Chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of chocolate and cinnamon, you’ve come to the right place! These Chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting are not just a recipe; they are a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, they fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone running to the table. Plus, who can resist the combination of soft, fluffy dough and rich, creamy frosting?

This recipe has been a staple in my home for years, and I love how it brings everyone together. Whether it’s a cozy brunch or a sweet end to dinner, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is simple and straightforward!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these luscious chocolate treats.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when you need them!
• Deliciously indulgent: The combination of chocolate and cinnamon is pure bliss in every bite.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these rolls fit right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up these scrumptious chocolate cinnamon rolls, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Let’s gather everything needed for this delightful baking adventure!

For the Dough

• 100 g butter
• 500 ml milk
• 100 g white sugar
• 7 g active dry yeast
• 640 g all-purpose flour
• 60 g dark cocoa powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground coffee (optional)

For the Filling

• 150 g brown sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• some butter curls

For the Frosting

• 120 g cream cheese
• 4 tbsp milk
• 120 g powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp dark cocoa powder

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Sprinkle in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Fruit filling: Swap out half of the cocoa powder for fruit preserves or fresh berries for a fruity twist.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make these rolls suitable for those avoiding gluten.
• Spice it up: Mix in some cardamom or nutmeg with the cinnamon for an exciting flavor boost.

How to Make Chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in the milk until warm but not boiling. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk mixture with white sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy—it’s crucial as this activates the yeast and helps your rolls rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, dark cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients while stirring continuously. The dough should start forming into a ball; don’t worry if it feels slightly sticky—that’s what makes these rolls soft!

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer your dough onto a floured surface and knead it gently for about 8-10 minutes until smooth. This step is essential as kneading develops gluten, giving your rolls that soft texture we all love.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Place your kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until doubled in size. This rising time allows air bubbles to form within the dough—trust me; it’s worth the wait!

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

While waiting for your dough to rise, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional ground coffee in a small bowl. This filling is what adds that delicious sweetness and spice that complements the chocolate perfectly.

Step 6: Roll Out & Fill

Once your dough has risen beautifully, punch it down gently to release air bubbles. Roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread some butter curls over the surface before sprinkling your cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across.

Step 7: Roll & Slice

Carefully roll up your rectangle into a tight log starting from one long edge. Once rolled up, slice into equal pieces—about 15 slices will do! Arrange these slices in a greased baking dish.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover your arranged rolls with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes while you preheat your oven.

Step 9: Bake Your Rolls

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once ready, pop those beautiful rolls into the oven for about 25-30 minutes until they look golden brown on top.

Step 10: Make the Frosting & Serve

While they’re baking away, whip up your frosting by mixing cream cheese with milk until smooth; then gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder until well combined. Once baked and cooled slightly, drizzle that decadent frosting over your warm rolls!

Enjoy every bite of these Chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting! They’re perfect solo or paired with coffee on lazy weekend mornings. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting

Making these chocolate cinnamon rolls can be a delightful experience, and a few pro tips can elevate the process!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter, milk, and cream cheese are at room temperature helps them blend more easily, creating a smoother dough and frosting.
• Knead until smooth: Kneading the dough until it is smooth and elastic ensures that your cinnamon rolls will rise beautifully and have that perfect soft texture.
• Let the dough rise in a warm place: Placing your dough in a warm environment speeds up the rising process, helping achieve that fluffy texture we all love in cinnamon rolls.
• Don’t skip the chilling step: If you have time, letting the rolled-up dough chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing makes it easier to cut uniform pieces without squishing them.
• Add a pinch of sea salt on top: A light sprinkle of sea salt on top of your finished rolls enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and balances flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting

These chocolate cinnamon rolls are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Presenting them well can make your dessert table shine!

Garnishes

• Fresh berries: A handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries adds a vibrant color contrast and a refreshing tartness.
• Chocolate shavings: Sprinkling some dark chocolate shavings over the frosting gives an elegant touch and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
• Mint leaves: A few fresh mint leaves can brighten up the presentation while adding a hint of freshness to each bite.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy vanilla flavor complements the rich chocolate rolls perfectly, making for an indulgent pairing.
• Coffee or espresso: A warm cup of coffee or a shot of espresso can enhance the flavors of these sweet treats while providing a lovely balance.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the rolls.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve alongside whipped coconut cream to add an airy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.

Enjoy these delightful chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting as a cozy treat for any occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, store them properly, and enjoy them fresh throughout the week or even share them with friends and family.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing.
• Place the rolls in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze before adding the frosting.

Reheating

• Remove desired rolls from the fridge or freezer.
• If frozen, let thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the rolls on a baking sheet.
• Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual rolls for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting!

Can I use different types of flour for chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting?

Yes! While all-purpose flour works best for this recipe, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.

How do I make chocolate cream cheese frosting for my chocolate cinnamon rolls?

To make the frosting, simply beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and cocoa powder until smooth. Adjust the milk to reach your desired consistency!

Can I prepare chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting the night before?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and fill it with your chocolate-cinnamon mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow them to rise before baking.

What’s the best way to serve chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting?

These delicious rolls are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven! Drizzle generously with frosting and consider pairing them with a cup of coffee or tea.

How long do these chocolate cinnamon rolls stay fresh?

Stored properly at room temperature, they will last about 2 days. If refrigerated, they can last up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting brings a little sweetness into your day! These delightful treats are not only fun to make but also perfect for sharing with loved ones. Enjoy every gooey bite as you indulge in this comforting treat. Happy baking!