Hot Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls

Why Make This Recipe

Hot Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of hot cocoa and the warmth of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. Perfect for chilly mornings or as a cozy dessert, this recipe is an excellent way to indulge in sweet comfort. Plus, they are easy to make and will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

How to Make Hot Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 packet instant yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add melted butter, egg, and cocoa powder to the mixture. Stir until combined.
3. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.
4. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle.
6. Spread melted butter on top and sprinkle cinnamon and chocolate chips evenly.
7. Roll the dough tightly and cut into rolls. Place in a greased baking dish.
8. Let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes.
10. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk to achieve desired consistency.
11. Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls and serve.

How to Serve Hot Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls

Serve these delicious rolls warm, drizzled with glaze. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for an extra cozy experience.

How to Store Hot Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls

You can store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Tips to Make Hot Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls

• Ensure that the milk is warm, not hot, when activating the yeast.
• Knead the dough well to develop gluten, giving the rolls a nice structure.
• Feel free to use mini marshmallows along with the chocolate chips for an extra hot cocoa touch.
• Experiment with different glazes by adding vanilla extract or a pinch of salt.

Variation

You can create Nutella-filled cinnamon rolls by spreading Nutella on the dough before adding cinnamon and chocolate chips.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, cover it, and store it in the fridge overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

2. What can I substitute for cocoa powder?
You can use carob powder if you prefer a caffeine-free option. However, this will change the flavor slightly.

3. Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.

Hot Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls

Delicious cinnamon rolls infused with the flavors of hot cocoa, perfect for chilly mornings or as a cozy dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 240

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 packet instant yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup warm milk Ensure milk is warm, not hot.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder Can be substituted with carob powder for caffeine-free option.

Filling

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips Feel free to add mini marshmallows for extra hot cocoa touch.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Glaze

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar Adjust consistency with milk.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk Add as needed to achieve desired glaze consistency.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add melted butter, egg, and cocoa powder to the mixture. Stir until combined.
3. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.
4. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Assembly and Baking

1. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle.
2. Spread melted butter on top and sprinkle cinnamon and chocolate chips evenly.
3. Roll the dough tightly and cut into rolls. Place in a greased baking dish.
4. Let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Glazing

1. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk to achieve desired consistency.
2. Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls and serve.

Notes

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge overnight.