Chocolate Espresso Cinnamon Rolls

October 15, 2024 by Rolls Recipes, Updated October 15, 2024

Indulge in the ultimate breakfast treat with our Chocolate Espresso Cinnamon Rolls. Combining rich chocolate, robust espresso, and warm cinnamon in a soft, fluffy pastry, these rolls are the perfect start to any morning or a sweet addition to brunch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons espresso powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup finely chopped dark chocolate
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon melted chocolate
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit until frothy, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the melted butter, eggs, salt, and gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth, then let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, espresso powder, and cinnamon to make the filling. Set aside the chopped chocolate.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 14×18 inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with chopped chocolate. Roll up tightly and cut into 12 equal slices.
5. Place the slices in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again until puffed, about 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
7. While the rolls are baking, whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth.
8. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.

Helpful Tips

For a stronger espresso flavor, dissolve the espresso powder in a tablespoon of hot water before adding it to the filling. Consider sprinkling the top of the glaze with a little sea salt or extra chopped nuts for added texture and flavor contrast. You can also customize the chocolate by using a mix of milk and dark chocolate in the filling for a richer flavor profile.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 279
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 53mg
Sodium: 112mg
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 7g