Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Hazelnut Icing

If you’re looking for a cozy, indulgent treat that will make your mornings feel special, you’ve landed in the right spot! These Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Hazelnut Icing are not just any rolls; they’re a delightful combination of rich chocolate goodness and warm, comforting spices. Perfect for a holiday brunch or simply to brighten up a busy weeknight, this recipe is bound to be a hit with everyone at your table—kids and adults alike!

What makes these rolls extra special is the hazelnut icing that takes them over the top. Imagine biting into soft, fluffy chocolate dough swirled with cinnamon and sugar, all topped with a creamy, dreamy icing that adds the perfect finishing touch. Trust me; once you try these, they’ll become a go-to recipe in your household!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up without any fuss!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love chocolate, and who doesn’t enjoy gooey cinnamon rolls? Everyone will be coming back for seconds.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a special brunch or just because, these rolls fit right in.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dough the night before! Just let it rise in the fridge overnight and bake fresh rolls in the morning.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and hazelnuts creates an irresistible flavor that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe calls for some simple and wholesome items that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need:

For the Dough

• 4 – 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 packets Fleischmann’s RapidRise® Yeast
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups water
• 6 tablespoons butter (for the dough)
• 1 egg

For the Filling

• 3 tablespoons softened butter
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ⅓ cup sugar

For the Icing

• ½ cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup hazelnut spread (such as Nutella)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• Milk (as needed)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, making it easy to customize according to your taste preferences! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped hazelnuts or walnuts into the filling for extra crunch.
• Change Up the Spread: Try using almond spread instead of hazelnut for a different flavor profile.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon for an aromatic twist.
• Make it Fruity: Spread some raspberry or cherry jam on top of the chocolate before rolling for a fruity surprise.

How to Make Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Hazelnut Icing

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Begin by buttering a 9×13 inch pan. This will ensure that your rolls don’t stick and come out perfectly golden.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, cocoa powder, sugar, yeast, and salt. This step combines everything you’ll need for that delicious chocolatey flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine water and butter. Microwave it in short bursts until mostly melted. The water should be warm but not too hot to touch—this helps activate the yeast!

Step 4: Bring It Together

Add the warm water mixture and egg to your dry ingredients. Mix well until everything is combined. This forms that lovely rich dough we want.

Step 5: Flour It Up

Gradually add flour—¼ cup at a time—until it starts coming together into a ball. Don’t worry if it’s still sticky; that’s okay!

Step 6: Knead Away

Transfer your dough onto a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, knead it gently for about 4-6 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Kneading helps develop gluten, giving your rolls their fluffy texture.

Step 7: Let It Rise

Place your dough in a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 10 minutes while we prepare our filling.

Step 8: Roll It Out

Once risen, roll out your dough into a large flat rectangle (about 15×10 inches). This is where all those delicious layers begin!

Step 9: Add Butter and Filling

Spread softened butter over the entire surface of the dough. In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon and sugar before sprinkling generously over the buttered dough.

Step 10: Roll It Up

Starting from one long side of the rectangle, roll tightly towards the other side while pinching to seal. This creates those beautiful swirls everyone loves!

Step 11: Slice Them Up

Use a sharp knife or even dental floss to cut your rolled dough into 12 equal sections. Each piece should reveal those gorgeous layers inside!

Step 12: Arrange Them Beautifully

Place each cut roll cut-side down into your prepared pan. Make sure they’re snug but not overcrowded!

Step 13: Final Rise Before Baking

Cover tightly again and let them rise in a warm place for about an hour until doubled in size—a great time to preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Step 14: Bake Until Golden

Bake those beautiful rolls in your preheated oven for about 25-35 minutes until they are no longer doughy in center. Let them cool on wire rack for at least twenty minutes—if you can wait that long!

Step 15: Whip Up That Icing

While they cool down, let’s make that heavenly icing! Whip softened butter until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Gradually mix in powdered sugar until well blended.

Step 16: Hazelnut Goodness

Add hazelnut spread and salt to your whipped butter mixture. Cream together until fully incorporated then add milk little by little until you reach desired consistency.

Step 17: Time to Indulge!

Spread that luscious icing over each roll generously. Serve them warm and watch everyone smile—there’s nothing quite like homemade Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Hazelnut Icing on your table! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Hazelnut Icing

Baking these delightful chocolate cinnamon rolls is a joy, and a few simple tips can make the experience even more rewarding!

• Use fresh ingredients – Ensure your yeast is fresh and active; this will help your rolls rise beautifully and achieve that fluffy texture everyone loves.
• Knead thoroughly – Kneading the dough for the right amount of time (4-6 minutes) develops gluten, which gives your rolls structure and chewiness. Don’t rush this step!
• Warm rising environment – Allow the dough to rise in a warm place; this speeds up yeast activity, leading to perfectly risen rolls that are soft and airy.
• Experiment with fillings – Feel free to get creative with your filling! Adding nuts or different spices can give these rolls a unique twist that suits your taste.
• Don’t skip the cooling time – Letting the rolls cool for at least 20 minutes before icing allows them to set, ensuring that the icing doesn’t melt away but instead adds a perfect touch of sweetness on top.

How to Serve Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Hazelnut Icing

These chocolate cinnamon rolls aren’t just delicious—they’re also beautiful! Presenting them well can make all the difference, whether for a festive brunch or a cozy family breakfast.

Garnishes

• Chopped hazelnuts – Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts over the icing for added texture and flavor. They provide a lovely crunch that complements the softness of the rolls.
• Chocolate shavings – A dusting of chocolate shavings adds an elegant touch and enhances the chocolatey goodness of your cinnamon rolls.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad – A mix of berries, melons, and citrus provides a refreshing counterpart to the rich flavors of the cinnamon rolls, balancing sweetness with acidity.
• Greek yogurt with honey – Creamy Greek yogurt drizzled with honey offers a tangy contrast while adding protein to your meal. It’s perfect for those looking for a lighter side option.
• Coffee or hot chocolate – Pairing these rolls with a warm beverage like coffee or hot chocolate creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying each delectable bite.

These ideas will elevate your serving game and ensure that every guest leaves feeling satisfied! Enjoy making and sharing these scrumptious treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Hazelnut Icing are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, which means you can enjoy fresh, warm rolls any day of the week without the hassle of starting from scratch.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer them fresher, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the baked cinnamon rolls to cool completely.
• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat the rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual rolls for about 20-30 seconds until warm.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about these delicious chocolate cinnamon rolls!

Can I make Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Hazelnut Icing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling out and baking.

What should I do if my Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Hazelnut Icing don’t rise?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and that your water mixture is warm but not too hot. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast. Also, ensure you’re letting the dough rise in a warm place.

Can I use a different nut spread instead of hazelnut?

Yes, feel free to substitute hazelnut spread with almond butter or another nut spread of your choice if desired!

How do I know when my cinnamon rolls are done baking?

You can tell they’re done when they are puffed up and no longer doughy in the center. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the filling?

Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips before rolling up the dough will give your cinnamon rolls an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Hazelnut Icing! They’re not just a treat; they’re an experience that brings warmth and happiness to any gathering. Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a cozy weekend morning, these rolls are sure to impress everyone at your table. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your creations—I’d love to hear how they turn out!