Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked chocolate cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. These decadent rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a rich blend of chocolate, cinnamon, and just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s dive in and get to baking these scrumptious rolls!
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5-60 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Stir in the melted butter, egg, the remaining sugar, and salt. Mix well until combined.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle, approximately 16×24 inches.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
- In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cocoa powder. Sprinkle this delightful mixture over the buttered dough.
- Evenly scatter the chocolate chips over the sugar mixture.
- Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other and cut it into 12 equal rolls.
- Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown and your kitchen is filled with a heavenly aroma.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the icing generously over the warm rolls before serving.
Notes or Tips
- For an extra touch, add nuts or dried fruits to the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of chocolate chips based on your personal preference.
- These rolls can be made ahead of time! Simply prepare them up to the second rise, refrigerate overnight, and then bake when you’re ready.
Cooking Techniques
Kneading is essential to develop the gluten in the dough, which gives the rolls their lovely chewy texture. Make sure not to skip this step! Additionally, ensuring your yeast is fresh and bubbly is key to achieving the perfect rise. A warm and draft-free environment while the dough rises will yield the best results.
FAQ
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can, but you may need to adjust the liquid content slightly as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture. - How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. - Can I freeze these rolls?
Absolutely! Once they are baked and cooled, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.
Conclusion
Indulging in a warm chocolate cinnamon roll fresh out of the oven is a delightful experience that brings joy to any morning or gathering. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible sweet treat, and watch as they disappear in no time. Happy baking!