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- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour - ¼ cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - ¾ cup milk, warmed (about 110°F) - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg, at room temperature - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - ½ cup light brown sugar, packed - 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - For the glaze: - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2 tablespoons milk - ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract Each ingredient plays a key role in making these chocolate cinnamon rolls soft and sweet. The all-purpose flour gives the rolls structure. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while brown sugar adds a rich flavor. Baking powder helps the rolls rise. Warmed milk and melted butter keep the dough moist. The egg enriches the dough, making it tender. Ground cinnamon, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract create a delicious filling that pairs perfectly with chocolate chips. For the glaze, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract create a smooth, sweet topping. This glaze adds shine and flavor, making the rolls even more delightful. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to bake up something special! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Mixing dry and wet ingredients: Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together well, so you have no lumps. In a separate bowl, mix ¾ cup of warmed milk, ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1 large egg. Whisk this mixture until it is smooth. Gradually combine the wet mix with the dry mix, stirring gently until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky. 2. Kneading the dough: Place the dough on a floured surface. Knead it gently for about 3-4 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic. This part is fun! It helps build the dough's strength. 3. Resting the dough: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest in a warm spot for 10-15 minutes. This resting time helps the dough relax and makes it easier to roll out later. 1. Blending filling ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, ½ cup of packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. This will make a sweet and rich filling. 2. Rolling out the dough: After resting, take the dough and roll it out into a rectangle shape, about 12x18 inches. Make sure the surface is floured to prevent sticking. This is where the fun begins as you see your dough take shape! 1. Spreading butter and filling: Use a brush or the back of a spoon to spread melted butter over the dough. Make sure to cover every part. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon mixture evenly on top, and don’t forget to add 1 cup of chocolate chips! 2. Rolling and slicing the dough: Start at one long edge and tightly roll the dough into a log. Make sure it stays even. Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal it well. Next, use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal pieces. 3. Rising and baking the rolls: Place the slices in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, leaving space between each roll. Cover them with a towel and let them rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, until they double in size. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during this time. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes. They should be golden brown on top when done. To get the right dough, start with the correct flour amount. Use 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour. The dough should feel slightly sticky but not overly wet. Knead the dough for about 3-4 minutes. This helps develop gluten, which gives the rolls structure. After kneading, let the dough rest. Cover it with a towel and allow it to relax for 10-15 minutes. This step makes rolling easier. For a rich flavor, try different types of chocolate. Semi-sweet chocolate chips work well, but dark chocolate adds depth. You can also use milk chocolate for a sweeter taste. If you want to mix it up, consider adding nuts, like walnuts or pecans. Dried fruits, like raisins, also add a nice chew. These can enhance the filling and give a unique twist. Before baking, always check your oven temperature. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking. When the rolls go in, keep an eye on them. They should bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color on top. To check for doneness, gently press on a roll. It should spring back lightly. If it does, your rolls are ready! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your egg and milk are at room temperature helps the dough come together more easily and rise better. Don’t Skip the Resting Period: Allowing the dough to rest after kneading helps to relax the gluten, resulting in a softer and fluffier roll. Experiment with Chocolates: Try using different types of chocolate chips, like white chocolate or peanut butter chips, to customize the flavor of your rolls. Serve Warm for Best Taste: These rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while they are still warm, as the chocolate will be melty and delicious. {{image_4}} You can add nuts and fruits for extra texture and flavor. Consider using chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. Diced apples or mashed bananas also work well. You can also explore adding spices. A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can boost the flavor. Try mixing in a bit of chili powder for a fun kick. Glazes can change the whole feel of your chocolate cinnamon rolls. A rich chocolate glaze is a great option. Melt semi-sweet chocolate and mix in some cream. Drizzle it over the rolls for a decadent touch. If you prefer something tangy, a cream cheese glaze is perfect. Simply blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk until smooth. This will add a tangy sweetness to your rolls. If you need gluten-free options, use a gluten-free flour blend. This will keep the rolls soft and tasty. For vegan adjustments, switch the milk for almond or oat milk. Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use flax eggs instead of a regular egg. These swaps keep your rolls delicious while meeting dietary needs. To keep your chocolate cinnamon rolls fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Place leftover rolls in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The rolls will stay soft and tasty. If you want, you can also wrap them in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. - Freezing Instructions: If you want to save rolls for later, freeze them. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last for up to 2 months. To enjoy them, thaw the rolls overnight in the fridge before reheating. To enjoy your rolls warm again, use these methods: - Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. - Microwave Method: Place one or two rolls on a plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat for 15-20 seconds. This keeps them soft but avoid overheating. To keep your rolls from drying out, remember to cover them while reheating. Enjoy those gooey, chocolatey bites just like fresh! You can make these rolls the night before. After rolling and cutting the dough, place the slices in the baking dish. Cover them with plastic wrap and put them in the fridge. In the morning, take them out and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then, bake as usual. This method saves time and gives you fresh rolls in the morning. Yes, you can use whole wheat flour. It may change the texture a bit. The rolls may be denser and less fluffy. To help with this, you can mix half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour. This blend keeps the rolls light while adding a healthy twist. Serve these rolls warm for the best taste. You can drizzle the glaze over them just before serving. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk. For a fun twist, add a scoop of ice cream on top. Enjoy these rolls on a large platter to impress guests. You learned how to create amazing chocolate cinnamon rolls from scratch. We covered the right ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. I also shared variations and storage advice to fit your needs. These rolls are fun to make and taste great. Enjoy sharing them with family and friends. With practice, you'll master this recipe and create your own unique twists. Now, get baking and treat yourself to delicious, homemade rolls!

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Deliciously soft and gooey chocolate cinnamon rolls with a sweet glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.75 cups milk, warmed (about 110°F)
  • 0.25 cups unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 cups light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
  • 0.5 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt, ensuring there are no lumps.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Whisk until well blended. Gradually add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
  • Turn the dough onto a floured surface, and knead gently for about 3-4 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm place for 10-15 minutes to relax.
  • In a small mixing bowl, blend the ground cinnamon, packed brown sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract to create a flavorful filling mixture.
  • Carefully roll out the rested dough into a rectangle shape, measuring approximately 12x18 inches. Using a brush or the back of a spoon, spread the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Next, generously sprinkle the cinnamon mixture and evenly distribute the chocolate chips across the dough.
  • Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, taking care to keep it uniform. Pinch the seam to seal the roll securely.
  • Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange these cinnamon rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll for expansion.
  • Cover the baking dish with a towel, and let the rolls rise in a warm environment for about 30 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown on top.
  • While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
  • Once the rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool for a few minutes before generously drizzling the glaze over the warm rolls, letting it cascade into the crevices.

Notes

Serve warm for the best experience.
Keyword chocolate, cinnamon rolls, dessert