Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Irresistible Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls : Soft & Gooey


  • Author: Lyndy
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Description

If you think traditional cinnamon rolls are the ultimate indulgence, wait until you try these Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls.


Ingredients

Scale

For the dough:

  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)

For the filling:

  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips or chunks

For the icing (choose one):

  • Classic glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk + ½ tsp vanilla
  • Cream cheese icing: 4 oz cream cheese + 2 tbsp butter + ¾ cup powdered sugar + 1 tsp vanilla
  • Chocolate ganache: ¾ cup chocolate chips + ½ cup heavy cream (heated and poured over)

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the yeast
In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir in the yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the dough
Add eggs, melted butter, salt, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until combined, then gradually add the remaining cup of flour. Knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let it rise
Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Roll and fill
Punch down the dough and roll into a 16×12-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread with softened butter. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder. Sprinkle evenly over butter, then top with chocolate chips.

Step 5: Roll and cut
Roll up tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or floss. Arrange in a greased 9×13 pan.

Step 6: Second rise
Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Step 7: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until golden on top and cooked through.

Step 8: Ice and serve
Let the rolls cool slightly, then drizzle with glaze, spread with cream cheese icing, or pour warm ganache over the top. Serve warm for maximum gooey deliciousness.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients. This helps everything incorporate more evenly, especially in yeast doughs.

Don’t over-flour. Add just enough flour for a soft, slightly tacky dough. Too much flour = dense rolls.

Allow both rises. The first rise builds structure; the second ensures fluffy rolls after baking.

Spread the filling evenly to avoid bare spots and ensure every bite has chocolate.

Use good-quality chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for the richest flavor.

Let them rest after baking for 10 minutes before icing so it melts just slightly—not off completely.

These little touches make a big difference in how your rolls turn out—soft, rich, and bakery-worthy.

  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12 rolls
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Protein: 6g

Keywords: Irresistible Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls