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Home » recipes » yeast breads

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Modified: Apr 15, 2025 · Published: Oct 3, 2024 · by anita | wild thistle kitchen · This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments

  • 16
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 4.5 from 2 reviews

Make these triple Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls for the chocolate lovers in your life! These rolls are the definition of indulgence and are such a fun spin on traditional cinnamon rolls. A chocolate dough filled with a rich chocolate filling and topped off with a gooey chocolate glaze - they are truly a chocolate lover's dream come true!

pan of chocolate cinnamon rolls some topped with chocolate frosting

Recipe Background and Details

I absolutely love making and sharing cinnamon rolls. It all started with my Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls many years ago. Since then I've shared my very popular Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls as well as true Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. Also, more recently I shared these Sourdough Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls and these Banana Cinnamon Rolls.

I have several more in my imagination, but for now, let's talk about these Triple Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls. They are so rich and chocolatey! When I was developing this recipe I asked my husband, "When I say "Chocolate Cinnamon Roll" what do you think of?" He answered with, "A chocolate dough with chocolate cinnamon filling," which is exactly what I think of. But there are a lot of recipes for chocolate cinnamon rolls that are just a regular white dough with a chocolate filling. Nothing at all wrong with that, but I feel like when I want chocolate, I really want chocolate. So we went for the full-immersion chocolate experience here and I hope you love it!

close up of unbaked chocolate cinnamon roll
Jump to:
  • Recipe Background and Details
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Storage
  • FAQ
  • Related - bread & quick bread recipes
  • Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

Here's what you need to make these chocolate cinnamon rolls:

  • milk: I use whole milk or buttermilk powder (¼ cup mixed with 1 cup water). You can use other milks but make sure they are pretty fatty.
  • active dry yeast: This is my preferred yeast. If you like instant yeast feel free to use that instead.
  • egg: one whole egg and one yolk to give extra richness to this dough as cocoa powder can have a drying effect on dough.
  • brown sugar: to add depth of flavor and also moisture.
  • vanilla: I love vanilla with cocoa powder. I think both flavors work really well together.
  • instant coffee: this one is optional but again it is for a depth of flavor and to enhance the richness of the cocoa powder.
  • cocoa powder: I love using the double dark blend from King Arthur both for its rich chocolate flavor and also its dramatic dark color.
  • all purpose flour: Feel free to use bread flour for a more sturdy roll.
  • salt: I use Diamond Crystal Kosher salt
  • butter: salted or unsalted will both work fine here or use your preferred oil or fat.

See recipe card for quantities.

pan of chocolate cinnamon rolls with one roll turned on its side showing the soft chocolate dough

Instructions

This is just like making regular cinnamon rolls but maybe a little messier from the cocoa. Here are some step-by-step photos of the easy process.

yeast blooming in milk
brown sugar, egg, and vanilla added to milk and yeast mixture
dry ingredients and butter added to wet ingredients in mixing bowl
chocolate cinnamon roll dough in mixing bowl with dough hook
  • Place warm milk in mixing bowl and sprinkle yeast over top. Allow yeast to bloom for 5-10 minutes.
  • Add brown sugar, egg plus egg yolk, and vanilla to yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
  • Add flour, instant coffee, salt, butter, and sift in cocoa powder.
  • Mix with dough hook for 6-7 minutes until a soft dough forms.
chocolate dough in glass pitcher before rising
chocolate dough in glass pitcher after doubling in size
chocolate dough on cocoa powder dusted surface
chocolate dough rolled into large rectangular shape with wooden rolling pin
  • Scrape down sides, cover, and let dough rise for 60-90 minutes until doubled.
  • Turn out onto cocoa dusted surface and roll to a large rectangle.
ingredients for chocolate cinnamon roll filling in small bowl
chocolate dough covered with chocolate filling
chocolate dough rolled up into long log
chocolate cinnamon roll dough being sliced with serrated knife
  • Combine filling ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Spread filling over surface of dough.
  • Roll dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 even pieces.
chocolate cinnamon roll slices in pan before second rise
chocolate cinnamon rolls in pan after second rise
  • Arrange slices in a baking dish and allow to rise for 60-90 minutes until puffy. Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.
baked unfrosted chocolate cinnamon rolls

Storage

These rolls will keep well at room temperature for 2-3 days if they are covered tightly to prevent drying out. The glaze keeps them pretty moist. Any longer than 3 days and I'd stick them in the refrigerator for up to one week. Give them a few seconds in the microwave to warm them back up.

pan of chocolate rolls with a few missing showing the gooey chocolate filling on the bottom of the pan

FAQ

Does chocolate go well with cinnamon?

Chocolate and cinnamon pair very well together - in fact if you have ever had Mexican Hot Chocolate, you have had this combo already!

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See more breads →
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Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 2 reviews

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Make these triple Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls for the chocolate lovers in your life! These rolls are the definition of indulgence and are such a fun spin on traditional cinnamon rolls. A chocolate dough filled with a rich chocolate filling and topped off with a gooey chocolate glaze - these are truly a chocolate lover's dream come true!

