If you’ve been dreaming about a cozy, chocolatey breakfast that tastes like a warm hug, you’re in for a treat with this Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. These rolls combine the classic comfort of cinnamon-spiced dough with the rich indulgence of chocolate, creating a luscious swirl of flavor in every bite. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special occasion, this recipe will fill your kitchen with heavenly aromas and your heart with pure joy. Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible treat that’s bound to become a new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create layers of texture and flavor. Each component plays a crucial role, from the fluffiness of the yeast dough to the deep chocolate-cinnamon filling and the decadent glaze on top.
- Active dry yeast: Essential for a light and airy dough that rises beautifully.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast while adding richness to the dough.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough slightly and helps with browning.
- Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Adds a tender crumb to the dough and creamy moisture in the filling.
- Large egg: Binds the dough together and contributes to its golden color.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweet aroma and flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the structure for the fluffy rolls.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides that signature chocolaty depth in the filling and glaze.
- Brown sugar: Brings a molasses-like richness to the filling.
- Ground cinnamon: Warms up the filling with its radiant spice.
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): For pockets of melty chocolate surprise in every bite.
- Powdered sugar: Forms the base of the smooth chocolate glaze.
- Milk (for glaze): Adjusts glaze consistency to your liking.
How to Make Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing warm milk with active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let this sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This step is crucial because it wakes up the yeast, ensuring your dough rises to soft, pillowy perfection.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Whisk together sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract in a larger bowl. Then, add the foamy yeast mixture into this blend and stir until smooth. This rich base makes your dough tender and flavorful from the start.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Gradually add flour and salt to the wet mix, stirring to create a soft dough. If it feels sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour until you reach a manageable consistency. The dough should be soft yet elastic.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This development step builds gluten, giving your rolls structure and a lovely chew.
Step 5: First Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and set it in a warm spot for about an hour until it doubles in size. This rise is where your dough transforms and builds that airy softness.
Step 6: Prepare the Filling
Mix cocoa powder, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl to create a flavor-packed filling that will melt perfectly into your rolls, imparting both warmth and richness.
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough
Once risen, roll your dough out into a 12-by-18-inch rectangle on a floured surface. This shape is perfect for layering the filling and rolling it up tight.
Step 8: Spread the Filling
Slather softened butter over the dough’s surface, then sprinkle your cocoa-cinnamon mixture evenly. For an extra chocolatey punch, scatter mini chocolate chips on top.
Step 9: Shape the Rolls
Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, ensuring the filling stays inside. This rolling creates those iconic spirals.
Step 10: Slice and Arrange
Cut the log into 12 equal slices and place them side by side in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This snug arrangement helps the rolls bake into a soft, pull-apart delight.
Step 11: Second Rise
Cover the baking dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes until puffy. This last rest makes the rolls fluffy and tender.
Step 12: Preheat and Bake
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn golden brown and irresistible.
Step 13: Make the Glaze
While the rolls bake, whisk powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable, adjusting the milk to get your perfect glaze thickness.
Step 14: Glaze and Serve
When the rolls come out of the oven, allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before drizzling on the chocolate glaze. Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up as they dig in!
How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For a special touch, sprinkle chopped toasted nuts or shaved chocolate over the glaze. A dusting of powdered sugar can add an elegant finish and a subtle sweetness. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream alongside your rolls can turn your indulgence into a celebration.
Side Dishes
Pair these cinnamon rolls with a steaming mug of coffee or a frothy latte for the perfect morning combo. A side of fresh fruit or a citrus salad helps balance the richness of the rolls and refresh the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the rolls directly in the baking dish for a rustic look or arrange them artfully on a serving plate. For parties, place each roll in individual ramekins or cupcake liners for personalized delights. You can even layer the rolls with extra chocolate chips or a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking to add texture that pops.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them fresh and soft, wrapping them tightly or placing a slice of bread alongside inside the container helps retain moisture.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. They will keep well for up to three months, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time.
Reheating
To revive your warm, gooey cinnamon rolls, microwave them for 20 to 30 seconds or reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. If frozen, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. Adding a little extra drizzle of glaze after reheating makes them taste like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I make this Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk and butter with your favorite plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter. The rolls will still turn out soft and delicious, though the flavor might vary slightly.
Is it possible to prepare the dough the night before?
Yes, you can let the dough rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Just cover the bowl tightly and remember to bring the dough to room temperature before rolling it out to make shaping easier.
Can I add other fillings besides chocolate and cinnamon?
Definitely. You could add chopped nuts, caramel swirls, or even a cream cheese filling for a delicious twist. However, this Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe shines brightest with the classic cocoa-cinnamon combo.
What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips? Can I use regular ones?
You can use regular chocolate chips, chopped chocolate bars, or chocolate chunks. Just keep in mind that larger pieces might melt differently, creating more pockets of molten chocolate.
How do I get the rolls to be super fluffy and soft?
Make sure to knead the dough well to develop gluten and allow both rises to complete fully in a warm environment. Using fresh yeast and not over-flouring the dough will also help maintain the soft texture.
Final Thoughts
Making this Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is like inviting warmth and happiness into your kitchen in the form of sweet, tender rolls packed with chocolatey goodness. Whether you share them with loved ones or savor them all by yourself, these rolls will bring joy to your mornings and smiles to your face. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to this delightful homemade comfort food!
Print
Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls combine the cozy, rich flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with the indulgent taste of hot chocolate. Perfect for chilly mornings or a sweet treat any time of day, these soft, fluffy rolls are filled with a chocolate-cinnamon blend and topped with a silky cocoa glaze.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the frothy yeast mixture and mix well to combine thoroughly.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Add a little more flour if the dough feels too sticky to handle.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Roll Dough: Roll the risen dough out on a floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle to ensure even thickness for rolling.
- Spread Filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cocoa-cinnamon mixture over the butter layer. Add mini chocolate chips if using for extra chocolatey bites.
- Roll into Log: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log to create the classic cinnamon roll spiral.
- Cut Rolls: Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for second rise.
- Second Rise: Cover the baking dish with a towel and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes until they appear puffy and slightly risen.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls are cooked through.
- Make Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust milk quantity to achieve desired glaze consistency.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes to set slightly but remain warm.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the prepared glaze over the warm rolls and serve immediately for a comforting, indulgent treat.
Notes
- Make sure your milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- For best results, allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment.
- Mini chocolate chips are optional but add bursts of chocolate flavor inside the rolls.
- If the dough is too sticky, add flour gradually during kneading to prevent tough rolls.
- You can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave before serving to restore softness.
