Chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting

If you’re looking for the ultimate treat to brighten your day, these chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting are just the thing! Imagine soft, fluffy rolls infused with rich cocoa and a swirl of sweet cinnamon—truly a match made in heaven. This recipe is one of my favorites because it brings smiles during family gatherings, weekend brunches, or even just a cozy night in with a good book. Plus, who can resist that creamy chocolate frosting that takes these rolls to the next level?

Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at something new, these delightful rolls are as easy to make as they are delicious. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you want to indulge a little without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you’ll have these rolls ready in no time.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love these sweet treats—they make for a great bonding moment in the kitchen!
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh whenever you want.
• Irresistible flavor: The combination of chocolate and cinnamon creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to beat.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a special celebration or just because, these rolls are sure to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to whip up these delightful chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting. You’ll find everything you need right here!

For the Rolls

• 100 g butter
• 500 ml milk
• 100 g white sugar
• 7 g active dry yeast
• 640 g all-purpose flour
• 60 g dark cocoa powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground coffee (optional)
• 150 g brown sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• some butter curls

For the Frosting

• 120 g cream cheese
• 4 tbsp milk
• 120 g powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp dark cocoa powder

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for extra crunch and flavor.
• Try different spices: Experiment with nutmeg or cardamom instead of cinnamon for an exciting twist.
• Use different frostings: Swap out the chocolate cream cheese frosting for vanilla or maple icing if you prefer something lighter.
• Make them mini: Roll smaller portions of dough for bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing!

How to Make Chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by melting your butter and warming the milk until it’s just lukewarm. Combine these in a mixing bowl with white sugar and yeast, letting it sit until bubbly. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, helping your dough rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Once your yeast mixture is ready, stir in flour, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Knead this mixture until smooth and elastic. This process develops gluten, which gives your rolls that lovely chewy texture we all adore.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Cover your dough and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about an hour. Patience is key here! This rising time ensures your rolls will be light and fluffy.

Step 4: Create the Filling

Mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional ground coffee while waiting for your dough to rise. Once risen, roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread some butter curls on top before generously sprinkling on your filling mixture.

Step 5: Shape Your Rolls

Roll up the dough tightly from one end to another, then slice into even pieces. Place them in a greased baking dish—this is where they will rise again before baking!

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven while letting the shaped rolls rest briefly. Bake them until they are golden brown and have filled your kitchen with an irresistible aroma—around 30 minutes should do the trick.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

While those beauties cool slightly, whip up your delicious frosting by combining cream cheese, milk, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth. The creamy texture will balance perfectly with those rich rolls!

Step 8: Frost & Enjoy!

Finally, drizzle that luscious chocolate cream cheese frosting over warm rolls. Serve them fresh out of the oven for a heavenly experience that everyone will love! Enjoy every bite of these delectable chocolate cinnamon rolls—they’re sure to become a favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Making chocolate cinnamon rolls is a delightful experience, and these tips will help you achieve the perfect batch every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and cream cheese to room temperature helps them blend smoothly, ensuring a creamy frosting and a well-mixed dough.
• Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing the dough to rise not only develops flavor but also creates that airy texture we all love in cinnamon rolls. Patience pays off here!
• Roll it tight: When rolling up your dough, make sure to keep it tight. This prevents gaps and ensures that each slice has an equal amount of filling, resulting in perfectly swirled rolls.
• Experiment with fillings: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits into your filling for added texture and flavor. A little creativity can make your rolls stand out even more!
• Serve warm: These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven or gently warmed up. The warm gooeyness pairs perfectly with the chocolate cream cheese frosting.

How to Serve Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

When it comes to serving these delightful chocolate cinnamon rolls, presentation matters! Here are some fun ideas to elevate this delicious dessert.

Garnishes

• Fresh berries: Add a handful of fresh strawberries or raspberries on top of the frosting for a burst of color and tartness that beautifully complements the sweetness.
• Mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint not only add a pop of green but also introduce a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate flavors.

Side Dishes

• Coffee: A steaming cup of coffee is an ideal companion, enhancing the flavors of both chocolate and cinnamon while providing a cozy touch.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made from seasonal fruits provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the rolls.
• Vanilla ice cream: For an indulgent twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream which will melt slightly over the warm rolls for extra decadence.
• Herbal tea: Opt for a calming herbal tea like chamomile or peppermint for a soothing pairing that rounds out your dessert experience nicely.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to whip up some mouthwatering chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting! Enjoy every sweet bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance and enjoy their delightful flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, 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 2 months.
• Label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, simply take out the desired number of rolls and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• If you prefer using a microwave, heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting.

Can I make chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting the night before?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls, then refrigerate them overnight. Just let them rise before baking.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

You can use a plant-based cream cheese alternative or even Greek yogurt as a lighter option for your frosting.

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

The rolls should be golden brown on top and spring back when lightly pressed. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Can I add nuts or other fillings to my chocolate cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, dried fruits, or other fillings like Nutella for extra flavor.

How can I store leftover chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them to keep fresh longer.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these delicious chocolate cinnamon rolls with chocolate cream cheese frosting! They’re not just a treat; they’re an experience that brings warmth and comfort into your home. Whether it’s a cozy weekend morning or a sweet surprise for loved ones, this recipe is sure to delight everyone. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your baking adventures!