Chocolate Cinnamon Roll with Espresso Cream Cheese Icing

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings both comfort and joy, you’ll adore these Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Espresso Cream Cheese Icing. Imagine waking up to the aroma of fresh-baked rolls, filled with rich cocoa and warm spices, all topped off with a luscious coffee-infused frosting. It’s the perfect way to start your day or to impress guests at brunch. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or just a treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to delight!

These rolls are not only delicious but also surprisingly fun to make. They’re great for busy weekends when you want something special without too much fuss. Plus, they offer a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll that everyone knows and loves.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent flavor: The combination of chocolate and cinnamon creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite.
• Simple preparation: With straightforward steps, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and fun to make.
• Family-friendly: Everyone will love these rolls — they’re perfect for kids and adults alike!
• Make-ahead option: Prepare the dough ahead of time and bake fresh rolls whenever you’re ready.
• Versatile serving: Enjoy them warm for breakfast, as an indulgent snack, or even as dessert!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients should be a joyful part of the cooking process! For these Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Espresso Cream Cheese Icing, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully:

For the Dough:

• 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)

For the Filling:

• 113 g unsalted butter (½ cup, softened)
• 200 g brown sugar (1 cup, packed)
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 50 g semi-sweet chocolate (finely chopped or mini chips)

For the Frosting:

• 225 g cream cheese (8 oz, room temperature)
• 60 g unsalted butter (¼ cup, room temperature)
• 240 g powdered sugar (2 cups, sifted)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp instant espresso powder (dissolved in 1 tbsp milk or cream)
• Pinch of salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your own twists. Here are some ideas:

• Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added crunch.
• Change up the chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer taste.
• Fruit fillings: Incorporate dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for a fruity surprise.
• Glaze instead of frosting: Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze on top if you prefer something lighter.

How to Make Chocolate Cinnamon Roll with Espresso Cream Cheese Icing

Step 1: Make the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer, start by combining your warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, which helps your rolls rise beautifully! Once foamy, mix in the eggs, softened butter, and salt. Gradually add flour and cocoa powder while kneading with a dough hook for about 5–7 minutes until you have a smooth but slightly tacky dough. Place it in a greased bowl; cover it up, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1 ½ hours until it’s doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While your dough is rising, you can whip up the filling! In a bowl, stir together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa until it forms a smooth paste. This filling will bring so much flavor into your rolls!

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

Once your dough has risen beautifully, punch it down gently and roll it out into a large rectangle about 12×18 inches. Spread your prepared filling evenly across the surface of the dough. Don’t forget to sprinkle those chopped chocolate pieces on top! Now roll tightly from one long side into a log shape. Cut this log into 12 even rolls — they don’t have to be perfect; each roll will add its unique charm!

Step 4: Second Rise

Arrange your cut rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30–40 minutes until they look puffy and happy! Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready.

Step 5: Bake

Now comes the exciting part! Bake those beautiful rolls in your preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes until their centers are set and tops are lightly golden brown. Your kitchen is going to smell heavenly!

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While those rolls bake away blissfully, let’s prepare our frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Then add powdered sugar, cinnamon, espresso mixture, and salt — continue beating until fluffy! This creamy topping is going to take your rolls over-the-top delicious!

Step 7: Frost & Serve

Once your rolls are out of the oven and still warm — because who can resist warm gooey goodness? — spread that glorious frosting generously over each roll. If you like an extra touch of elegance, feel free to top with chocolate curls or flakes before serving.

Now grab yourself a plate (or two), enjoy these delightful Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Espresso Cream Cheese Icing fresh out of the oven!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Cinnamon Roll with Espresso Cream Cheese Icing

Creating the perfect Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Espresso Cream Cheese Icing is a delightful journey, and these tips will help you nail it!

• Use warm milk: Ensuring your milk is warmed to about 110°F activates the yeast effectively, leading to a fluffier roll.
• Knead until slightly tacky: Kneading the dough until it’s smooth but still a bit tacky helps develop gluten, which gives your rolls that perfect chewy texture.
• Don’t rush the rise: Allowing the dough sufficient time to rise not only enhances flavor but also contributes to a light, airy roll. Be patient!
• Cut evenly: When slicing your rolls, use a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts. This ensures that each roll bakes uniformly and maintains its shape.
• Frost while warm: Spreading the frosting on warm rolls allows it to melt slightly into the crevices, creating a wonderfully gooey texture.

How to Serve Chocolate Cinnamon Roll with Espresso Cream Cheese Icing

These chocolate cinnamon rolls are not only delicious but can also be presented in an inviting way that makes them irresistible!

Garnishes

• Chocolate curls: A sprinkle of chocolate curls on top adds elegance and extra chocolatey goodness.
• Chopped nuts: For a delightful crunch, consider topping your rolls with chopped walnuts or pecans; they complement the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of the rolls. Use seasonal fruits like berries, melons, and citrus for an invigorating side.
• Greek yogurt parfait: Layering creamy Greek yogurt with granola and fresh fruits creates a wholesome accompaniment that adds protein and texture.
• Coffee or tea: Pairing these rolls with a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the experience. The coffee complements the espresso flavor in the icing beautifully.
• Scrambled eggs: A savory option like fluffy scrambled eggs provides a nice contrast to the sweet rolls while adding some protein to your meal.

With these tips and serving ideas, you’re sure to impress family and friends at your next gathering! Enjoy your baking adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Espresso Cream Cheese Icing not only make for a delightful treat but are also fantastic for meal prep! You can prepare them in advance and enjoy their warm, gooey goodness whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer to keep them longer, store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Reheat rolls gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through.

Freezing

• Allow the rolls to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bags with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat frozen rolls, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• For a quick option, microwave individual rolls for about 30 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Espresso Cream Cheese Icing:

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Keep an eye on the dough’s consistency, as it may require slight adjustments.

What if I don’t have instant espresso powder?

If you can’t find instant espresso powder, you can use finely ground coffee instead. Just dissolve it in a bit of warm milk before adding it to your frosting.

How do I make Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Espresso Cream Cheese Icing vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives.

Can I prepare Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Espresso Cream Cheese Icing the night before?

Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise stage. Cover them and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature before baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy and sweetness into your kitchen! These Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Espresso Cream Cheese Icing are not just delicious but also create wonderful moments when shared. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite flavors. Happy baking!