Chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting. There’s something utterly comforting about fresh-baked rolls wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? These chocolate cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion—be it a lazy weekend brunch, a festive gathering, or simply a sweet indulgence for yourself. The rich combination of chocolate and cinnamon creates an inviting aroma that is hard to resist. Topped with luscious chocolate cream cheese frosting, these rolls will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your culinary journey, you’ll find that this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, making memories one gooey bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– Irresistibly delicious: The combination of chocolate and cinnamon makes each bite rich and flavorful.

– Perfect for sharing: Bake these for gatherings, and watch them disappear as everyone reaches for seconds.

– Easy to make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll feel like a baking pro in no time.

– Versatile treat: Enjoy them fresh from the oven or save some for later—they taste amazing either way!

– Family-friendly: These rolls bring everyone together around the table for a sweet moment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the baking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to whip up these delectable chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting.

For the Dough

– 100 g butter

– 500 ml milk

– 100 g white sugar

– 7 g active dry yeast

– 640 g all-purpose flour

– 60 g dark cocoa powder

– 0.5 tsp salt

– 2 tsp vanilla extract

– 1 tsp ground coffee (optional)

For the Filling

– 150 g brown sugar

– 2 tsp cinnamon

– some butter curls

For the Frosting

– 120 g cream cheese

– 4 tbsp milk

– 120 g powdered sugar

– 1 tbsp dark cocoa powder

Variations

The beauty of baking lies in its flexibility! Feel free to experiment with these ideas to make the recipe your own:

– Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for added crunch and flavor.

– Try different spices: Swap out cinnamon for cardamom or nutmeg to give your rolls a unique twist.

– Use different frostings: If you want to switch things up, try using vanilla frosting instead of chocolate.

– Make mini rolls: Cut the dough into smaller pieces before rolling it up for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties.

How to Make Chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the milk and stir until well combined. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly before adding white sugar and active dry yeast. This mixture needs time to activate—about five minutes should do the trick—so keep an eye on those bubbles!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, dark cocoa powder, and salt. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed and ready to create that soft dough we all love.

Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Once your yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the bowl of dry ingredients along with vanilla extract. Stir until everything comes together into a sticky dough. At this point, feel free to add ground coffee if you desire an extra kick of flavor!

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for about eight minutes until smooth and elastic. Kneading is essential as it develops gluten which gives your rolls their wonderful texture.

Step 5: Let It Rise

Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about one hour should suffice.

Step 6: Prepare Filling

While waiting for the dough to rise, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and any optional nuts you may choose into a small bowl. This fragrant blend will add layers of sweetness inside each roll.

Step 7: Shape Your Rolls

Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle shape about half an inch thick. Spread some butter curls across the surface followed by your brown sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly.

Step 8: Roll Up & Cut

Starting from one edge of the rectangle, roll it tightly into a log shape. Slice this log into approximately fifteen equal pieces—each slice will form one delightful roll!

Step 9: Bake

Arrange your sliced rolls in a greased baking dish close together (they will rise again). Cover them lightly with plastic wrap or another towel and let them rise for another thirty minutes while preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake them for about thirty minutes until puffed up and baked through.

Step 10: Make Frosting

While the rolls are cooling slightly after baking, prepare your chocolate cream cheese frosting by beating together cream cheese, milk, powdered sugar, and dark cocoa powder until smooth and creamy.

Step 11: Frost & Serve

Once cooled enough not to melt your frosting away (but still warm), generously spread it over each roll. Enjoy every gooey bite of these chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting

Making chocolate cinnamon rolls can be a delightful experience, especially when you take some extra steps to ensure they turn out perfectly. Here are some tips to make your baking adventure even more enjoyable and successful:

– Use fresh yeast: Ensure that your active dry yeast is fresh for the best rise. If it bubbles when mixed with warm milk, you’re good to go!

– Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing the dough to rise gives the rolls their soft texture. Be patient; it’s worth it!

– Roll tightly: When rolling up your dough, keep it snug but not too tight. This helps create those beautiful layers without the filling spilling out.

– Experiment with fillings: Feel free to add chopped nuts or swap in different spices for a unique twist on flavor.

– Serve warm: These rolls are at their absolute best when served warm from the oven, paired with that luscious frosting.

How to Serve Chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting

Presenting your delicious chocolate cinnamon rolls can elevate your dessert experience. Here are a few ideas to make them even more enticing:

Garnishes

– Fresh berries: Add a pop of color and freshness with some strawberries or raspberries on the side.

– Mint leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint can enhance flavor and provide a lovely visual touch.

Side Dishes

– Fresh fruit salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the rolls.

– Coffee or tea: Brew a pot of your favorite coffee or tea to complement these sweet treats.

– Whipped coconut cream: For an added layer of indulgence, serve with whipped coconut cream on top or alongside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Planning ahead can make enjoying these chocolate cinnamon rolls even easier. Here’s how to store them properly for later enjoyment:

Storing Leftovers

– Let the rolls cool completely before storing them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

– You can also wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go options.

Freezing

– To freeze, place the cooled rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them into freezer-safe bags.

– They can be frozen for up to three months; just remember to label them!

Reheating

– To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

– You can also microwave them briefly, about 20 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it as they may become tough.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making chocolate cinnamon rolls that might help you:

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly. You might need to adjust the amount of liquid as well.

Can I make these rolls vegan?

Absolutely! Replace butter with vegan alternatives and use plant-based milk and cream cheese substitutes.

How do I know when my dough has risen enough?

Your dough should double in size during its resting period. A good test is to gently poke it; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready.

Final Thoughts

Baking these chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s also about creating joyful moments in the kitchen. I invite you to try this recipe and share it with family and friends. Enjoy every gooey bite!

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Delightful chocolate cinnamon rolls topped with luscious chocolate cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Servings: 15 rolls

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients

100 g butter
500 ml milk
100 g white sugar
7 g active dry yeast
640 g all-purpose flour
60 g dark cocoa powder
0.5 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground coffee optional
150 g brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
some butter curls
120 g cream cheese
4 tbsp milk
120 g powdered sugar
1 tbsp dark cocoa powder

Method

Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the milk and stir until well combined. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly before adding white sugar and active dry yeast. This mixture needs time to activate—about five minutes should do the trick—so keep an eye on those bubbles!
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, dark cocoa powder, and salt. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed and ready to create that soft dough we all love.
Once your yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the bowl of dry ingredients along with vanilla extract. Stir until everything comes together into a sticky dough. At this point, feel free to add ground coffee if you desire an extra kick of flavor!
Transfer your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for about eight minutes until smooth and elastic. Kneading is essential as it develops gluten which gives your rolls their wonderful texture.
Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about one hour should suffice.
While waiting for the dough to rise, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and any optional nuts you may choose into a small bowl. This fragrant blend will add layers of sweetness inside each roll.
Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle shape about half an inch thick. Spread some butter curls across the surface followed by your brown sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly.
Starting from one edge of the rectangle, roll it tightly into a log shape. Slice this log into approximately fifteen equal pieces—each slice will form one delightful roll!
Arrange your sliced rolls in a greased baking dish close together (they will rise again). Cover them lightly with plastic wrap or another towel and let them rise for another thirty minutes while preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake them for about thirty minutes until puffed up and baked through.
While the rolls are cooling slightly after baking, prepare your chocolate cream cheese frosting by beating together cream cheese, milk, powdered sugar, and dark cocoa powder until smooth and creamy.
Once cooled enough not to melt your frosting away (but still warm), generously spread it over each roll. Enjoy every gooey bite of these chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting!