Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Hazelnut Icing

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that will impress everyone at your next gathering, look no further! These Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Hazelnut Icing are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether it’s a cozy family brunch or a festive holiday celebration, these rolls will surely steal the show and satisfy both kids and adults alike.

What makes this recipe extra special is the combination of rich chocolate flavor infused with warm spices, topped with a luscious hazelnut icing that feels like a warm hug in each bite. Plus, they’re perfect for those busy mornings when you want something sweet but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can whip these up without a hitch!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids love chocolate, and these rolls are sure to become a household favorite.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these rolls fit right in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when you’re ready!
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate and hazelnut is simply heavenly!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable treat. You probably have most of them in your pantry already!

For the Dough:

• 4 – 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 packets Fleischmann’s RapidRise® Yeast
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups water
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 egg

For the Filling:

• 3 tablespoons softened butter
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ⅓ cup sugar

For the Hazelnut Icing:

• ½ cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup hazelnut spread (such as Nutella)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• Milk (as needed)

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to get creative and try out some of these variations:

• Add Nuts: Mix in chopped hazelnuts for an extra crunch in your filling.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.
• Opt for Cream Cheese Icing: Instead of hazelnut icing, use cream cheese frosting for a tangy alternative.
• Make Mini Rolls: Roll the dough tighter and cut smaller sections for bite-sized treats!

How to Make Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Hazelnut Icing

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

First things first—let’s get your baking pan ready! Butter a 9×13 inch pan generously. This will help prevent sticking and ensure those delicious rolls come out perfectly golden.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, cocoa powder, sugar, yeast, and salt. This step is crucial because it evenly distributes all the dry ingredients before adding any liquids.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, combine water and butter in a bowl or liquid measuring cup. Microwave this mixture for 20 seconds at a time until the butter is mostly melted. The water should be warm but comfortable to touch; this helps activate the yeast.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add your water mixture and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix well until everything is combined beautifully. It’s okay if it looks messy; we will fix that soon!

Step 5: Form the Dough

Gradually add flour one-quarter cup at a time until the dough starts coming together into a ball. Remember, it will still be sticky! Don’t worry; you can handle it with floured hands.

Step 6: Knead Until Smooth

Transfer your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 4-6 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Kneading develops gluten which gives your rolls that wonderful fluffy texture.

Step 7: Let It Rise

Place your dough in a bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 10 minutes—it should puff up slightly during this time.

Step 8: Roll It Out

Roll out your dough into a large flat rectangle (about 15×10 inches). This is where you get to stretch those muscles! The larger size allows for more filling—yum!

Step 9: Add Butter & Fillings

Spread softened butter generously over the rolled-out dough. Then mix together cinnamon and sugar before sprinkling it all over. This aromatic layer adds so much flavor!

Step 10: Roll It Up

Starting from one long side, roll tightly to form a log shape. Pinch the seam to seal it closed; this ensures all that yummy filling stays inside while baking.

Step 11: Slice Into Rolls

Using a sharp knife (or dental floss if you’re feeling adventurous!), cut your dough into 12 equal pieces. This helps create those beautiful swirls we all love!

Step 12: Arrange & Rise Again

Place your cinnamon rolls cut-side-down in the prepared baking pan. Cover them tightly again and let them rise in a warm place for about an hour or until they’ve doubled in size.

Step 13: Preheat & Bake

While they’re rising, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once ready, bake those beauties for about 25-35 minutes until they are no longer doughy.

Step 14: Cool Down

Once baked to perfection, cool them on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before icing them—this step allows flavors to develop even more!

Step 15: Whip Up Your Icing

For the icing, whip softened butter until light and fluffy—this adds airiness! Gradually mix in powdered sugar then add hazelnut spread and salt until well incorporated.

Step 16: Adjust Consistency

Add remaining powdered sugar along with milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach that ideal smooth consistency perfect for spreading over your rolls.

Step 17: Serve & Enjoy!

Spread that luscious icing generously over each roll while they’re still warm. Serve immediately and watch as everyone dives into these irresistible treats!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Hazelnut Icing

Making these chocolate cinnamon rolls is a delightful journey, and a few tips can help you perfect your baking adventure!

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Ensuring your yeast is fresh will guarantee that your rolls rise beautifully and have the perfect texture. Old yeast can lead to dense rolls that don’t rise properly.

• Knead Until Smooth – Kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic is crucial. This develops the gluten, creating a fluffy and tender roll. Don’t rush this step!

• Watch Your Baking Time – Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your rolls as they bake. They should be firm to the touch and golden brown on top when done.

• Let Them Cool Before Icing – Allowing the rolls to cool for at least 20 minutes before adding the icing prevents it from melting away. You want that delicious icing to stay on top!

• Customize Your Filling – Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits to the filling for extra texture and flavor. Chopped hazelnuts or chocolate chips can enhance the richness of your rolls.

How to Serve Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Hazelnut Icing

These chocolate cinnamon rolls are not just a treat for the taste buds; they’re also visually appealing! Here are some fun ideas for presenting them at your next gathering.

Garnishes

• Chopped Nuts – Sprinkle some chopped hazelnuts on top of the icing for a delightful crunch and a pop of flavor.
• Chocolate Shavings – Add a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for an elegant touch that complements the cocoa in the rolls.
• Fresh Berries – A handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries adds vibrant color and a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a refreshing side that balances the richness of the rolls.
• Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a creamy, tangy side that complements the sweet flavors of the cinnamon rolls.
• Coffee or Tea Service – Offering freshly brewed coffee or tea pairs perfectly with these sweet treats, enhancing their flavors while providing a cozy atmosphere.
• Scrambled Eggs with Herbs – Fluffy scrambled eggs seasoned with fresh herbs make for a savory side that rounds out your brunch beautifully.

Incorporating these serving suggestions will transform your chocolate cinnamon rolls into an unforgettable experience that everyone will talk about long after they’ve savored each bite! Enjoy every moment of this delicious treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Hazelnut Icing are not only delightful to eat but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy fresh, warm rolls whenever you want.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• After baking and cooling the rolls, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, remove the desired number of rolls and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• For a quick option, microwave individual rolls for about 15-20 seconds until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Hazelnut Icing.

Can I make Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Hazelnut Icing without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or use unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup).

How do I store Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Hazelnut Icing?

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped.

What if I don’t have hazelnut spread?

If you don’t have hazelnut spread on hand, you can use any chocolate spread or even peanut butter as an alternative. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile slightly!

Are these Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls suitable for breakfast?

Absolutely! These rich and delicious rolls are perfect as a special breakfast treat or served alongside your favorite brunch items.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy and indulgence to your kitchen! There’s something truly special about warm chocolate cinnamon rolls topped with luscious hazelnut icing—it’s comfort food that everyone will love. Enjoy making these delightful treats, share them with your loved ones, and savor every bite. Happy baking!