  • Total Time: about 2 hours
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

dough:

1 cup (240 grams) whole milk, warmed to 100-110 degrees F

2 ¼ teaspoons (one packet) active dry yeast

½ cup (90 grams) brown sugar

1 whole egg plus one egg yolk

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

4 cups (480 grams) all purpose flour

½ cup (50 grams) dark cocoa powder, sifted

1 teaspoon instant coffee (optional)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

2 ounces (½ stick) butter, soft room temperature

filling:

2 ounces (½ stick) butter, soft room temperature

2 tablespoons dark cocoa powder

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

½ cup (90 grams) dark brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon instant coffee (optional)

glaze:

1 cup (130 grams) powdered sugar, sifted

¼ cup (25 grams) cocoa powder, sifted

1 teaspoon vanilla

about 4 tablespoons cream or milk to create a smooth spreadable consistency

Instructions

  1. Place warm milk in mixing bowl and sprinkle yeast over top. Allow yeast to bloom for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Add brown sugar, egg plus egg yolk, and vanilla to yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
  3. Add flour, instant coffee, salt, butter, and sift in cocoa powder to avoid bitter lumps.
  4. Mix with dough hook on speed 2 for 6-7 minutes, scraping down sides as needed, until a soft dough forms. This is a sticky dough but if you feel it is very wet and soupy, add a bit more flour.
  5. Scrape down sides, cover, and let dough rise for 60-90 minutes until doubled.
  6. Turn out onto cocoa dusted surface and roll to a large rectangle.
  7. Combine filling ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Spread filling over entire surface of dough. Roll dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 even pieces.
  8. Arrange slices in a 9x13 baking dish and allow to rise for 60-90 minutes until puffy. Give one a poke on the side with your finger - if the dough springs back quickly they need more rising time. If it leaves an indentation, they are done rising.
  9. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes.
  10. Glaze while still slightly warm.

To prepare glaze simply mix ingredients in a bowl until you reach a smooth, frosting consistency. I like to use a large whisk for this to avoid lumps. Add more milk if you like it thinner and more powdered sugar if you like it thicker.

Notes

Yes, you can make this dough without a mixer. Simply mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon or dough whisk until a shaggy dough forms. Dump onto floured surface and knead by hand for about 10 minutes. 

  • Author: anita | wild thistle kitchen
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: breakfast, dessert, brunch
  • Method: baking
  • Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe?

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  • 16

About anita | wild thistle kitchen

Hi, my name is Anita! Welcome to Wild Thistle Kitchen. This is where I share rustic, comforting, seasonal recipes (both sweet and savory!) as well as nostalgic food memories. I'm so happy you're here! xo - Anita

Comments

  1. Jas says

    December 31, 2024 at 5:06 pm

    Hi there. I really want to make these, but could I add chocolate chips and marshmallows to make it a hot chocolate cinnamon roll?

    Reply
    • anita | wild thistle kitchen says

      December 31, 2024 at 5:13 pm

      Hi Jas! Yes, you definitely can add those - how fun! I'd sprinkle them on top of the filling before rolling. Let me know how it goes. Happy New Year! - Anita

      Reply
  2. Victoria says

    December 12, 2024 at 11:55 pm

    Question: If I make the dough the night before, create the rolls and put them in the pan then leave in the fridge to bake in the morning does the dough hold up well?

    Reply
    • anita | wild thistle kitchen says

      December 13, 2024 at 7:40 am

      Hi Victoria. Yes, you can do that - I do it with my other cinnamon roll recipes often. You will want to let it rise for about 30-40 minutes before you cover and place in the refrigerator overnight. Let it sit at room temp while you preheat the oven the next morning. Let me know how they turn out! Thanks - Anita

      Reply
  3. Keesha Saunders says

    October 11, 2024 at 1:37 pm

    I made it! Instructions were easy to follow, especially the photos of steps listed. My kids and husband loved them. The chocolate and cinnamon is a really unique taste and aroma. For me they were too chocolatey. Next time I would skip the chocolate frosting and maybe use a cream cheese frosting or vanilla frosting.

    Reply
    • anita | wild thistle kitchen says

      October 11, 2024 at 2:01 pm

      Thanks Keesha! I'm so happy you made them for your family! Yes, they are super rich and chocolatey. I'm with you - I'd prefer a cream cheese frosting any day! haha

      Reply
    • Amber says

      March 08, 2025 at 12:43 am

      can u plz share recipe of red velvet cinnamon rolls. thanks

      Reply
      • anita | wild thistle kitchen says

        March 09, 2025 at 8:20 am

        Hi Amber. I don't have any plans to share a red velvet cinnamon roll, but if you simply used regular cocoa powder (not dark) in these and added red food coloring, you'd have a red velvet cinnamon roll. 🙂

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Welcome!

Hi there! My name is Anita - welcome to Wild Thistle Kitchen - where I share lots of sourdough and sourdough discard recipes as well as seasonal sweet and savory comfort food and baking recipes.

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