Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for a warm, cozy treat to brighten your mornings, you’ve come to the right place! Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls are not just your ordinary cinnamon rolls; they’re a delightful twist that combines the comforting flavors of hot cocoa with gooey chocolate goodness. Imagine waking up to the aroma of fresh-baked rolls that are soft and sweet, topped with creamy vegan marshmallow fluff and drizzled with rich chocolate sauce. Trust me, once you try these, regular cinnamon rolls will never be the same again!

These rolls are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a special family brunch, a cozy weekend morning, or even a fun baking project with the kids. They bring smiles all around and fill your home with irresistible smells. Let’s dive in and discover why this recipe holds such a special place in my heart!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, these rolls are approachable for bakers of all levels.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, especially when it involves rolling dough and sprinkling toppings!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh in the morning—perfect for busy days!
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate chips and marshmallow fluff creates an indulgent treat that feels like dessert for breakfast.
• Customizable Toppings: You can easily adjust the toppings to suit your taste or use whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything you need to create this delicious treat!

• 1 box Triple Chocolate cake mix
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 2 cups warm water
• 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1/2 cup unsalted sweet cream butter (melted)
• 1 cup Mallo Bits plus more for topping
• 1 1/2 – 2 cups mini chocolate chips plus more for topping
• 1 container of vegan marshmallows creme
• 1 container of chocolate sauce

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch to your rolls.
• Change up the chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of mini ones for a richer flavor.
• Swap the filling: Try adding peanut butter or almond butter instead of Mallo Bits for a nutty twist.
• Seasonal spices: Sprinkle some pumpkin spice or nutmeg into the filling for an autumn-inspired version.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing together the cake mix, flour, warm water, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. This step is crucial because it activates the yeast, which helps our rolls rise beautifully. Mix until everything is slightly combined but don’t worry about getting it perfect just yet!

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Once combined, transfer your dough onto a floured surface. Knead it gently until it’s smooth and bounces back when pressed. This process develops gluten, giving our cinnamon rolls that tender texture we all love.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Place your kneaded dough in a large glass bowl brushed with canola oil. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it sit for about an hour until it doubles in size. Patience is key here—the more time you give it to rise, the fluffier your rolls will be!

Step 4: Roll Out Your Dough

When your dough has risen perfectly, roll it out on a floured surface into about an 8-inch rectangle. This is where you’ll create that beautiful swirl! Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly shaped; just aim for even thickness.

Step 5: Add the Filling

Now comes the fun part! Brush melted butter over your rolled-out dough and sprinkle Mallo Bits along with mini chocolate chips. This step infuses every bite with decadent flavor—who could resist?

Step 6: Shape Your Rolls

Roll up your dough tightly into a log shape and cut it into thick slices about 1½ inches wide. Place them into a baking dish and cover again while they rise for another hour. This second rise adds even more fluffiness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once ready, bake those cinnamon rolls for about 30 minutes until golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell divine!

Step 8: Drizzle with Goodness

After allowing them to cool slightly (let’s say about 20 minutes), drizzle chocolate sauce over each roll like icing on a cake! Then warm some vegan marshmallow cream in intervals until soft enough to pipe onto your rolls—this adds such an amazing touch.

Step 9: Top Them Off

Finish off by sprinkling extra mini chocolate chips and Mallo Bits on top. Give them about ten minutes before digging in so they can set just right.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these heavenly Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls!

Pro Tips for Making Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Creating the perfect batch of Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience with just a few helpful tips!

• Use warm water, not hot: Warm water helps activate the yeast without killing it, ensuring your rolls rise beautifully and are fluffy on the inside.
• Knead until soft and elastic: Proper kneading develops gluten, which gives your rolls that soft, pillowy texture we all love. You should feel the dough bounce back when you poke it gently.
• Don’t skip the second rise: Allowing your rolls to rise a second time after cutting them helps improve their texture and makes them light and airy. Patience is key here!
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative! Adding different toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles can give your rolls a unique twist and make them even more festive.
• Enjoy fresh out of the oven: These rolls are best enjoyed warm, as the melted chocolate and gooey marshmallow crème create a delightful treat that’s hard to resist.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Serving these Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls is all about presentation and pairing them with complementary flavors. Here are some ideas to make your breakfast or dessert table shine!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and makes your rolls look extra inviting.
• Chocolate shavings: For an elegant touch, sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top; they not only enhance flavor but also add visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls, providing a burst of freshness to each bite.
• Coffee or Hot Cocoa: Pairing your rolls with a warm beverage like coffee or hot cocoa enhances the cozy vibe, making it a delightful morning treat.
• Yogurt Parfait: A creamy yogurt parfait layered with granola and berries offers a nutritious contrast to the rich sweetness of the rolls while adding texture.
• Vegan Whipped Cream: A dollop of vegan whipped cream on the side can add an indulgent creaminess that complements the chocolatey goodness perfectly.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re set to enjoy a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy these delightful treats even on busy mornings. You can easily prepare them in advance and store or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Place leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• To maintain freshness, consider wrapping each roll individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the container.

Freezing

• Allow the baked cinnamon rolls to cool completely before freezing.
• 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 individual rolls in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Drizzle with more chocolate sauce and marshmallow crème after reheating for an extra treat!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls.

Can I make Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls without chocolate chips?

Yes, you can omit the chocolate chips if you prefer a less sweet version or substitute with nuts or dried fruit for added texture.

How do I ensure my Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls rise properly?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and activated by using warm water (not hot) during preparation. Letting the dough rise in a warm environment will also help it double in size effectively.

Can I use gluten-free flour for these Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure your cake mix is also gluten-free.

What can I use instead of vegan marshmallow crème?

You can substitute vegan marshmallow crème with a homemade version made from aquafaba and powdered sugar or simply use whipped coconut cream as an alternative topping.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls! They’re not just delicious but also bring warmth and comfort to any morning. Enjoy making this special recipe and sharing it with those you love. Happy baking, friends!