Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Chocolate cinnamon rolls are the ultimate indulgence — tender, fluffy dough spiraled with cinnamon, brown sugar, and melted chocolate in every bite. Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend breakfast or an unforgettable dessert, these rolls bring bakery-style comfort straight to your kitchen. And the best part? They’re easier to make than you think.

Imagine classic cinnamon rolls, but with a cocoa-rich upgrade that melts in your mouth. Topped with silky cream cheese frosting or drizzled with dark chocolate glaze, these rolls redefine indulgence.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

this recipe

• 🍫 Double the decadence: Classic cinnamon meets luscious chocolate
• 🥐 Soft & fluffy dough: Bakery texture without the hassle
• ⏱️ Perfect for weekends or holidays: A wow-worthy treat
• 🧊 Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and reheat anytime
• 👩‍🍳 Customizable: Add nuts, espresso powder, or dark chocolate chunks

These rolls are a hit with chocolate lovers and cinnamon roll purists alike. If you’ve tried [Related: Classic Cinnamon Rolls] or [Related: Brioche Sticky Buns], this is the next level.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ tsp salt
• 3½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

For the Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast
   In a bowl, mix warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the Dough
   Add eggs, butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in flour until dough forms. Knead by hand or mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
3. First Rise
   Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled.
4. Make the Filling
   Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder into a thick paste.
5. Roll It Out
   Punch down dough and roll into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly and sprinkle with chocolate chips.
6. Roll & Cut
   Roll dough tightly from the long side. Slice into 12 even rolls using floss or a sharp knife.
7. Second Rise
   Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover and let rise another 30–45 minutes.
8. Bake
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 22–25 minutes, until golden brown.
9. Make the Frosting
   Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and spreadable.
10. Frost & Serve
    Spread frosting over warm rolls or drizzle with melted chocolate. Serve immediately!

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Rise Time: 90 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Nutrition Facts (Per Roll – Approx.)

• Calories: 380
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Sugar: 24g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g

Tips & Variations

• Make it mocha: Add 1 tsp espresso powder to the filling for a mocha twist
• Go nutty: Add chopped hazelnuts or walnuts to the filling
• Chocolate glaze: Replace cream cheese frosting with a dark chocolate drizzle
• Overnight option: Assemble rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning
• Filling variation: Use Nutella in place of the filling for a shortcut

FAQs

Can I freeze chocolate cinnamon rolls?

Yes! Freeze unbaked rolls after the second rise or freeze baked rolls (without frosting). Reheat and frost fresh.

What kind of chocolate is best?

Use mini chips or chopped semi-sweet/dark chocolate for even melting. Avoid large chunks which may affect rolling.

How do I know when they’re baked?

Edges will be golden and the center rolls will spring back when lightly pressed.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use plant-based butter and cream cheese, and dairy-free milk.

Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?

Absolutely. Use the dough hook and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth.

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Decadent, soft cinnamon rolls filled with cocoa and topped with sweet cream cheese frosting — a chocolate twist on the classic favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Brunch

Cuisine: American

Calories: 340

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• #### Dough
• – 1 cup warm milk 110°F
• – 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
• – ¼ cup granulated sugar
• – 2 large eggs
• – ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
• – ½ tsp salt
• – 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• #### Filling
• – ½ cup softened butter
• – ¾ cup brown sugar
• – 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• – 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• – ½ cup mini chocolate chips
• #### Frosting
• – 4 oz cream cheese
• – 2 tbsp butter
• – 1 cup powdered sugar
• – ½ tsp vanilla extract
• – 1–2 tbsp milk

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling Pin
• – 9×13″ baking dish
• Stand mixer (optional)

Method

 

1. Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let foam.
2. Add eggs, butter, salt. Stir in flour and knead until smooth.
3. Let rise 1 hour in a greased bowl.
4. Mix all filling ingredients.
5. Roll dough into 16×12 rectangle. Spread filling. Add chocolate chips.
6. Roll and slice into 12 rolls.
7. Place in greased pan and rise 30–45 minutes.
8. Bake at 350°F for 22–25 minutes.
9. Mix frosting. Spread over warm rolls.
10. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

– Try overnight chilling before baking
– Add espresso powder for mocha flavor
– Swap in Nutella for a shortcut filling

Conclusion

Chocolate cinnamon rolls are everything you love about a classic cinnamon roll, with a rich, chocolatey twist. Whether you bake them for a holiday brunch, weekend breakfast, or a decadent dessert, they’ll fill your kitchen with irresistible warmth and sweetness.