Homemade Chocolate Rolls Recipe

Irresistible Homemade Chocolate Rolls Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Sweet aromas of freshly baked homemade chocolate rolls waft through kitchens, promising pure indulgence.

Delicate pastry spirals hide rich cocoa secrets within soft, pillowy layers.

Warm memories of weekend breakfasts spark excitement for this delectable treat.

Crafting these rolls requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Each bite promises a delightful dance of chocolate and buttery pastry.

Crisp edges and gooey centers make this recipe a crowd-pleaser you cannot resist.

Roll up your sleeves and let’s create something magical that will make everyone smile.

Why Homemade Chocolate Rolls Make The Sweetest Treat

  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Indulge in a rich, decadent chocolate roll that satisfies deep cocoa cravings with every bite.
  • Master Baking Skills: Learn a straightforward recipe that elevates your pastry-making abilities, perfect for bakers seeking a delightful chocolate challenge.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Create a dessert that impresses family and friends, making any gathering feel special with its irresistible aroma and taste.
  • Versatile Occasion Delight: Enjoy these rolls as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert that works for casual and formal settings.

Homemade Chocolate Rolls Ingredient List

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundational base that provides structure to the chocolate rolls.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor and rich dark color to the dough.
  • Granulated Sugar: Offers sweetness and helps with yeast activation.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Warm Milk: Creates the perfect environment for yeast to activate and develop flavor.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the soft texture of the rolls.
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and helps prevent the rolls from becoming dry.
Filling and Topping Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips, Brown Sugar: Combine to create a decadent and sweet chocolate filling.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides a smooth and creamy texture to the filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall chocolate flavor profile.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate taste.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides a delicate, sweet finish to the warm rolls.

How To Bake Homemade Chocolate Rolls Like A Pro

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Sprinkle yeast into warm milk and let it bloom until foamy and fragrant. The mixture will become bubbly and release a subtle, earthy aroma.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and sugar. Whisk together to create a rich, dark chocolate-colored dry foundation.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

  • Eggs
  • Melted butter
  • Vegetable oil

Whisk these ingredients into the activated yeast mixture until completely smooth and well-integrated.

Step 4: Knead Chocolate Dough

Pour liquid ingredients into dry ingredients. Work the mixture until a soft, elastic dough forms. Knead continuously for 8-10 minutes to develop a silky texture.

Step 5: First Rise

Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm spot. Allow it to expand and double in size, which typically takes about 1 hour.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Gently deflate the risen dough and roll it into a rectangular shape on a lightly floured surface.

Step 7: Craft Decadent Filling

  • Chocolate chips
  • Brown sugar
  • Heavy cream
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Blend these ingredients into a rich, luxurious chocolate spread.

Step 8: Spread the Filling

Evenly distribute the chocolate mixture across the rolled dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 9: Roll and Slice

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then cut into individual rolls using a sharp knife.

Step 10: Prepare for Baking

Arrange rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring space between each for expansion.

Step 11: Final Proof

Let rolls rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to achieve maximum fluffiness.

Step 12: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls for 15-18 minutes until edges are crisp and centers remain tender.

Step 13: Finish with Flair

Remove rolls from oven and dust with powdered sugar while still warm for a delightful, sweet finale.

Easy Tips For Fluffy Homemade Chocolate Rolls

  • Proof Yeast Perfectly: Ensure milk is warm (not hot) between 100-110°F to activate yeast without killing it, creating a frothy, bubbly mixture.
  • Knead Dough Effectively: Use a stand mixer with a dough hook or hand-knead on a clean surface, working the dough until smooth and elastic without overworking.
  • Control Chocolate Intensity: Adjust cocoa powder quantity to customize the chocolate depth – less for subtle flavor, more for rich chocolate experience.
  • Master Rolling Technique: Roll dough into a uniform rectangle and spread filling evenly, leaving a small border to prevent leaking during baking.
  • Prevent Dryness: Cover rolls with a clean kitchen towel during proofing to maintain moisture and prevent skin from forming on the dough surface.

