Homemade Chocolate Rolls Recipe (Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls)

This homemade chocolate rolls recipe makes soft, fluffy rolls filled with a buttery mixture of brown sugar, cocoa, cinnamon, and chocolate. They have that wonderful chocolate-cinnamon smell while they bake, and the cream cheese chocolate frosting makes them even harder to resist.

I like that these rolls only need 30 minutes of prep time before the rising and baking. If you are still craving homemade rolls after making these, you might also like Cinnamon Buns. Keep reading to see how to get soft, fluffy rolls without adding too much flour.

Jump to:

• Video Instructions
• Try This Homemade Chocolate Rolls Recipe
• Why You’ll Love It
• Ingredients
• How to Make Homemade Chocolate Rolls Recipe
• Recipe Tips
• What Can You Serve With This?
• FAQs
• Recipe

Video Instructions

Try This Homemade Chocolate Rolls Recipe

For me, the best part of these chocolate rolls is the combination of the soft dough, melted chocolate, and chocolate cream cheese frosting. The rolling part is also fun, just like a Swiss roll but simpler.

I also like eating these warm, when the frosting starts to soften over the rolls. They are the kind of homemade breakfast that makes the kitchen smell amazing before you even sit down to eat.

Why You’ll Love It

• Soft and fluffy: Dry ingredients make them so. The dough is kneaded until smooth and allowed to double in size before baking.
• Chocolate in every layer: Cocoa and chocolate go into the filling, while cocoa gives the frosting its chocolate flavor.
• Creamy frosting: Cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and cocoa make a rich topping for the warm rolls. (No need for just egg whites and whisking until soft peaks form; this recipe is simpler than that!)
• Make-ahead friendly: The dough can be prepared the night before and left to rise in the refrigerator.
• Freezer friendly: You can freeze the rolls either before or after baking for later.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: The amount can vary depending on the humidity, temperature, and even how accurately the flour is measured. I add it gradually because using too much can leave the rolls dry.
• Active dry yeast: This is what gives the dough its rise and helps create the soft, fluffy texture. Make sure it becomes foamy after sitting with the lukewarm milk and sugar.
• Semi-sweet chocolate: The chopped chocolate or chocolate chips melt into the filling and give the rolls their rich chocolate center.
• Cream cheese: Cream cheese gives the frosting a creamy texture and a slight tang that works well with the cocoa and powdered sugar.

How to Make Homemade Chocolate Rolls Recipe

1. 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.

2. Whisk the eggs, butter, and salt into the yeast mixture.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Mix the brown sugar, cocoa, and 2 teaspoon cinnamon together 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.

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

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

8. 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.

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

10. 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. 

11. 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.

12. Then add in the cocoa and combine well.

13. 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.

14. 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.

Recipe Tips

• Let the yeast sit in the lukewarm milk and sugar until it becomes foamy before continuing.
• Add extra flour slowly if the dough is still sticking to the bowl, and don't go over 4 cups total.
• Use as little flour as possible when rolling the dough because too much flour can make the rolls dry.
• Don't roll the dough too thin, or the finished rolls can become dense.
• Let the shaped rolls double in size before baking. Under-proofing can keep them from rising properly, while over-proofing can cause them to collapse.
• If the rolls start browning too heavily, cover them with parchment paper after 10–15 minutes of baking.

What Can You Serve With This?

• Fresh fruit: Strawberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas add something fresh alongside the rich chocolate rolls.
• Coffee: A cup of hot coffee is a simple match for the chocolate and cinnamon.
• Tea: Black tea or a mild spiced tea works well with the sweet frosting.
• Hot chocolate: For a very chocolatey breakfast or dessert, serve them with a warm cup of hot chocolate.
• Fresh berries and cream: Berries with a little cream make a lighter side for these rich rolls.

FAQs

Recipe