Double Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls (Print Version)

Soft fluffy rolls with chocolate-cinnamon swirl and rich glaze

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
04 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1/2 tsp salt
06 - 1 cup whole milk, warm
07 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
08 - 1 large egg, room temperature

→ Filling

09 - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
10 - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
11 - 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
12 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

→ Chocolate Glaze

14 - 1 cup powdered sugar
15 - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
16 - 2–3 tbsp whole milk
17 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Combine flour, cocoa powder, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
02 - Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky, cohesive dough forms.
03 - Knead by hand on a floured surface or with a stand mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area until doubled in volume, approximately 1 hour.
05 - Punch down risen dough and roll out on a floured surface into a 16x12-inch rectangle.
06 - Spread softened butter evenly over the entire surface of the rolled dough.
07 - Mix brown sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon in a small bowl until well combined.
08 - Sprinkle the sugar-cocoa mixture evenly over the buttered dough, then scatter chocolate chips on top.
09 - Roll up the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice into 12 equal portions and arrange in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
10 - Cover the dish and let rolls rise until puffy, about 30–45 minutes.
11 - Preheat oven to 350°F during the final rise period.
12 - Bake for 22–25 minutes until rolls are set and lightly browned.
13 - While rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
14 - Drizzle chocolate glaze generously over warm rolls immediately before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • These rolls bake up with this incredible soft, tender texture that makes you want to savor every single bite
  • The chocolate glaze transforms everything into something that feels like breakfast and dessert had the most delicious baby
02 -
  • I once rushed the first rise and ended up with dense, hockey puck rolls that no amount of glaze could save
  • Letting the rolls cool for just 10 minutes before glazing gives you that perfect drizzle instead of a runny mess
03 -
  • Use unflavored dental floss to slice your rolls, it cuts through cleanly without squishing them like a knife does
  • Don't overbake, these continue cooking slightly as they cool and you want them to stay pillowy soft

Go Back