Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten up your mornings or bring some festive cheer to your family gatherings, these Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls are just the ticket! They blend the warmth of cinnamon with the bright zest of orange and rich chocolate, creating an irresistible flavor combination. Whether it’s a cozy Sunday brunch or a special occasion, these rolls are sure to impress everyone at the table.

What makes this recipe truly special is how simple it is to whip up. You’ll find that the process is not only enjoyable but also perfect for making memories in the kitchen. Plus, who can resist the gooey, warm goodness of fresh cinnamon rolls?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can shine!
• Family-friendly: Kids love helping out and devouring these sweet rolls.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare the dough in advance and bake when you’re ready for fresh rolls.
• Irresistible flavors: The combination of chocolate and orange creates a unique, festive treat.
• Perfect for sharing: These rolls are wonderful for gatherings, potlucks, or just cozying up at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create these Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls:

For the Dough

• 60 grams Unsalted butter
• 220 millilitres Whole milk
• 1 packet (11 grams) Fast-action dried yeast
• 50 grams Caster sugar
• 1 medium Egg (room temperature)
• 1 medium Egg yolk (room temperature)
• 460 grams Strong white bread flour (plus more for dusting)
• 50 grams Cocoa powder (I use Menier 100% Cocoa Powder)
• 1 teaspoon Salt

For the Filling

• 60 grams unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 120 grams light brown sugar/muscovado sugar
• 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 large Orange (zest only)

For the Frosting

• 50 grams Milk chocolate (I use Menier Swiss Milk Chocolate)
• 75 grams Full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
• 50 grams Icing sugar
• 1 large Orange (juice only—you can use up the orange that was zested for the filling)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your fillings and toppings. Here are some ideas you might enjoy:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch to your filling.
• Try different citrus: Lemon or grapefruit zest can give a different twist while keeping it bright.
• Change up the chocolate: Use dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a different flavor experience.
• Make it vegan: Substitute dairy butter with plant-based butter and use a flax egg instead.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming the milk and melting butter together until it’s just warm to touch. This step is crucial because it activates our yeast when mixed together. Add in the yeast along with caster sugar, then let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy—this ensures that your rolls will be nice and fluffy!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine strong white bread flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients helps distribute them evenly throughout your dough. Once combined, make a well in the center and pour in your wet mixture along with the egg and egg yolk.

Step 3: Knead Your Dough

Now comes the fun part—kneading! Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Kneading develops gluten which gives your rolls that signature fluffy texture.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Place your dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—around 1-2 hours. This step is essential as it allows air bubbles to develop in the dough.

Step 5: Make the Filling

While waiting for your dough to rise, mix together softened butter with light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and orange zest in a bowl. This delicious mixture will create that gooey filling we all love!

Step 6: Assemble Your Rolls

Once risen, roll out your dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread your filling evenly across it before rolling tightly from one end to another. Slice into equal pieces—as thick or thin as you prefer—and place them snugly into a baking dish.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover your sliced rolls again and let them rise until puffy—this should take about another hour. The second rise helps achieve maximum fluffiness!

Step 8: Bake Your Rolls

Preheat your oven while waiting! Bake those beauties at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes until golden brown on top. The smell will be heavenly!

Step 9: Prepare Frosting

While they bake, melt milk chocolate and mix it with cream cheese and icing sugar until smooth. Add fresh orange juice for extra zing!

Step 10: Frost & Enjoy!

Once cooled slightly after baking, drizzle or spread frosting over warm rolls and garnish as desired! Serve them up warm—trust me; they won’t last long!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls

These delightful rolls are sure to impress, and with a few handy tips, you’ll be able to make them even more wonderful!

• Use Fresh Yeast: Fresh yeast can significantly improve the dough’s rise and texture. If you can find it, consider using it instead of dried yeast for a fluffier roll.
• Knead Thoroughly: Kneading your dough well develops gluten, which is essential for that soft, fluffy texture. Aim for about 10 minutes of kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Let It Rise in a Warm Place: A warm environment helps the dough to rise quicker. You can place it in an oven turned off or near a sunny spot in your kitchen.
• Don’t Skip the Zest: The orange zest adds a vibrant flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully. Make sure to zest finely to avoid large chunks in your filling.
• Frost While Warm: Frosting these rolls while they’re still warm allows the cream cheese frosting to melt slightly into the rolls, creating a wonderfully gooey topping.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls

These Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for sharing during festive gatherings or cozy breakfast moments. Here’s how to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or hazelnuts on top of the frosted rolls for added crunch and flavor.
• Orange Zest: Add a sprinkle of extra orange zest over the frosting for a vibrant pop of color and an aromatic boost.
• Chocolate Shavings: Shave some milk chocolate on top of the rolls after frosting for an elegant finish and an extra hint of chocolate flavor.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of berries and citrus fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich rolls.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layering yogurt with fruits and granola makes for a light side dish that balances out the sweetness of the rolls.
• Coffee or Hot Chocolate: A warm drink enhances the cozy vibes; consider pairing with rich hot chocolate or freshly brewed coffee.
• Scrambled Eggs: For those who enjoy balance at breakfast, creamy scrambled eggs add protein and creaminess alongside these sweet treats.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to make your Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls shine! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful treat whenever you want! You can make them ahead of time, store them properly, or even freeze them for future enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• Once the rolls have cooled, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, allow the rolls to thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour.
• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls!

Can I use different types of chocolate for my Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely! While milk chocolate provides a nice sweetness, you can experiment with dark or even white chocolate to suit your taste preferences.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls?

Adding a bit more orange zest or using orange extract in both the filling and frosting can intensify the citrus flavor. You could also sprinkle some chopped nuts into the filling for added texture!

Can I prepare Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these rolls ahead of time! Follow the make-ahead instructions above to store or freeze them properly.

What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn’t rise well, it could be due to expired yeast or not keeping it in a warm environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and try placing it in a warm spot during proofing.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these magical Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls as much as I do! They’re not just a treat but a wonderful way to spread joy during any festive gathering. Don’t hesitate to get creative with this recipe — after all, cooking is all about having fun! Happy baking!