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Home » Bread

The Best Homemade Chocolate Rolls Recipe

Last updated on August 19, 2022Originally published November 21, 201937 CommentsSabine

Jump to Recipe

The aroma of these homemade chocolate rolls, while they are baking, is heavenly! You only need 30 minutes of prep time! If you are still craving rolls after you try this recipe, check out my delicious cinnamon buns and air fryer cinnamon rolls.

several chocolate rolls on baking pan ready to eat
Jump to:
  • Photo instructions
  • Expert tips for success
  • Overnight preparation
  • Storing and reheating
  • Freezing instructions
  • More breakfast recipes to try
  • Recipe

Photo instructions

Start by making the dough. Use a stand mixer with a whisk attachment. Add in the milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until it starts to bubble and become foamy.

milk, sugar, and yeast starting to foam

Whisk the eggs, butter, and salt to the yeast mixture.

liquid ingredients base for yeast dough in a bowl

Put the dough hook on the mixer then add 3 ½ cups of flour. Mix on medium-low speed until the dough comes together. You will notice that it's still sticky to the touch, but it shouldn't stick to the bowl.

Note: If the dough remains super sticky, slowly add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time and continue to mix at low speed. Repeat until it doesn't stick to the bowl anymore, making sure not to add too much flour. The chocolate rolls will become dry otherwise. Don't use more than 4 cups total of flour. Knead the dough at medium speed for 5 minutes.

yeast dough being mixed in a bowl and much of the dough is sticking to the sides of the bowl
yeast dough being mixed releases from the sides of the mixing bowl

Place the ball of dough into a lightly greased bowl. To grease the bowl, use a non-stick spray or a few drops of oil. Put a little bit of grease on top of the dough and cover loosely with a dry towel. Allow the dough ball to rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.

yeast dough with oiled surface in a glass bowl

Mix together the brown sugar, cocoa, and cinnamon for the filling and set it aside. Then roll out the dough, so it forms into a rectangle that is 20x18 inches (50x45 cm) and spread butter all over the dough except for 1-inch around the edges.

yeast dough rolled out into a rectangle covered with butter

Add the sugar and cocoa mixture and top with chocolate evenly.

dough with chocolate and cinnamon sprinkled on it

Roll the dough into a log, starting with the long side. Roll it tightly, then cut 12 equal-sized cinnamon rolls.

a log of rolled dough cut into slices

Place the rolls onto a baking sheet that's been prepared. You don't need to cover the rolls. Place the pan in the oven after you have turned it off and allow them to rise for 30 minutes. They should double in size and leave the door (or wicket) slightly open.

unbaked rolls sitting on a baking pan

After the chocolate rolls have doubled in size, remove them from the oven and preheat it to 375°F (190°C).

risen chocolate rolls on a baking pan ready to be baked

Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes. They will be a light golden brown color when done. To prevent over-browning, after the cinnamon rolls have baked for 10-15 minutes, add a piece of parchment paper on top. 

a dozen freshly baked chocolate rolls in a pan

Prepare the frosting by beating the butter and cream cheese in a stand mixer with a whisk attachment. You can also use a handheld mixer if you prefer. Once the cream cheese is creamy, add in powdered sugar.

mixed butter and cream cheese in a glass bowl

Then add in the cocoa and combine well.

whipped mixture consisting of cream cheese, butter, sugar, and cocoa

Add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until it's the consistency you would like. I added 2 tablespoon of milk to my frosting.

chocolate icing in a glass bowl

After the homemade cinnamon rolls are done baking, allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes then add frosting. You want the cinnamon rolls to be warm when you frost. Eat the chocolate cinnamon rolls warm for the best results.

Expert tips for success

  • If your dough isn't rising, it could be due to expired yeast. You can try putting the dough in a warmer environment and see if it just takes longer to rise. If it doesn't rise at all, it's better to start over with fresh yeast.
  • Different flours can absorb water differently in different climates and environments. This means you may need to hydrate your dough more or less depending on the flour, humidity, temperature, and altitude. Please watch the video and step-by-step photos to see what the dough should look and feel like.
  • Use as little flour as possible when rolling out the dough. The more flour you use, the more flour will be incorporated into the dough and makes your yeast rolls dry.
  • Don't roll the dough out too thinly, or you'll end up with dense rolls.
  • Let the shaped rolls rise until they have doubled in size. If you bake them under-proofed, your rolls won't rise properly. Also, don't overproof them, or they could collapse or shrink after baking.
half eaten and half unrolled chocolate roll on a baking sheet

Overnight preparation

If you want to make the dough the night before to bake the rolls fresh in the morning, just make it and let it rise in the fridge overnight. It should be at least double or even triple in size. Before rolling, filling, and cutting, take the dough out of the fridge for about 30 minutes to allow it to come to room temperature. After cutting, let rise until doubled in size. Since the dough is still cool, this will take a little longer than stated in the recipe.

Storing and reheating

Store the frosted chocolate rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat leftover rolls in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds before serving. You can also reheat them in the oven or air fryer if preferred.

Freezing instructions

  • Freezing before baking - Make the rolls as described, place on parchment paper, and freeze for 1 hour. Then place them in freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, remove them from the bags, place them in the prepared baking pan, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Then proceed as described.
  • Freezing after baking - You can freeze the baked cinnamon rolls with the glaze by flash freezing them for 1 hour. Then transfer to freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, place them for 1-2 hours on the counter or in the fridge overnight.
center piece of a half eaten roll covered with chocolate icing

More breakfast recipes to try

  • Banana Bread
  • Cinnamon Apple Bread
  • Air Fryer Donuts
  • Baked Cake Donuts
  • Chocolate Banana Muffins
  • Blueberry Muffins

Recipe

several chocolate rolls on baking pan ready to eat

The Best Homemade Chocolate Rolls Recipe

4.92 from 24 votes
Author Sabine Venier
Calories: 329kcal
Servings: 12 rolls
Prep 30 minutes
Cook 20 minutes
Rising Time 40 minutes
Total 1 hour 30 minutes
Print Pin Rate
The aroma of these homemade chocolate rolls, while they are baking, is heavenly! Once you bite into these delicious chocolate cinnamon rolls, you will be shocked to know they are so easy to make. You only need 30 minutes of prep time!

Ingredients
  

dough

  • 1 cup milk, lukewarm (240ml)
  • ¼ cup granulated white sugar (50g)
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast (9g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (56g)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (420-480g)

filling

  • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed (100g)
  • 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 6 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened (85g)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate bars chopped or chips (175g)

frosting

  • ⅛ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (28g)
  • ¼ cup cream cheese, softened (56g)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (120g)
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, spooned and leveled (21g)
  • 1-2 tablespoon milk

Instructions

  • Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, using a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine milk, sugar, and yeast and stir to combine. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until it starts to get foamy on the surface. 
  • Add eggs, butter, and salt and whisk to combine.
  • Replace whisk attachment and attach a dough hook. Add 3 ½ cups flour and stir on medium-low speed until the dough comes together. The dough should be a bit sticky to touch but shouldn't stick to the bowl anymore. If it does stick to the sides of the bowl after a few minutes of kneading, add 1 tablespoon of flour at the time (up to 4 cups in total) and mix on low speed until you reach this point. But don't add too much flour or your Chocolate Rolls will be dry.
  • NOTE: How much flour you need depends on the humidity and temperature where you live, as well as the size of the cups (not every cup is equal and as accurate as a kitchen scale). Make sure that you stay at around 4 cups maximum.
  • Then turn on medium speed and knead for about 5 minutes. Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl (brush a few drops of oil in a bowl or use a non-stick spray) and lightly grease the top of the dough. Cover loosely with a dry towel and let rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  • Make the filling: In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, cocoa, and cinnamon. Set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 200°F (100°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • Roll dough into a 20x18 inch (50x45cm) rectangle. Spread the butter all over it, leaving a 1-inch (2,5cm) border at the long side where you end up rolling. Sprinkle sugar mixture and chocolate on top of the butter evenly. Roll-up long side tightly, cut into 12 equal-sized pieces and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Don't cover rolls. Turn off preheated oven and place rolls in the oven to rise for about 30 minutes, until doubled in size. Leave the wicket ajar.
  • Remove rolls from the oven, store at room temperature and preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 20-25 minutes until lightly browned. After 10-15 minutes of baking, place parchment paper on top of the rolls to prevent them from heavy browning.
  • Make the frosting: In a medium mixing bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment beat butter and cream cheese until creamy. Add powdered sugar and stir to combine. Stir in cocoa until well combined. Stir in 1 tablespoon milk at the time until you reach the desired consistency. I added 2 tbsp. 
  • Remove rolls from the oven, let cool for 5-10 minutes and spoon frosting on top of the rolls when they are still warm. I recommend eating the rolls warm. They will stay fresh and soft in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat leftover rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds before serving.

Video

You can find the video in the post above. If you don't see a video, please check your browser settings.

