Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chocolate cinnamon rolls offer the perfect balance of sweetness, richness, and spice. The dough is soft and fluffy, while the filling is a heavenly blend of cocoa and cinnamon, making each bite a little bit of heaven. Whether you’re treating yourself to a special breakfast or enjoying a sweet treat with a cup of coffee, these rolls will surely impress. Plus, they’re quick to prepare, making them a great option for anyone craving a homemade indulgence without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

3 cups flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup warm milk
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1/4 cup melted butter

For the Filling:

1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp softened butter

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the yeast blooms and becomes foamy.
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and cinnamon. Gradually add the yeast mixture and melted butter, stirring until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 12 inches by 18 inches.
Add the Filling:
Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough.
Roll and Slice:
Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the dough into 12 even rolls and arrange them in a greased baking pan.
Bake the Rolls:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and fully cooked through.
Glaze and Serve:
Allow the rolls to cool slightly before glazing. You can drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or get extra indulgent with cream cheese frosting or melted chocolate.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls

Storage/Reheating

To store leftover chocolate cinnamon rolls, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls the night before. After slicing the dough and placing them in the pan, cover the pan and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

Can I use regular cinnamon instead of the cocoa in the dough?

For a classic cinnamon roll flavor, you can omit the cocoa powder from the dough. You’ll still have a delicious cinnamon roll, though it will not have the rich chocolatey flavor.

What kind of frosting goes well with these rolls?

Cream cheese frosting is a fantastic option, as it adds a tangy sweetness that pairs well with the chocolate and cinnamon. You could also drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a more indulgent treat.

Can I use dairy-free substitutes?

Yes, you can substitute the milk with any non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and use dairy-free butter for the dough and filling.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. After rolling and slicing, place the individual rolls on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer the rolls to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw for a few hours, then bake as usual.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can substitute white sugar for brown sugar if you prefer, but brown sugar adds a bit more moisture and a deeper flavor to the rolls.

How can I make the rolls more gooey?

For an extra gooey texture, you can increase the amount of butter in the filling or drizzle some honey over the rolls before baking.

Can I make this recipe without yeast?

If you’re looking for a quick alternative, you could try using a baking powder dough recipe, but keep in mind it will have a different texture and flavor.

Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips to the filling will make the rolls even more decadent and add extra bursts of chocolate throughout.

How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?

The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and no longer doughy in the center. You can also check by inserting a toothpick into one of the rolls—it should come out clean.

Conclusion

These chocolate cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect blend of soft dough, chocolatey filling, and warm cinnamon spice. Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, they are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Quick to make and incredibly satisfying, these rolls are the perfect treat for any occasion.

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe