Sourdough Chocolate Rolls

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the tangy goodness of sourdough with the indulgent richness of chocolate, look no further! Sourdough Chocolate Rolls are a fantastic way to brighten any morning or dessert table. These rolls not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also provide a unique twist with their fluffy texture and ribbons of chocolate. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a cozy brunch, or simply to enjoy on a busy weekday, you’ll find that they bring warmth and joy to every occasion.

What makes this recipe special is how it beautifully marries the art of sourdough baking with chocolatey bliss. The long rise times allow the flavors to develop fully, resulting in rolls that are utterly irresistible. You might find yourself making these more often than you’d think!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Even if you’re new to baking, these rolls are straightforward and fun to make.
• Family-Friendly: Who doesn’t love chocolate? These rolls are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The dough can be prepared ahead of time, making it easy to bake fresh rolls when you’re ready.
• Delicious Flavor: The tanginess from the sourdough perfectly complements the sweet chocolate, creating an unforgettable taste experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Sourdough Chocolate Rolls is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you will need:

For the Dough:

• 200 g whole milk
• 100 g sourdough starter, active and bubbly
• 70 g cane sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 430 g bread flour
• 5 g sea salt
• 8 tbs unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)

For the Filling:

• 5 tbs unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup cane sugar
• 2 tbs cocoa powder, unsweetened
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and make these rolls your own.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Try Different Chocolates: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor or white chocolate for something sweeter.
• Incorporate Spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add an extra layer of warmth to your rolls.
• Experiment with Fillings: Swap out some of the chocolate chips for dried fruit like cherries or cranberries for a fruity twist.

How to Make Sourdough Chocolate Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming up your whole milk until it’s just about body temperature. Combine it with your active sourdough starter and cane sugar in a mixing bowl. Adding warm milk helps wake up your sourdough starter, ensuring those lovely bubbles form as your dough rises. Next, mix in your egg before adding flour and salt until everything comes together into a soft dough.

Step 2: Knead and Rise

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is crucial because kneading develops gluten which gives your rolls their fluffy texture. Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—this may take anywhere from 4-8 hours depending on your environment.

Step 3: Make the Filling

While waiting for the dough to rise, prepare the filling by creaming together softened butter, cane sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth. Mixing these ingredients well creates a rich filling that melts into the rolls while baking.

Step 4: Shape Your Rolls

Once your dough has risen beautifully, punch it down gently. Roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread your filling evenly over the dough and sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips on top. Roll up tightly from one end to another like you would cinnamon rolls. Slice into equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover your arranged rolls again with a cloth and allow them to rise until they puff up nicely—this usually takes about 30-60 minutes. This second rise ensures that each roll will be light and airy when baked.

Step 6: Bake Your Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake those gorgeous rolls for about 30 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

While those rolls cool slightly after baking, whisk together whole milk, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle this luscious glaze over warm rolls for an extra touch of sweetness.

Enjoy these Sourdough Chocolate Rolls fresh from the oven—you deserve every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Sourdough Chocolate Rolls

Making these rolls is a delightful experience, and with a few tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use an active sourdough starter – A bubbly and well-fed starter will provide the best rise and flavor. If your starter has been in the fridge or unused for a while, give it a feeding 4-6 hours before starting this recipe.
• Temperature matters – Room temperature ingredients (like milk and eggs) help create a more uniform dough that rises better. Warm up your milk slightly and let your egg sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.
• Don’t rush the rise – Sourdough requires time to develop its flavor and texture. Allow your dough to rise until it has doubled in size, which might take longer than commercial yeast doughs. Patience is key!
• Feel free to adjust sweetness – Depending on your taste preferences or dietary needs, feel free to reduce the sugar in the filling or glaze. It’s all about finding the right balance for you!
• Experiment with fillings – While this recipe features chocolate chips, you could swap in nuts, dried fruits, or even a swirl of cinnamon for a different but equally delicious treat.

How to Serve Sourdough Chocolate Rolls

These delectable rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as an indulgent snack! They can be served warm right out of the oven or at room temperature. Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overwhelming the chocolate.
• Fresh berries – Adding some fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side not only enhances the presentation but also provides a refreshingly tart contrast to the rich chocolate.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad – A bowl of mixed seasonal fruits brings color and freshness to your table while balancing the sweetness of the rolls.
• Greek yogurt with honey – Creamy Greek yogurt drizzled with honey makes for a satisfying side that complements the rolls’ texture beautifully.
• Coffee or herbal tea – Pairing these chocolate rolls with a warm cup of coffee or soothing herbal tea can elevate your breakfast experience and provide a cozy atmosphere.

Enjoy every bite of these Sourdough Chocolate Rolls! They’re sure to delight anyone lucky enough to have one (or two). Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Sourdough Chocolate Rolls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious treats throughout the week. You can make them ahead of time, store them properly, or even freeze them for later!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove rolls from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Heat for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through, or until you see that velvety chocolate starting to melt again!

FAQs

Have questions? You’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries about Sourdough Chocolate Rolls.

Can I use a different type of flour for Sourdough Chocolate Rolls?

Yes! While bread flour gives these rolls their delightful texture, you can experiment with all-purpose flour. However, keep in mind that it may alter the final result slightly.

How do I know when my sourdough starter is ready to use?

Your sourdough starter should be bubbly and have doubled in size after feeding. It should also pass the float test, where a small spoonful of starter floats in water. This indicates it’s active and perfect for making Sourdough Chocolate Rolls!

Can I make Sourdough Chocolate Rolls without chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can replace chocolate chips with chopped nuts or dried fruits if you prefer. Just remember that this will change the flavor profile of your rolls.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re excited to dive into making these delightful Sourdough Chocolate Rolls! They bring together the tangy goodness of sourdough with rich chocolate flavors that are simply irresistible. Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, these rolls are sure to bring joy to your day. Enjoy every moment of baking and savoring them—I can’t wait for you to try this recipe!