Nutrition

Calories: 329kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 4gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 338mgPotassium: 191mgFiber: 2gSugar: 29gVitamin A: 510IUCalcium: 62mgIron: 1.6mg
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword chocolate buns, chocolate cinnamon rolls, how to make chocolate rolls, the best homemade chocolate rolls recipe
Did you make this recipe?Leave a feedback and rate this recipe!
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About Sabine

Sabine is a professional baker, cookbook author, and award-winning food photographer.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Samantha

    October 16, 2022 at 11:36 am

    5 stars
    I made these for my friends at school and they told me, and I quote, that they are “better than Cinnabon.”

    Reply
  2. Cindy

    June 14, 2021 at 5:26 am

    5 stars
    Sabine,you are a star! The recipe was awesome. 12 rolls were not enough for my daughter and me.I am your faithful follower!

    Reply
  3. Nick Z

    June 09, 2021 at 6:16 pm

    I tried this and found it lovely! One question though. My husband pointed out that the chocolate pieces melted and got a bit too crispy for his liking. He loved the flavor but the crispy chocolate was too much. Does anyone else have this issue? Could it be that I have a fan in my oven so it tends to cook a bit quicker? Any help would be appreciated !

    Reply
    • Sabine

      June 18, 2021 at 8:13 am

      I've never had crispy chocolate pieces in my rolls. Yes, baking with a fan oven requires temperature adjustment. I suggest lowering the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Hope that helps.

      Reply
  4. Sajna

    May 30, 2021 at 5:33 am

    It was absolutely amazing.. made them without cinnamon since the kids were not keen on it... But the rolls we beautiful... Wonderful and easy recipe...

    Reply
  5. Darlene

    November 10, 2020 at 5:42 pm

    5 stars
    These came out so good! It was very simple and easy to follow your recipe. Everybody loved them!! Definitely will be making them again.

    Reply
  6. Joan McDonald

    June 09, 2020 at 4:59 pm

    I would like to try these without cinnamon since my daughter in law is allergic to cinnamon. Have you ever made them without cinnamon? I am actually considering using orange zest instead of cinnamon. I have been making dinner rolls, cinnamon rolls, orange rolls, and caramel rolls since I was 14 and I will be 68 in a few weeks.
    Thank you so very much, Joan McDonald

    Reply
    • Sabine

      June 21, 2020 at 1:37 pm

      Hi Joan,
      yes, that works fine and tastes amazing as well! Orange zest sounds wonderful since orange and chocolate is an irresistible combination. I've gotta try this.
      Have a wonderful day,
      Sabine

      Reply
  7. Joan Mcdonald

    June 03, 2020 at 8:56 pm

    My daughter in law is allergic to cinnamon. Have you tried these without cinnamon?

    Reply
    • Sabine

      June 21, 2020 at 1:28 pm

      Yes, it's absolutely delicious without the cinnamon as well. The cinnamon adds that little extra something-something but it's not necessary to add at all. They are either way wonderful.

      Reply
  8. Em

    October 08, 2019 at 9:38 pm

    5 stars
    Tried this recipe and absolutely loved it! Thanks for making a great recipe!

    Reply
    • Sabine

      October 14, 2019 at 11:04 am

      Thank you so much! I’m glad you like it!

      Reply
    • Jennifer

      March 07, 2020 at 3:08 pm

      5 stars
      I did make these for Saturday brunch with the girls. My rise time was about an hour. I used chocolate chunks instead of chocolate chips because that's what I had on hand. I did do an egg wash because I'm absolutely in love with that golden brown color.
      I baked mine for 15 minutes then covered them with parchment paper to bake the remaining time.
      The girls all said the samething these were AMAZING and not one was left behind! Thànks for the great recipe,

      Reply
  9. Ramya

    June 28, 2019 at 9:53 pm

    Hi any suggestions on what could be substituted for eggs?

    Reply
    • Sabine

      July 08, 2019 at 11:53 am

      I'm sorry, I've never tried rolls without eggs, so I can't confidentially recommend a substitution.

      Reply
  10. Sherry

    June 15, 2019 at 5:36 pm

    Oh my goodness - These rolls are AMAZING!!!!!! Everyone couldn't stop saying how delicious they were. I doubt the pan will last through the night! Perfect directions too! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Sabine

      June 16, 2019 at 2:54 am

      Thank you so much, Sherry! I’m happy that you guys love it as much as we do. Ha, it never survives longer than a day in our house though.

      Reply
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Hi, my name is Sabine Venier! I’m a cookbook author and food blogger. Here on Also The Crumbs Please you will find my collection of treasured family recipes.

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