Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for a delightful morning treat that warms your heart and makes your taste buds sing, these Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls are just the ticket! Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of chocolate wafting through your kitchen. With gooey marshmallow cream and rich chocolate sauce drizzled on top, these rolls are a cozy hug in pastry form. They’re perfect for lazy weekend mornings or as a special treat for family gatherings.

What I love most about this recipe is how it combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the indulgence of hot chocolate. It’s a wonderful way to bring everyone together for breakfast or dessert, and trust me, once you try them, you’ll never want regular cinnamon rolls again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple enough for even beginner bakers to whip up without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these sweet treats; they’re sure to become a family favorite!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a cozy weekday breakfast, these rolls fit right in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prep the dough ahead of time and bake fresh rolls in the morning for that homemade touch.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate chips, marshmallows, and warm dough creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely have on hand already. Each one adds its own special touch to create these delicious Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls.

For the Dough

• 1 box Triple Chocolate cake mix
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 2 cups warm water
• 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon canola oil

For the Filling

• 1/2 cup unsalted sweet cream butter (melted)
• 1 cup Mallo Bits plus more for topping
• 1 1/2 – 2 cups mini chocolate chips plus more for topping

For Topping

• 1 container of vegan marshmallows creme
• 1 container of chocolate sauce

Variations

One of the best things about baking is getting creative! This Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your preferences.

• Add Nuts: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans to give a crunchy texture.
• Use Different Fillings: Swap out Mallo Bits for peanut butter chips or caramel bits for a different flavor twist.
• Try Spices: Mix in some vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg into the dough for added warmth.
• Top with Fruit: Add sliced bananas or strawberries on top before drizzling with chocolate sauce for a fruity addition.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing together the cake mix, flour, warm water, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, which helps your rolls become fluffy and light. Stir until everything is just combined; don’t worry if it looks slightly lumpy at this stage!

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Now, transfer your dough onto a floured surface and knead it gently until it becomes smooth and elastic. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. A well-kneaded dough bounces back when pressed, which means it’s ready for rising!

Step 3: Let It Rise

Place your dough into a large glass bowl and brush some canola oil over its surface. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. This step allows the yeast to work its magic, making your rolls soft and airy.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Once your dough has doubled in size, turn it out onto a floured surface again and roll it out into roughly an 1/8 inch thick rectangle. Rolling it out evenly ensures that all those delicious fillings get distributed perfectly throughout each roll.

Step 5: Add Your Fillings

Brush melted butter over your rolled-out dough, then sprinkle on Mallo Bits and mini chocolate chips generously. This is where the magic happens! The filling will melt into gooey goodness while baking.

Step 6: Form Your Rolls

Carefully roll up the dough into a log shape starting from one long side. Once rolled tightly, cut into pieces about 1 1/2 inches thick. Place these lovely little spirals into a baking dish; they’ll puff up beautifully as they bake.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the rolls again with a towel and let them rise for another hour. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees during this time so that it’s ready when your dough has finished rising!

Step 8: Bake Them Up!

When you’re ready, bake those cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes until they’re golden brown. The smell should be heavenly by now!

Step 9: Cool & Drizzle

Once baked, allow them to cool slightly—about 20 minutes will do—before drizzling with rich chocolate sauce.

Step 10: Add Marshmallow Cream

In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat some vegan marshmallows crème until soft (10-15 seconds should do). Transfer this creamy delight into a piping bag (or just use a spoon!) and drizzle generously over each roll.

Step 11: Final Touches

Finally, sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips and Mallo Bits on top for that finishing touch! Let them sit for about ten minutes before indulging—if you can wait that long!

Enjoy every bite of these delightful Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls; they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Making Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, especially with a few handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly!

• Choose the Right Yeast: Using fresh active dry yeast ensures your rolls rise well and achieve that fluffy texture. Always check the expiration date before using.
• Knead Thoroughly: Kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic helps develop gluten, which gives your rolls structure and chewiness. Don’t rush this step!
• Let It Rise in a Warm Place: If your kitchen is cool, find a cozy spot (like near a heater) for the dough to rise. A warm environment encourages yeast activity, making your rolls light and airy.
• Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: Allowing the cinnamon rolls to cool for about 20 minutes after baking helps them set up nicely, making drizzling chocolate sauce and marshmallow crème easier without making a mess.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Adding crushed nuts or sprinkles can give an extra crunch and visual appeal to these delicious rolls.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

These Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls are not just a treat; they can be beautifully presented to impress family and friends during breakfast or brunch gatherings.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness and creates an elegant finish on top of your rolls.
• Chocolate Shavings: Grating some dark chocolate over the top enhances that chocolatey goodness while adding a gourmet touch.
• Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries beside the rolls introduces a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness.

Side Dishes

• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides brightness and balance against the sweet, rich cinnamon rolls.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries complements the rolls perfectly, adding creaminess and crunch for a well-rounded breakfast experience.
• Smoothie Bowl: A vibrant smoothie bowl packed with greens, banana, and almond milk offers a nutritious counterpart that makes your breakfast feel wholesome.
• Coffee or Hot Cocoa: Pair these rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa for an indulgent morning treat that warms you from the inside out.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to enjoy your delightful Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat whenever the craving hits! Making them ahead of time ensures you have a cozy breakfast or dessert ready to go.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Before baking, prepare the rolls and place them in the baking dish.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and allow to rise before baking.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cinnamon rolls on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• For added gooeyness, drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving!

FAQs

If you’re wondering more about these delightful rolls, you’re in the right place!

Can I use other cake mixes for Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of cake mix. A vanilla or red velvet mix can add unique twists to your rolls!

How do I make Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls gluten-free?

Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure that your cake mix is also gluten-free.

How long will Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls stay fresh?

When stored properly, these rolls can last up to a week in the refrigerator and up to two months in the freezer.

Can I add nuts to my Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls?

Definitely! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can be added along with chocolate chips for an extra crunch.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls as much as I do! Their rich chocolatey flavor combined with soft, pillowy dough makes them truly special. Whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast or a delightful dessert, these rolls are sure to bring smiles. Enjoy creating this comforting treat, and don’t hesitate to share your experience—I’d love to hear from you!