Rich, indulgent, and utterly decadent, these chocolate cinnamon rolls are the perfect treat for any occasion. With a gooey chocolate-cinnamon filling and a creamy hazelnut icing, these rolls strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Whether for a weekend brunch or an after-dinner dessert, these rolls will steal the show.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Combines the classic cinnamon roll with a chocolatey twist.
Creamy Hazelnut Icing: The nutty sweetness pairs perfectly with the rolls.
Perfect for Sharing: Great for family breakfasts, parties, or gifts.
Ingredients
For the Dough
Flour: All-purpose flour for a soft, fluffy texture.
Yeast: Instant yeast to help the dough rise beautifully.
Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
Salt: Balances the sweetness.
Plant-Based Milk or Regular Milk: Used for a tender dough.
Butter or Vegan Butter: For richness.
For the Filling
Brown Sugar: Creates a gooey, caramelized filling.
Cocoa Powder: Adds the chocolate flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: Classic cinnamon roll warmth.
Butter or Vegan Butter: Helps the filling spread evenly.
Chocolate Chips: Optional, for an extra burst of chocolate.
For the Hazelnut Icing
Powdered Sugar: Forms the base of the icing.
Hazelnut Spread: Adds rich, nutty flavor.
Non-Dairy Milk or Regular Milk: Adjusts the icing consistency.
Vanilla Extract: For added depth.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
Warm the milk slightly and combine it with the yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes.
Add sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Gradually stir in the flour until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon.
Melt the butter and set aside for brushing.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle (approximately 12×18 inches).
Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle the sugar-cocoa-cinnamon mixture evenly over it.
If using, sprinkle chocolate chips over the filling.
Roll the dough tightly from the longer side to form a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
Step 4: Bake
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each.
Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and the filling is bubbling.
Step 5: Make the Hazelnut Icing
Whisk together powdered sugar, hazelnut spread, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Adjust the consistency with more milk if necessary.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the warm rolls with hazelnut icing.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 Roll
Calories: ~320
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 220mg
Total Carbohydrates: 50g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 28g
Protein: 5g
FAQ
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Assemble and bake the rolls fresh in the morning.
What if I don’t have hazelnut spread? You can substitute with almond butter, peanut butter, or even plain icing.
How do I store leftover rolls? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Can I make this recipe vegan? Absolutely! Use plant-based milk and vegan butter, and ensure the chocolate chips and hazelnut spread are vegan-friendly.
Can I freeze the rolls? Yes! Freeze unbaked rolls after assembling them. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before following the baking instructions.
What toppings go well with these rolls? Crushed hazelnuts, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even melted chocolate drizzle are great options.
Can I use a bread machine for the dough? Yes! Use the dough cycle of your bread machine for an easy option.
What’s the best way to reheat these rolls? Warm them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe? Yes, you can reduce the sugar in the filling and icing for a less sweet version.
What’s a good drink pairing for these rolls? Pair them with hot coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold almond milk.
Enjoy your rich, chocolatey cinnamon rolls with a nutty twist!
PrintChocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Hazelnut Icing
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls, topped with luscious Hazelnut Icing. Perfect for cozy mornings or as a decadent dessert, these rolls are easy to make and absolutely irresistible!
- Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- (Optional) 1/2 cup crushed nuts (e.g., hazelnuts or pecans)
For the Hazelnut Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup hazelnut spread (e.g., Nutella)
- 2–3 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. - Make the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. - Assemble the Rolls:
Roll the dough out into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the butter. For added crunch, sprinkle crushed nuts on top if desired. Starting at one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss. - Second Rise:
Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a bit of space between them to rise. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. - Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly golden on top. - Make the Icing:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, hazelnut spread, and milk until smooth and pourable. Add more milk if needed for the desired consistency. - Glaze the Rolls:
Allow the rolls to cool slightly after baking. Drizzle the hazelnut icing generously over the warm rolls. - Serve and Enjoy:
These rolls are best served warm for the ultimate indulgence. Pair them with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a perfect treat!
Notes
- For a crunchy texture, add crushed nuts such as hazelnuts or pecans to the filling.
- Rolls are best served warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg