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!
I will share with you how to make the best cinnamon roll recipe with easy-to-follow directions. Plus, you will have photos and a video too!
If you are still craving chocolate after you try this cinnamon roll recipe, check out my sinfully delicious chocolate cheesecake recipe.
Why this homemade chocolate rolls recipe works:
- They are decadent, sweet, and full of intense chocolate flavor.
- You can serve this chocolate roll recipe for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- You only need 30 minutes of prep.
- They only require 40 minutes to rise.
- How To Make Homemade Chocolate Rolls
- Baker’s Tips
- Substitutions
- Can I Make These Chocolate Rolls Without Milk?
- I’m Out Of Light Brown Sugar, What Can I Use Instead?
- Frequently Asked Questions And Answers
- How Do You Measure Flour?
- How Long Does These Chocolate Rolls Last And How To Store Them?
- Can You Freeze Cinnamon Rolls?
- Recipe Video
How To Make Homemade Chocolate Rolls
FIRST STEP: 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.
SECOND STEP: Whisk the eggs, butter, and salt to the yeast mixture.
THIRD STEP: Put the dough hook on the mixer then add 3 1/2 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 tbsp 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.
The humidity and temperature where you live will significantly affect how much flour you need. Plus, the size of the cups can differ too. Use your kitchen scale whenever possible.
FOURTH STEP: Knead the dough at medium speed for 5 minutes.
In the next two pictures, you see how the dough comes off the sides of the bowl after a few minutes of kneading. In the end, the bowl should be mostly clean.
FIFTH STEP: 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.
SIXTH STEP: Mix together the brown sugar, cocoa, and cinnamon for the filling. Set it aside.
SEVENTH STEP: You will need to line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 200°F (100°C).
EIGHTH STEP: Roll out the dough, so it forms into a rectangle that is 20×18 inches (50×45 cm) and put butter all over the dough except for 1-inch around the edges.
NINTH STEP: Add the sugar and cocoa mixture and top with chocolate evenly.
TENTH STEP: Roll the dough into a log, starting with the long side. Roll it tightly, then cut 12 equal-sized cinnamon rolls.
ELEVENTH STEP: 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.
TWELFTH STEP: After the chocolate rolls have doubled in size, remove them from the oven and preheat it to 375°F (190°C).
THIRTEENTH STEP: 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.
FOURTEENTH STEP: 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.
FIFTEENTH STEP: Then add in the cocoa and combine well.
SIXTEENTH STEP: Add 1 tbsp of milk at a time until it’s the consistency you would like. I added 2 tbsp of milk to my frosting.
SEVENTEENTH STEP: 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.
Baker’s Tips
- Use high-quality cocoa and chocolate.
- Don’t add too much flour to chocolate rolls.
- Apply the frosting while the rolls are still warm, so it melts some.
Substitutions
Can I Make These Chocolate Rolls Without Milk?
Yes, you can make this homemade cinnamon rolls recipe without milk. You can replace the milk with almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, or any other milk substitute that works for you. The flavor and texture may be slightly different, but this will still be the best cinnamon roll recipe!
I’m Out Of Light Brown Sugar, What Can I Use Instead?
If you find yourself out of light brown sugar, don’t worry, you can still make this chocolate roll recipe. If you have dark brown sugar on hand, use that.
Another option would be to take 3/4 tbsp or molasses and add it to 1/2 cup of white sugar and mix it well.
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers
How Do You Measure Flour?
You would think that measuring flour would seem like a no-brainer, but if you don’t do it correctly, you will end up with dry, unappealing baked goods. First, take a spoon and fill it and place it in the measuring cup. Do this until you have the cup full. Then take a butter knife and slowly swipe the top of the flour off and back into the flour container. Do this every time, and you don’t have to worry about these chocolate cinnamon rolls being dried out.
How Long Does These Chocolate Rolls Last And How To Store Them?
This homemade cinnamon rolls recipe will last around 3 days if you keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Make sure they are kept away from strong-smelling foods when they are in the fridge. Pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to warm them back up.
Can You Freeze Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes, absolutely, you can freeze these easy cinnamon rolls. You have a couple of choices when it comes to freezing the rolls. You can prepare the chocolate rolls and skip letting them rise. Then place them in the freezer and begin rising after you take them out. Or you can prepare and bake them as the recipe calls for. Then freeze the baked cinnamon rolls. For best results, cover the cinnamon rolls with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then you can put them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Thaw the homemade chocolate cinnamon rolls in the refrigerator, then rise and bake if they haven’t been baked yet. Or if you have cooked them already, just warm them up in the microwave.
If you make this Best Homemade Chocolate Rolls Recipe leave a comment, rate it, and tag a photo #alsothecrumbsplease on Instagram! I would love to see your snap!
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!
- 1 cup milk, lukewarm (240ml)
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar (50g)
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast (9g)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (56g)
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (420-480g)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed (100g)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (85g)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate bars chopped or chips (175g)
- 1/8 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (28g)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened (56g)
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (120g)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, spooned and leveled (21g)
- 1-2 tbsp milk
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 1/2 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 tbsp 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 tbsp 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.
Recipe Video
Recommendations
- Use high-quality cocoa and chocolate.
- Don't add too much flour to chocolate rolls.
- Apply the frosting while the rolls are still warm so it melts some.
Substitutions
Can I Make These Chocolate Rolls Without Milk?
Yes, you can make these chocolate cinnamon rolls without milk. You can replace the milk with almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, or any other milk substitute that works for you. The flavor and texture may be slightly different, but this will still be the best cinnamon roll recipe!
I'm Out Of Light Brown Sugar, What Can I Use Instead?
If you find yourself out of light brown sugar, don't worry you can still make this chocolate roll recipe. If you have dark brown sugar on hand, use that.
Another option would be to take 3/4 tbsp or molasses and add it to 1/2 cup of white sugar and mix it well.
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
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
My daughter in law is allergic to cinnamon. Have you tried these without cinnamon?
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.
Tried this recipe and absolutely loved it! Thanks for making a great recipe!
Thank you so much! I’m glad you like it!
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,
Hi any suggestions on what could be substituted for eggs?
I’m sorry, I’ve never tried rolls without eggs, so I can’t confidentially recommend a substitution.
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!
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.
What size pan do you recommend if not to go with the 9×13 like you mentioned?
You can place them in a 9″ baking pan but then they don’t have that much place to rise. Alternatively, you can place them next to each other on a baking sheet.
Hi Sabine,
These rolls look so good! Would you think that proofing them in the fridge overnight would work? I’d like to make these the night before and have these ready to go in the AM to bake for breakfast!
Hi Nick,
Yes, absolutely. You can place them coin the fridge. The next morning, let them come to room temperature and then bake as described. Hope that helps!
Just made them and ate them, they are delicious! Never made a bread or something like that, that succeeded. Made cinnamon rolls once but they were very hard. Those are really fluffy and love the chocolate taste.
Thank you so much, Elise! I’m happy that you like them!
So delicious- was well worth temporarily pausing my diet..thank you Sabine!
Thank you so much, Filiz! I’m happy that it was worth it 🙂
This is going to be a very fine Monday – because we’ll be having these rolls for dinner 😀
That sounds awesome. I hope you like them!
Wow….it was a great experience to make them..but here in India the active yeast took good 20-25 minutes to rise and the proofing/rising the dough also took more time…the original taste/flavour of cinnamon was subdued by cocoa and chocolate ….but I am thankful to you for such a great recipe….
Thank you so much for your feedback! I did not know that there is such a difference. I’m happy that it turned out great.
Hello. Im a baking fan thanks for sharing this recipe. I have tried it but the rolls comes out with too much browning. Nice recipe, will try it again
Hi Angiela, I’m happy that you like this recipe. However, in the recipe, I recommend baking the rolls for about 20-25 minutes until they are lightly browned. Too prevent them from heavy browning, place a piece of parchment paper on top of the rolls to cover them after the first 10-15 minutes (it stands under point 5). This avoids heavy browning. Happy baking 🙂
Great recipe.
I made cinnamon cakes instead of chocolate. They came out very tender.
I’m not such a baking fan, but hey-you got me here!
Thank you so much, Orit! These rolls are my go-to recipe for almost every filling. Cinnamon is still one of the best. I’m happy that you like it 🙂
Hi! This recipe is awesome, thank you!! I have just one question: do you think is possible to freeze them? I’d like to make ahead for a bridal shower 🙂
Hi Sofia,
Thank you so much, I’m glad you like this recipe! It is possible to freeze the baked and unglazed rolls up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, glaze them and warm up in the microwave for about 20 seconds before serving. However, rolls are best eaten fresh.
Happy baking (:
Ok first and foremost, these look absolutely superb Sabine. That delicious chocolate frosting has me drooling. Second of all, good on you for making that decision. All those things that people said to you, I say to myself and I shouldn’t because I want to love every day too 🙂
Thank you so much, Marie! And sorry to cause you some serious cravings. (: It was one of the best decisions in my life. My motto is: When you can dream it, you can do it! Have a great day!