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Decadent Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Four freshly baked chocolate cinnamon rolls generously topped with thick, glossy chocolate frosting on a white plate.
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Make soft, gooey chocolate cinnamon rolls featuring a rich cocoa dough and topped with a decadent chocolate cream cheese frosting. This recipe yields bakery-style rolls perfect for brunch or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup whole milk, warm
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (for filling)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
  • 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped (for filling)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Stir in the remaining granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract into the yeast mixture.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. While the dough rises, prepare the filling: Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped chocolate in a small bowl until combined.
  7. Punch down the risen dough gently. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
  8. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on one long edge.
  9. Tightly roll the dough up starting from the long edge opposite the border. Pinch the seam closed.
  10. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls. Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
  11. Cover the pan and let the rolls proof for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
  12. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the rolls are set.
  13. While the rolls bake, prepare the frosting: Beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth. Gradually beat in the sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add vanilla and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream. Add more liquid, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
  14. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly for 10 minutes before generously spreading the chocolate cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.

Notes

  • For extra gooey centers, slightly underbake the rolls by 2 minutes.
  • Use high-quality cocoa powder for the deepest chocolate flavor.
  • If you prefer a thinner glaze instead of frosting, reduce the powdered sugar and butter in the frosting mixture and add more liquid.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/chocolate-cinnamon-rolls-recipe-gooey-bliss/