzle glaze over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
Instant yeast is recommended for best rise.
Active dry yeast can be used but requires activation and a longer rise time.
Rolls can be assembled the night before and refrigerated overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 644 kcal