If you thought classic cinnamon rolls couldn’t get any better, wait until you try these Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls. Imagine pillowy soft dough, rich chocolate-cinnamon filling, and a silky chocolate glaze that melts right into every swirl. These rolls are the perfect indulgent twist on a breakfast favorite — warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible.
Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, holiday morning, or just a cozy chocolate craving, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results right from your kitchen.
❤️ Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls
- 🍫 Decadent twist on the classic cinnamon roll.
- 🥐 Soft, fluffy dough that melts in your mouth.
- 🍯 Rich chocolate filling for extra indulgence.
- 👩🍳 Easy to make ahead – perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- 🌟 Looks fancy but totally doable – even for beginner bakers!
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
For the Chocolate-Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 How to Make Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy and activated.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
Add in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg.
Stir until a soft dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon until creamy and spreadable.
Step 4: Roll It Out
Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
Spread the chocolate-cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate.
Step 5: Roll & Cut
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
Slice into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for clean cuts.
Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until the centers are soft but cooked through.
Let cool for 5–10 minutes before glazing.
Step 7: Make the Chocolate Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
Drizzle generously over warm rolls and watch it melt into the layers of chocolatey goodness! 🍫
🍯 Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls
- Warm ingredients only – cold milk or eggs can stop the yeast from rising.
- Don’t overbake – slightly underdone means extra gooey centers.
- Make ahead – assemble the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.
- Use quality cocoa – the better the chocolate, the richer the flavor.
- Add espresso powder – just a pinch enhances the chocolate taste beautifully.
🍫 Flavor Variations
- ☕ Mocha Cinnamon Rolls: Add 1 tsp instant coffee to the dough for a subtle coffee note.
- 🥜 Chocolate Peanut Butter Rolls: Spread a thin layer of peanut butter under the chocolate filling.
- 🍒 Black Forest Rolls: Add chopped cherries or cherry jam inside before rolling.
- 🍪 Cookies & Cream Rolls: Mix crushed Oreos into the filling for a fun twist.
🍽️ How to Serve
These Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls are divine warm out of the oven, but they’re also amazing served slightly cooled with:
- A glass of cold milk 🥛
- A latte or cappuccino ☕
- A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert
🧊 Storage & Reheating
To Store: Keep rolls covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To Reheat: Microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds to make them soft again.
To Freeze: Freeze baked (and cooled) rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, then warm gently before serving.
🕒 Quick Recipe Recap
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 25 minutes |
| Rise Time | 1½–2 hours |
| Bake Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | ~2½ hours |
| Servings | 12 rolls |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Category | Breakfast / Dessert |
💬 Why Everyone Loves Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls
These Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate indulgence — a dreamy blend of soft pastry, rich chocolate, and a hint of spice. Every swirl is filled with gooey, decadent goodness that feels luxurious but comforting at the same time.
Perfect for holidays, brunches, or cozy weekends at home, they turn any morning into something special. Once you try them, you’ll never look at regular cinnamon rolls the same way again.
So go ahead — pour a cup of coffee, preheat your oven, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a batch of these warm, melt-in-your-mouth Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls. You deserve it! 🍫💞
Print
Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls – Soft, Gooey, and Filled with Sweet Cocoa Bliss
Ingredients
For the dough:
• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ½ cup warm milk (105–110°F / 40–43°C)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup melted butter or coconut oil
• ½ tsp salt
For the filling:
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
• 3 tbsp cold butter, cubed (or softened for easier spreading)
For the glaze:
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a bowl, mix warm milk, 2 tbsp sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, add yeast mixture, ⅓ cup sugar, egg, melted butter, and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add flour, ½ cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead 3–5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
- Make the filling: Mix brown sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly (or spread softened butter first, then sprinkle dry mix).
- Roll dough into a 9×12-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Sprinkle filling evenly over dough.
- Roll up tightly from the long side. Pinch seam to seal. Cut into 12 slices.
- Place rolls cut-side up in a greased 9-inch round or square baking dish. Cover and let rise 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 22–25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool slightly, then drizzle with glaze made by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
✨ Serve warm—the ultimate breakfast or brunch treat!
💡 Make ahead: Assemble the night before, refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 20 mins + 1 hr 30 mins rise , Cook Time : 25 mins , Total Time : 2 hrs 35 mins , Servings : 12 rolls , Calories : 190 , Net Carbs: 29g , Fats: 7g , Protein: 3g