Homemade Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

These homemade chocolate cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a rich chocolate-cinnamon filling. Every bite is warm, gooey, and packed with sweet chocolate flavor. Finished with a simple vanilla glaze, these chocolate cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. They are fun to bake and even better to share with family and friends!

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Soft homemade chocolate cinnamon rolls with a rich cocoa filling and sweet vanilla glaze. A fluffy and easy baking recipe for breakfast or dessert.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Rise Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Servings: 12 Rolls

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 430

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Dough

Dry Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/3 cup warm water
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 large egg

For the Filling

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

For the Simple Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 –3 Tbsp milk or whipping cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Method

 

Proof the Yeast

1. In a large bowl, mix the warm milk, warm water, and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready to use.

Make the Dough

1. Add the melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Slowly mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Roll and Fill

1. While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing the softened butter, brown sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and salt together.
2. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a large rectangle about 12×18 inches. Spread the chocolate-cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the chocolate chips on top.

Shape the Rolls

1. Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored floss to cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
2. Second Rise and Bake
3. Place the chocolate cinnamon rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake until the rolls are soft, fluffy, and lightly golden.

Make the Glaze

1. While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Glaze and Serve

1. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm chocolate cinnamon rolls and serve right away. These soft homemade cinnamon rolls taste best while warm and fresh!

Notes

Use warm milk and water to help activate the yeast properly.
Do not overheat the liquid, or the yeast may not rise well.
Roll the dough tightly for neat and fluffy cinnamon rolls.
Let the rolls cool slightly before adding the glaze for the best texture.
These chocolate cinnamon rolls taste best when served warm.