Irresistible Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe | Easy Homemade Pastry
Soft, fluffy, and filled with rich cocoa and cinnamon, these irresistible chocolate cinnamon rolls are topped with a decadent chocolate glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re a sweet treat that looks as good as it tastes.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Stand mixer or whisk
- Rolling Pin
- Baking dish (9x13 inch)
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 egg + 1 yolk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
For the filling:
- ½ cup softened butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or cream cheese glaze option
Instructions
- Make dough: Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit until foamy. Add egg, butter, salt, and flour. Knead until smooth. Cover and let rise until doubled (1–2 hours).
- Prepare filling: Mix butter, brown sugar, cocoa, and cinnamon.
- Roll dough: Roll into a rectangle. Spread filling evenly, sprinkle chocolate chips.
- Shape rolls: Roll tightly into a log, slice into 12 pieces, and place in greased baking dish.
- Second rise: Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Glaze: Drizzle with icing or cream cheese glaze while warm.
Notes
- Chocolate choice: Dark chocolate adds richness; milk chocolate makes rolls sweeter.
- Make-ahead: Prepare rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze baked rolls; reheat in oven for softness.
- Healthier swaps: Use whole wheat flour or reduce sugar for a lighter version.
- Tip: Always let dough rise fully for maximum fluffiness.