Chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the rich flavor of chocolate, you’ve come to the right place! These Chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting are not just a sweet indulgence; they’re a hug in pastry form. Whether it’s a cozy Sunday morning or a busy weeknight, these rolls make any occasion special. They’re perfect for family gatherings, brunches, or even as a comforting dessert after dinner.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to whip up. With simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you’ll have soft, fluffy rolls that everyone will rave about. Trust me, sharing these with friends and family will bring smiles all around!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is straightforward and fun!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves the combination of chocolate and cinnamon – it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make ahead convenience: Prepare the dough in advance and bake whenever you’re ready for a warm treat.
• Delicious flavor: The chocolate cream cheese frosting takes these rolls over the top – it’s simply irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather everything we need for this delightful recipe.

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

One of the best things about these cinnamon rolls is their flexibility! Feel free to get creative based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch to your rolls.
• Experiment with spices: Try adding nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of flavor.
• Use different frostings: Swap out the chocolate cream cheese frosting for vanilla or even a simple glaze if you prefer.
• Stuff with fruit: Diced apples or berries can add a fresh twist to your filling.

How to Make Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by melting your butter and combining it with warm milk in a large mixing bowl. This mixture should be warm, not hot, as you’ll need it to activate the yeast. Once combined, stir in the white sugar and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy; this means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in making those rolls rise beautifully!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dark cocoa powder, and salt. This step ensures that all your dry ingredients are well-distributed before adding them to the wet mixture. Gradually add this flour mixture into your yeast mixture while stirring gently until it forms a dough.

Step 3: Knead and Rise

Once combined, turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is crucial because kneading develops gluten which gives your rolls that wonderful soft texture! After kneading, place your dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Roll Out and Fill

After your dough has risen beautifully, punch it down gently to release air bubbles. Roll out the dough into a rectangle shape on your floured surface. Spread some butter curls over it generously followed by mixing together brown sugar and cinnamon—sprinkle this filling evenly across the surface. The aroma will be heavenly!

Step 5: Shape Your Rolls

Starting from one long edge of the rectangle, carefully roll up the dough tightly into a log shape. Once rolled, slice into even pieces (about 15) using a sharp knife or dental floss (it works like magic!). Place each roll in a greased baking dish close together so they can rise again.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover your shaped rolls again with that kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes in a warm spot. This second rise helps achieve that soft texture we all love!

Step 7: Bake Your Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake those beautiful rolls for about 25-30 minutes until they are puffed up and lightly golden on top. The smell while baking will fill your home with warmth!

Step 8: Make the Frosting

While those rolls cool slightly after baking (if you can resist!), prepare your frosting by mixing cream cheese with milk until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder until you achieve your desired sweetness and consistency.

Step 9: Frost & Serve

Once cooled slightly but still warm, drizzle that luscious chocolate cream cheese frosting over each roll generously! Serve immediately if possible—there’s nothing like enjoying them fresh out of the oven!

There you have it—your very own batch of Chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Baking these delicious chocolate cinnamon rolls can be a delightful experience, especially with a few helpful tips to ensure they come out perfectly!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Letting your butter and cream cheese sit at room temperature makes them easier to mix, resulting in a smoother frosting and dough texture.
• Knead the dough well: Proper kneading develops gluten, which gives the rolls their fluffy texture. Aim for about 10 minutes of kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Don’t rush the rising time: Allowing enough time for the dough to rise leads to soft, airy rolls. A warm environment speeds up this process; consider placing your bowl in a sunny spot or near a warm oven.
• Experiment with fillings: While the recipe includes brown sugar and cinnamon, feel free to add in ingredients like chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor!
• Make ahead option: You can prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them before baking. Just let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to get that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

How to Serve Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Presenting your chocolate cinnamon rolls beautifully can make all the difference when serving them to friends or family. Here are some creative ideas!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Chocolate shavings: Add a touch of elegance by grating dark chocolate over the frosted rolls; it not only looks fantastic but enhances the chocolate flavor too.
• Fresh berries: A side of strawberries or raspberries offers a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the rolls.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances out the richness of the cinnamon rolls.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside warm rolls creates a delightful contrast that’s perfect for dessert lovers.
• Coffee or tea: Pairing your rolls with a hot beverage not only complements their flavors but also provides a cozy atmosphere for enjoying this treat.
• Yogurt parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fresh fruit serves as a light, healthy counterpoint that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

Now you’re ready to bake! Enjoy every bite of these scrumptious chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

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 and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors whenever you want.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the rolls to cool completely.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• Once cooled, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Remove from the freezer and let thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Alternatively, microwave for 15-20 seconds or until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting.

Can I use different types of flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.

How do I make chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting without dairy?

You can substitute plant-based butter and milk alternatives such as almond or oat milk to create delicious dairy-free versions of these rolls!

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight before rolling it out and baking it the next day.

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

These rolls are best served warm, topped generously with the chocolate cream cheese frosting. They make a wonderful dessert or sweet breakfast treat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to bake these delightful chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting! They bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of sweetness to any occasion. Enjoy creating this delicious treat, and don’t forget to share your experience! Happy baking!