Chocolate Cinnamon Swirl Rolls (Printable Version)

Soft pillowy dough filled with chocolate and cinnamon, drizzled with a rich glaze. Ideal for breakfast or a treat.

# Components:

→ Dough

01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet active dry yeast (approximately 2.25 teaspoons)
03 - 1 cup whole milk, warmed
04 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1 teaspoon salt

→ Filling

08 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
09 - 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
10 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
11 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
12 - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

→ Chocolate Glaze

13 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
14 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
15 - 2-3 tablespoons milk
16 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Preparation steps:

01 - Combine warm milk and yeast in a small bowl. Allow to sit for 5 minutes until a foamy texture develops.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Incorporate the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft, cohesive dough is formed.
03 - Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in volume.
04 - In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon.
05 - Gently punch down the risen dough. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 16x12-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the prepared sugar-cocoa-cinnamon mixture and the mini chocolate chips over the buttered surface.
06 - Tightly roll the dough from one of the long sides to create a spiral. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the pieces in a buttered 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover and allow to rise for an additional 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
07 - Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
08 - While the rolls are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until a smooth glaze forms. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Soft pillowy dough with a silky melt-in-your-mouth texture
  • Generous swirls of chocolate and warm cinnamon in every bite
  • Decadent chocolate glaze finishes them perfectly
  • Makeahead friendly and freezer safe
02 -
  • Naturally vegetarian with simple pantry ingredients
  • Satisfyingly high in carbohydrates for energy and comfort
  • Perfect for making ahead or freezing for later
03 -
  • Always test your yeast before mixing the dough When it turns foamy it is good to go If the mixture stays flat your rolls will need new yeast
  • Spread the filling mixture all the way to the edges for maximum chocolate payoff
  • If using floss to slice the rolls hold the ends crisscross and pull through gently for perfectly shaped rolls