Name: Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar (133g); 2 Tbsp black cocoa powder (14g); 1 tsp ground cinnamon (3g); 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (56g); 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (406-500g), plus up to 1/2 cup additional flour as needed; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted (50g); 2 tsp or 1 packet instant dry yeast (7g); 1 tsp fine salt (6g); 1 tsp instant espresso or coffee powder (2g); 1 cup whole milk (240ml); 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g); 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (56g); 1 large egg, room temperature (56g); 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature (8g); 2/3 cup milk or dark chocolate chips (120g); 3 Tbsp whole milk (45ml); 1 cup powdered sugar (125g); 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4ml)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 14 reviews

There is something truly magical about waking up to the smell of freshly baked Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate Glaze Recipe. These fluffy, rich rolls filled with a dark chocolate cinnamon sugar mixture and generously drizzled with a luscious chocolate glaze bring the perfect balance of warmth, sweetness, and that gooey goodness we all crave. Whether it’s a special weekend treat or a decadent breakfast, these rolls are irresistibly delicious and will make you feel like a master baker even if it’s your first time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a thick layer of smooth, light brown chocolate mousse with a slightly shiny texture and small darker chocolate bits visible inside, resting on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients for this Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate Glaze Recipe are straightforward and easy to find, yet each plays a vital role in creating those tender, flavorful layers and that shiny chocolate finish. From the rich cocoa powders to the soft butter, everything combines beautifully to give you a perfect bake.

Light brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture to the cinnamon filling.
Black cocoa powder: Provides an intense, dark chocolate flavor that amplifies the richness.
Ground cinnamon: Lends warmth and classic spice to the filling.
Unsalted butter: Used both in the filling and dough, it contributes tenderness and richness.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough, giving structure and the perfect chew.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Infuses the dough with chocolate flavor and a lovely brown tint.
Instant dry yeast: The secret to fluffy, risen rolls with great texture.
Fine salt: Balances sweetness and highlights flavors.
Instant espresso or coffee powder: Enhances the chocolate depth without overpowering.
Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough subtly to support the chocolate layers.
Egg: Binds the dough ingredients for elasticity and softness.
Milk or dark chocolate chips: Essential for that glossy, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate glaze.
Powdered sugar: Provides sweetness and smoothness to the glaze.
Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Rounds out the glaze with a fragrant sweetness.

How to Make Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cinnamon Roll Filling

While your dough is taking a rest, it’s the perfect time to whip up the decadent filling. Mixing light brown sugar, black cocoa powder, and ground cinnamon creates a luscious base that’s both sweet and complex. Setting this aside allows all those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cinnamon Roll Dough

Begin by warming your oven slightly—it will be the perfect spot for your rolls to rise later. Combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, yeast, instant coffee, and salt in a large bowl or your stand mixer. In a separate bowl, warm the milk with granulated sugar and butter until it’s just warm to the touch. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring until a sticky dough forms. Adding an egg here gives the dough a silky texture and extra depth. Keep mixing until the dough feels elastic but not sticky, adding extra flour in small increments as needed. A perfectly tacky dough is key.

Step 3: Roll Out and Fill the Dough

After resting the dough, flour your work surface generously and roll it into a large rectangle. Spreading softened butter over almost all of the surface, then sprinkling the rich chocolate cinnamon filling on top, ensures every bite bursts with flavor. Rolling it up tightly toward the uncovered edge is like wrapping a little present full of sweetness.

Step 4: Cut and Proof Rolls

Use dental floss or a sharp knife to slice your dough log into nine even spirals. Placing these snugly into a greased pan ensures they’ll rise upward, creating those beautiful fluffy layers. Cover and proof them in the turned-off warm oven—this gentle heat will help your rolls double in size and develop that tender crumb we all adore.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Once proofed, remove the cover and crank the oven to 350 F / 175 C. Baking for about 28 minutes strikes the perfect balance, allowing the chocolate dough to set while maintaining moist, gooey centers. You’ll know they’re ready by their slightly firm edges and that intoxicating aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 6: Make the Chocolate Glaze and Finish

This is where things get truly indulgent. Melting butter, chocolate chips, and whole milk creates a silky base for the glaze. Adding powdered sugar and vanilla turns it into a glossy finish that glistens perfectly atop those warm rolls. Drizzle generously after the rolls cool just enough so the glaze doesn’t melt away completely—each bite should be a luscious chocolate delight.

How to Serve Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate Glaze Recipe

A close-up of a thick, dark brown cinnamon roll with multiple visible layers swirled together, showing a rich chocolate filling in between. The top and sides of the roll are generously drizzled with smooth caramel sauce, and some caramel has pooled on the white plate underneath. The cinnamon roll appears soft and moist with a slightly crumbly texture on the edges. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, and in the background, a white baking dish with more cinnamon rolls is slightly blurred. A small metal fork rests next to the roll on the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of the glaze right before serving to enhance all the chocolate flavors and add a surprising touch. You might also add crushed toasted nuts for crunch or a light dusting of cocoa powder for extra elegance.

Side Dishes

These rolls are rich, so pairing them with a fresh fruit salad or a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or milk balances the sweetness and refreshes the palate. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can transform them into an unforgettable dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving these rolls warm inside a rustic basket lined with a cozy cloth, perfect for brunch gatherings. You can also plate them individually with a drizzle of additional glaze and a sprig of mint for a restaurant-style presentation that impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate Glaze Recipe keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To preserve freshness, store the glaze separately and add it just before serving to maintain its smooth texture.

Freezing

You can freeze these rolls baked or unbaked. For unbaked, slice and arrange them in a pan, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, allow extra rising time and bake as directed. Baked rolls freeze best after glazing; thaw them overnight and warm gently.

Reheating

For perfectly warm rolls, microwave individually for 20-30 seconds or reheat in a 300 F oven covered with foil for 10-15 minutes. If glazing wasn’t applied yet, add fresh glaze after reheating for that signature glossy finish.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of black cocoa powder?

Yes, though black cocoa powder gives a deeper, almost velvet-black color and richer flavor; regular cocoa will work fine but the rolls may be lighter in color and slightly less intense in taste.

What if I don’t have instant espresso powder?

You can omit it or substitute with a tiny pinch of instant coffee granules. It’s there to enhance the chocolate flavor subtly, so skipping it won’t ruin the recipe.

Can these rolls be made vegan?

With some substitutions like plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg replacer, you can adapt this recipe, but the dough texture and flavor might differ slightly. Experimenting is encouraged!

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

After placing the covered rolls in the warm oven, they should roughly double in size in about 30 minutes. Gently poke one with a finger; if the indentation stays, they’re ready.

Is it necessary to use dental floss to cut the rolls?

Not absolutely, but dental floss helps make clean cuts without squishing the dough, maintaining the roll’s shape and swirls perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for joining me on this chocolatey journey! This Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate Glaze Recipe is one of those delightful treats that bring both comfort and celebration to any morning or dessert table. Once you try these rolls, I’m confident they’ll become a treasured favorite and a recipe you return to often. So grab your apron and indulge in the joy of homemade baked goodness!