Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Espresso Cream Cheese Icing
Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Espresso Cream Cheese Icing are a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and warm spices, perfect for any occasion. These soft, cocoa-infused rolls are swirled with a luscious filling of cinnamon and chocolate, then topped with a creamy espresso-flavored cream cheese icing that adds an irresistible coffee kick. Ideal for brunch gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply satisfying your sweet cravings, these rolls bring joy to all who indulge in them.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 240 g whole milk (1 cup, warmed to 110°F)
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 50 g granulated sugar (¼ cup)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 115 g unsalted butter (½ cup, softened)
- 1 tsp salt
- 570 g all-purpose flour (4 3/4 cups)
- 30 g unsweetened cocoa powder (¼ cup)
- 113 g unsalted butter (½ cup, softened, for the filling)
- 200 g brown sugar (1 cup, packed)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (for the filling)
- 50 g semi-sweet chocolate (finely chopped or mini chips)
- 225 g cream cheese (8 oz, room temperature, for frosting)
- 60 g unsalted butter (¼ cup, room temperature, for frosting)
- 240 g powdered sugar (2 cups, sifted)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for frosting)
- 2 tsp instant espresso powder (dissolved in 1 tbsp milk or cream)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a stand mixer bowl; let sit until foamy. Mix in eggs, softened butter, and salt.
- Gradually add flour and cocoa powder; knead until smooth and slightly tacky. Let rise covered until doubled in size (1–1.5 hours).
- Prepare the filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder into a paste.
- Roll out dough into a rectangle; spread the filling evenly and sprinkle chopped chocolate on top. Roll tightly and cut into 12 equal portions.
- Place rolls in a greased baking pan; let rise until puffy (30–40 minutes). Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth; mix in powdered sugar, cinnamon, and dissolved espresso.
- Frost warm rolls before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (90g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg