There’s truly nothing quite like a pan of warm, gooey Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls straight from the oven. Imagine the perfect swirl of pillowy-soft dough, rich cocoa and cinnamon filling, melted chocolate chips, and a dreamy vanilla glaze on top. These rolls are a chocolate lover’s dream meets the nostalgic comfort of classic cinnamon rolls—a treat guaranteed to steal the spotlight at brunch, holiday mornings, or any time you want to turn an ordinary day into something special.

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls is that they call for simple, staple ingredients, yet every component builds incredible flavor, aroma, and texture. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each is important to this decadent creation:

Active dry yeast: The secret to that soft, fluffy rise in every roll—it brings the dough to life!
Warm milk (110°F): Milk gives the dough richness and ensures the yeast activates properly for maximum fluffiness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast during the first rise.
Large egg: Adds tenderness and structure to the dough, making each bite irresistibly soft.
Unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and flavor, ensuring a soft crumb.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens the depth of flavor.
All-purpose flour: The sturdy, reliable base that gives the rolls their structure.
Unsalted butter, softened (for filling): Ensures the cocoa-cinnamon sugar mixture clings to every swirl for gooey perfection.
Brown sugar, packed: Adds caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the filling.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that deep, chocolatey punch throughout the swirl.
Ground cinnamon: The aromatic heart of every cinnamon roll, spiced up for a perfect partnership with the chocolate.
Mini chocolate chips: Little pops of melty, chocolatey bliss in every bite—don’t skimp!
Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Dissolves into a silky-sweet topping that drapes every roll beautifully.
Milk (for the glaze): Helps the powdered sugar find that perfect drizzle-worthy consistency.
Vanilla extract (for the glaze): Lends warmth and a fragrant finish to the glaze.

How to Make Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by whisking together the yeast and warm milk in a large mixing bowl. Give it a good five to ten minutes—watch for that foamy, bubbly top, which means your yeast is awake and ready to work some magic! If you don’t see any bubbling, your yeast might be expired, so it’s worth double-checking for best results.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

Add in the granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, salt, and flour. Stir until the mixture forms into a shaggy dough, then transfer onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and a little tacky but not sticky. If kneading isn’t your thing, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for a hands-off approach.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Pop your kneaded dough back into the mixing bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and find it a warm, draft-free spot to get cozy for an hour. The dough should double in size—think of this step as giving your Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls their signature soft, fluffy texture.

Step 4: Make the Filling

While the dough rises, whisk together the brown sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and cinnamon in a small bowl. This is where the iconic aroma starts to build. Set your softened butter and mini chocolate chips aside so they’re ready for the assembly line!

Step 5: Roll Out and Fill

Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down and roll it out into a 12×16 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Slather the softened butter all over the dough, then sprinkle the cocoa-cinnamon sugar mixture evenly, finishing with a generous scattering of mini chocolate chips. Each layer means more gooey, melty filling in your final rolls!

Step 6: Roll Up and Slice

Starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly into a log, keeping the swirl as neat as possible—this is where the signature look comes from. Using a sharp knife or (for cleanest cuts) unflavored dental floss, slice the log into 12 even rolls.

Step 7: Second Rise

Arrange your rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover with a towel and let them rise in a warm spot for another 30 minutes. They’ll puff up beautifully, promising soft pull-apart rolls when baked.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slide your rolls in and let them bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until they turn a golden brown and your kitchen is filled with the sweet aroma of chocolate and cinnamon. It’s nearly impossible to wait, but it’s so worth it!

Step 9: Glaze and Enjoy

While the Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls are still warm, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for your glaze. Drizzle generously over the tops—the glaze will melt into the crevices, turning every bite into pure bliss.

How to Serve Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

Dress up your Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with a dusting of extra cocoa powder, a snow of powdered sugar, or a handful of chocolate chips for that irresistible bakery look. If you’re feeling playful, a drizzle of thick cream cheese frosting takes them totally over the top!

Side Dishes

These rolls are the star of any breakfast or brunch table, but they pair beautifully with scrambled eggs, fresh berries, or even some crispy bacon for a perfect sweet-and-savory balance. For a lighter touch, try them alongside a fruit salad or vanilla yogurt to round out your spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, bake the rolls in a cast iron skillet for rustic charm, or arrange them in a circle for a festive centerpiece. If you’re hosting, serve each Chocolate Cinnamon Roll in a parchment-lined cupcake wrapper—easy to grab and cute enough for a party tray!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, store your Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll keep their softness and stay delicious when you’re in the mood for a second treat.

Freezing

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls freeze remarkably well—freeze them (unglazed) individually or as a batch. Simply let them cool, then seal in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When a craving strikes, just thaw and reheat!

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-baked magic, microwave individual rolls for 20-30 seconds or warm a tray in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Add the glaze after reheating for that ooey-gooey finish every time.

FAQs

Can I make Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls the night before?

Absolutely! Prepare the recipe through step 7, cover the unbaked rolls tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bring them to room temperature while you preheat the oven in the morning, then bake as usual—fresh, warm rolls are ready for breakfast!

What kind of cocoa powder works best in the filling?

Opt for unsweetened natural or Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a deep, chocolatey flavor. Either variety will work, but Dutch-processed tends to deliver richer color and a mellow profile that compliments the cinnamon perfectly.

Can I substitute the mini chocolate chips with regular ones?

Mini chocolate chips melt more evenly and distribute better in each swirl, but you can use regular chips in a pinch. You may also chop up a chocolate bar for delicious pockets of melty chocolate!

How do I know if my dough has risen enough?

The dough is ready when it’s puffy and doubled in size—a gentle poke will leave an indentation that fills back slowly. Rising times may vary depending on your kitchen temperature, so use your eyes (and a little patience) as a guide.

Can I make these dairy free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite non-dairy milk and use a plant-based butter alternative in both the dough and filling. They’ll still be soft, chocolatey, and wonderfully indulgent.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely adore making these Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls and sharing them with friends and family—they’re the kind of treat that makes everyone gather in the kitchen, drawn by the sweet scent and melty chocolate. Give them a try and watch them become your new go-to for special mornings or whenever you want a little extra joy baked right in!