Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that adds a touch of magic to any gathering, then you’ve landed in the right place! These Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls are not just a dessert; they are a warm hug on a plate. The combination of rich chocolate and zesty orange brings an exciting twist to classic cinnamon rolls that everyone will adore. Whether you’re whipping them up for a cozy weekend breakfast, a festive family gathering, or simply because it’s Tuesday, these rolls will brighten your day.

What makes this recipe so special is how easy it is to make yet so impressive when served. Imagine pulling these fluffy rolls out of the oven, the heavenly aroma filling your kitchen. Trust me, they won’t last long!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The sweet and zesty combination of chocolate and orange creates an unforgettable taste experience.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and wholesome ingredients, making these rolls is a breeze!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with this treat — perfect for sharing.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake fresh rolls whenever you want.
• Festive Appeal: These Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for holiday celebrations or any special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be surprised at how simple and wholesome the ingredients for these Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls are! Grab these goodies from your pantry and local store, and let’s get baking.

For the Dough

• 60 grams Unsalted butter
• 220 millilitres Whole milk
• 1 packet (11 grams) Fast-action dried yeast
• 50 grams Caster sugar
• 1 medium Egg (room temperature)
• 1 medium Egg yolk (room temperature)
• 460 grams Strong white bread flour (plus more for dusting)
• 50 grams Cocoa powder (I used Menier 100% Cocoa Powder)
• 1 teaspoon Salt

For the Filling

• 60 grams Unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 120 grams light brown sugar/muscovado sugar
• 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 large Orange (zest only)

For the Frosting

• 50 grams Milk chocolate (I use Menier Swiss Milk Chocolate)
• 75 grams Full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
• 50 grams Icing sugar
• 1 large Orange (juice only; you can use up the orange that was zested for the filling)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! If you’re feeling adventurous or have specific dietary needs, here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Use Different Citrus: Swap out the orange zest for lemon or grapefruit to change up the flavor profile.
• Go Vegan: Substitute dairy with plant-based butter and milk, and use flaxseed meal as an egg replacement.
• Mix in More Chocolate: Add chocolate chips into the filling for even more chocolaty goodness!

How to Make Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by melting your unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add in the whole milk. This mixture should be warm but not hot; around body temperature is perfect! Next, sprinkle in your fast-action dried yeast and caster sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step activates your yeast, ensuring fluffy rolls!

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your egg and egg yolk. Once combined, pour in your yeast mixture. Gradually add in your strong white bread flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until everything comes together into a dough.

Step 3: Knead Your Dough

Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This process develops gluten which gives your rolls their structure. Place it into a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about 1 hour.

Step 4: Make the Filling

While waiting on that delicious dough to rise, combine room-temperature unsalted butter with light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and orange zest in a bowl. Mix until creamy. This will be spread over your rolled-out dough later.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Once risen, punch down your dough gently to release air bubbles before rolling it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about half an inch thick. Spread your filling evenly over this dough rectangle.

Step 6: Shape Your Rolls

Starting from one end of the rectangle, roll tightly towards the other side to form a log shape. Slice into equal pieces about 2 inches thick—this should give you about 10 rolls! Place them cut-side up in a baking dish lined with parchment paper.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover your rolls again with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.

Step 8: Bake Your Rolls

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake those beautiful rolls for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown on top. The smell while they bake is utterly divine!

Step 9: Make Frosting & Drizzle On Top

While they cool slightly, melt milk chocolate over low heat or microwave safely before mixing with full-fat cream cheese and icing sugar along with freshly squeezed orange juice until smooth. Once cooled slightly, drizzle this heavenly frosting over each roll.

Now all that’s left is to gather around with family or friends as you enjoy these delightful Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls

These Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls are sure to impress, and with a few handy tips, you can make them even more delicious!

• Use fresh yeast: Ensuring your fast-action dried yeast is fresh helps the rolls rise beautifully, resulting in that soft and fluffy texture we all love.
• Let the dough rest: Allowing the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area will enhance its flavor and texture. Patience pays off here—your rolls will be so much better!
• Don’t skip the orange zest: The zest adds an incredible burst of citrus flavor that perfectly complements the chocolate and cinnamon. It’s what makes these rolls truly special.
• Room temperature ingredients: Using ingredients like eggs and cream cheese at room temperature ensures they mix evenly into the dough and frosting, leading to a smooth consistency.
• Test for doneness: When baking, keep an eye on your rolls during the last few minutes. They should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. This way, you avoid overbaking and maintain that gooey filling!

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Presentation really elevates this delightful treat! Here are some fun ideas for serving your Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls that will make them even more irresistible.

Garnishes

• Chocolate shavings: Sprinkle some finely grated chocolate on top of the frosting for an added touch of elegance and extra chocolatey goodness.
• Orange slices: Thinly slice an orange and place a piece on top of each roll for a pop of color and a fresh citrus aroma.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness to your plate while providing a healthy contrast to the richness of the rolls.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer creamy yogurt with granola and berries. This light option balances out the sweetness of the rolls, making it perfect for brunch.
• Coffee or Tea: Pairing your rolls with a hot cup of coffee or tea enhances their flavors. A rich mocha or spiced chai would complement the chocolate-orange combination wonderfully!
• Scrambled Eggs: For a hearty breakfast option, serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs seasoned with herbs. The savory element rounds out your meal beautifully.

Now you’re ready to create some magical memories around your table with these indulgent Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls are not just delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and enjoy their delightful flavors whenever you desire.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the rolls to cool completely.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen rolls overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Reheat rolls for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these delightful Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls:

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of strong white bread flour for Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly to achieve the right consistency.

How do I get the best flavor in my Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls?

Using fresh orange zest and high-quality cocoa powder will enhance the flavors significantly. Don’t skip these ingredients!

Can I make Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls without eggs?

Absolutely! You can replace each egg with a flaxseed meal mix (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) or applesauce (1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg).

What’s the best way to enjoy Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls?

These rolls are delightful warm from the oven, but they also make a fantastic breakfast treat or afternoon snack paired with a cup of tea or coffee.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about these Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls as I am! With their fluffy texture and festive flavors, they truly bring a warm touch to any gathering. Enjoy making them for family or friends, or simply treat yourself—you deserve it! Happy baking!