Creative Ways To Enjoy Homemade Chocolate Rolls

  • Nutty Chocolate Delight: Enhance the chocolate filling by adding chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Espresso Chocolate Rolls: Mix instant espresso powder into the filling to create a rich, coffee-infused chocolate experience.
  • Berry Chocolate Fusion: Incorporate raspberry or strawberry preserves alongside the chocolate filling for a fruity, tangy complement.
  • Salted Caramel Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the chocolate filling before rolling for a luxurious, complex taste profile.

What Tastes Amazing With Homemade Chocolate Rolls

  • Create Bold Coffee Companion: Rich espresso or dark roast coffee cuts through the sweetness, balancing the chocolate rolls with its robust, bitter notes.
  • Select Creamy Beverage Match: Warm vanilla latte or hot chocolate enhances the chocolate flavor, creating a luxurious and indulgent taste experience.
  • Explore Wine Elegance: Semi-sweet red wine like Merlot or Port complements the chocolate's depth, offering a sophisticated adult pairing that elevates the dessert.
  • Craft Refreshing Contrast: Cold milk or creamy almond milk provides a smooth, cooling counterpoint to the warm, rich chocolate rolls, creating a delightful sensory contrast.

How To Keep Homemade Chocolate Rolls Soft And Sweet

  • Store cooled chocolate rolls in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and maintain soft texture.
  • Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Chocolate rolls can be frozen up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Keep rolls covered with clean kitchen towel for up to 2 days. Place in cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to preserve quality and prevent staleness.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen rolls in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle fresh powdered sugar after reheating to restore original delightful taste and appearance.

Homemade Chocolate Rolls Q&A Session

  • Why use warm milk for activating yeast?

Warm milk helps yeast wake up and become active, creating those tiny bubbles that make your dough rise perfectly and give rolls a soft, fluffy texture.

  • Can I replace cocoa powder with chocolate?

No, cocoa powder provides a deep chocolate flavor and dry ingredient consistency that chocolate cannot replicate in this recipe.

  • How do I know the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough should feel smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky after 8-10 minutes of kneading, with a consistent chocolate-brown color throughout.

  • What indicates the dough has risen correctly?

The dough should double in size and look puffy, with a soft, pillowy appearance that springs back gently when lightly pressed.

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Homemade Chocolate Rolls Recipe

Homemade Chocolate Rolls Recipe


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4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35-38 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sinful chocolate rolls melt hearts with rich, velvety layers of pure indulgence. Warm, freshly baked pastries promise sweet comfort and delightful moments you’ll savor to the last delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 2 large eggs

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Filling and Topping:

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk, allowing it to become frothy and aromatic for about 5-7 minutes.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and granulated sugar, creating a rich chocolate-hued dry mixture.
  3. Whisk eggs, melted butter, and vegetable oil into the activated yeast mixture until thoroughly incorporated.
  4. Gradually fold liquid ingredients into dry ingredients, kneading until a smooth, elastic chocolate dough forms, approximately 8-10 minutes.
  5. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm environment for 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.
  6. Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a rectangular shape on a lightly floured surface.
  7. Prepare the filling by blending chocolate chips, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt into a decadent spread.
  8. Spread the chocolate filling evenly across the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  9. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice into individual rolls using a sharp knife.
  10. Place rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing space between each for expansion.
  11. Proof the rolls for an additional 30 minutes at room temperature.
  12. Preheat oven to 375°F and bake rolls for 15-18 minutes until edges are slightly crisp and centers are soft.
  13. Remove from oven and dust with powdered sugar while still warm for a delicate, sweet finish.

Notes

  • Activate yeast precisely in warm milk, ensuring temperature between 100-110°F to guarantee proper fermentation without killing the live cultures.
  • Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for deeper, richer chocolate flavor and smoother texture in the dough.
  • Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating soft and stretchy rolls with perfect elasticity and consistent chocolate color.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum to maintain structural integrity.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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