Introduction

These Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and irresistibly rich, with a delicious chocolate-cinnamon filling and plenty of melty chocolate chips in every bite. The cocoa-infused dough gives these rolls a deep chocolate flavor, while the creamy chocolate cinnamon frosting takes them completely over the top. 🍫✨

They’re perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast, brunch, holiday morning, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and homemade. You can also easily make them dairy-free by using dairy-free milk and butter.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cinnamon Dough

• ⅔ cup (167 ml) milk, regular or dairy-free
• 1½ teaspoons quick-rise (instant) yeast or active dry yeast
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• ¼ cup (53 g) butter, softened, regular or dairy-free
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2½ cups (313 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (22 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅓ cup (84 ml) heavy cream or oat milk, for pouring over the rolls

For the Chocolate Cinnamon Filling

• ¼ cup (53 g) butter, softened, regular or dairy-free
• ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons (11 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup (100 g) semisweet chocolate chips

For the Chocolate Cinnamon Frosting

• 2 tablespoons (11 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons (80 g) butter, softened, regular or dairy-free
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons (32 ml) milk of choice, regular or dairy-free

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

Warm the milk to about 115°F (46°C). It should feel warm but not hot. Pour it into the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until slightly foamy.

2. Make the Dough

Add the sugar, egg, and softened butter. Mix until mostly combined.

Add the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and cinnamon. Using the dough hook, knead for 5–7 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. The dough should be soft and only slightly sticky. If it remains too sticky, add 1–2 tablespoons of flour.

If kneading by hand, knead the dough for about 10 minutes on a lightly floured surface.

3. Let the Dough Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl. Shape the dough into a loose ball and place it in the bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4. Prepare the Chocolate Filling

While the dough rises, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon in a bowl. Mix until smooth and well combined.

5. Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has doubled in size, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle approximately 10 × 14 inches.

Spread the chocolate cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving about ½ inch uncovered along the two shorter edges. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the filling.

6. Roll and Cut

Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.

Trim about ½–1 inch from each end. Place the seam underneath, then cut the log into 9 even rolls using unflavored dental floss or a serrated knife.

7. Second Rise

Arrange the rolls in a greased 9-inch round baking pan. Cover and let them rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

About 10 minutes before the rising time is finished, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

8. Add the Cream and Bake

Pour ⅓ cup heavy cream or oat milk evenly over the risen rolls.

Bake for 20–27 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed and cooked through. They should gently spring back when lightly pressed in the center.

9. Make the Frosting

While the rolls bake, combine the cocoa powder, cinnamon, softened butter, powdered sugar, and milk in a bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy.

10. Frost and Serve

Spread the chocolate cinnamon frosting over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Storage

These chocolate cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh. Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For refrigerated rolls, warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving to bring back their soft, gooey texture.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate treat for chocolate and cinnamon lovers!  With fluffy chocolate dough, a rich cinnamon-chocolate filling, gooey chocolate chips, and creamy frosting, every bite is pure comfort.

Make a batch for breakfast, brunch, or dessert and serve them warm for the best experience. One bite and you’ll understand why these chocolate rolls disappear so quickly!