Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls 🍫🍩

Indulge in the perfect combination of chocolate and cinnamon with these decadent Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls. This delightful twist on a classic treat features rich chocolate dough, a luscious cocoa-cinnamon filling, and a smooth chocolate glaze that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar (133g)
• 2 Tbsp black cocoa (14g)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (3g)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (56g) – to be spread on the dough

For the Dough:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour + up to 1/2 cup additional flour to be added later in the process (406-500g)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (50g)
• 2 tsp or 1 packet instant dry yeast (7g, 1/4 oz.)
• 1 tsp salt (6g)
• 1 tsp instant espresso or coffee (2g)
• 1 cup whole milk (240ml)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (56g)
• 1 large egg, room temperature (56g)

For the Glaze:

• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature (8g)
• 2/3 cup milk or dark chocolate chips (120g)
• 3 Tbsp whole milk (45ml)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (125g)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (4ml)

Instructions

For the Filling:

1. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of black cocoa, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Set aside. 🍂🍫

For the Dough:

2. Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). 🔥
3. In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 3 1/4 cups of flour, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 packet instant yeast (or about 2 teaspoons), 1 tsp instant coffee, and 1 tsp salt. 🥄
4. In a separate bowl, add 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup of softened butter. Heat in the microwave on high power for 60-90 seconds until warm to the touch. Stir to combine. 🥛🍶
5. Slowly add the warm milk mixture to the flour mixture, and mix on medium speed with a dough hook until the dough comes together. Add in one large egg and mix on low speed until a sticky dough ball forms. 🍳
6. Continue mixing on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the dough becomes more elastic. As the dough mixes, add additional flour 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough begins to leave the sides of the bowl. The dough should feel tacky but not sticky. 🥣
7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 15 minutes. This allows the gluten in the dough to relax, making it easier to roll out. 🌬️
8. Generously flour your counter and roll the dough ball into a large rectangle, 12 inches x 18 inches, about 1/2 cm thick. Spread 1/4 cup of softened butter over the dough, leaving 1 inch on the long side of the rectangle uncovered. 🧈
9. Sprinkle the chocolate cinnamon roll filling evenly over the buttered area, and pat down with the back of a spoon or spatula. 🍫🥄
10. Tightly roll the dough horizontally toward the uncovered strip. Cut the dough log into 9 equal pieces with dental floss (or more pieces for smaller cinnamon rolls) and place them in a greased square pan (8in x 8in). 🔪
11. Turn the oven off. Cover the cinnamon roll pan with foil and place it in the oven for 30 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls have risen. 🕒
12. Remove the pan from the oven and take off the foil. Turn the oven back on and heat to 350°F (175°C). 🔥
13. Once the oven has preheated, bake for 26-32 minutes. The ideal bake time is around 28 minutes, but this can vary based on how gooey or baked through you prefer your cinnamon rolls. ⏲️

For the Glaze:

14. To make the glaze, place 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, 2/3 cup of milk or dark chocolate chips, and 3 tablespoons of whole milk in a medium-sized bowl. Heat in the microwave on medium-high heat (power level 7) for 60 seconds. 🥄
15. Stir the mixture until all the chocolate is melted. Add in 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. 🍫
16. Let the cinnamon rolls cool for 5-10 minutes, then drizzle the chocolate glaze over them. Serve warm. 🍩🍫

Nutrition and Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Calories: 450 Kcal per serving
• Servings: 9 servings

Enjoy these rich and indulgent Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls warm, with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. Perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings any time of day!

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