From Scratch Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate sweet treat that combines the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls with a decadent twist, look no further than this From Scratch Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These fluffy, tender rolls are enriched with cocoa, swirled with a rich cinnamon and brown sugar filling, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting blended with chocolate notes. Preparing these rolls from scratch ensures every bite bursts with homemade goodness and a delightful texture that’s just impossible to resist. Trust me, this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with friends and savor for breakfast or dessert any day of the week!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, quality ingredients make all the difference in this From Scratch Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role: from the bread flour that creates the perfect chew, to the cocoa powder that gives depth and color, and finally the cream cheese making the frosting irresistibly creamy.

• Bread flour (3 3/4 cups total): Provides the structure and chewy texture essential for tender rolls.
• Water (3/4 cup): Used with flour to create the tangzhong, which makes the rolls extra soft.
• Whole milk (1/3 cup, room temperature): Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• Heavy cream (1/3 cup, room temperature plus 2 tablespoons for frosting): Enhances texture and adds creamy richness.
• White vinegar (1 tablespoon): Slightly acidifies the milk mixture for better dough rise and tenderness.
• Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the dough gently without overpowering.
• Cocoa powder (1 1/2 tablespoons in dough, 2 teaspoons in filling): Gives a subtle chocolate flavor and enriches color.
• Instant yeast (2 teaspoons): Powers the dough’s rise for light, fluffy rolls.
• Fine sea salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Egg (1, room temperature): Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
• Vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste (various amounts): Infuses the dough, filling, and frosting with warm fragrant notes.
• Red gel food coloring (1/2 to 1 teaspoon): Optional, for a beautiful subtle tint.
• Unsalted butter (total 1 cup 6 tablespoons, divided): Used in dough, filling, and frosting to maximize flavor and softness.
• Light brown sugar (2/3 cup, packed): Sweet, moist, and perfect for the cinnamon filling.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star spice creating that iconic cinnamon roll flavor.
• Cream cheese (4 ounces): Makes the frosting irresistibly creamy and tangy.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting elegantly.

How to Make From Scratch Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tangzhong

Start by whisking together water and 1/4 cup bread flour over medium heat. Keep whisking for about 4-5 minutes until you get a thick, paste-like mixture known as tangzhong. This magical step locks in moisture and gives your cinnamon rolls a soft, fluffy, and tender crumb. Set it aside to cool as you move on to the next steps.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Combine whole milk, heavy cream, and white vinegar in a small bowl. Let this sit briefly—this gentle acidification invites a tender rise in the dough, contributing to those melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon rolls you’re dreaming of.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In your stand mixer bowl, stir together bread flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, instant yeast, and sea salt until evenly distributed. These dry ingredients form the backbone of your dough, ensuring each bite consistently delightful.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Add the milk and cream mixture, egg, vanilla extract, tangzhong, and red gel food coloring to the dry ingredients. With the dough hook attachment on low speed, mix for a couple of minutes until a shaggy dough ball forms, setting the stage for a soft and elastic dough.

Step 5: Incorporate Butter

Gradually add softened butter in small increments, kneading thoroughly after each addition. This step enriches the dough, making it tender and luxurious in texture.

Step 6: Knead the Dough

Continue kneading on medium speed for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and just a little tacky to the touch — this means it’s perfectly developed and ready to rise.

Step 7: First Rise

Shape the dough into a tight ball and place it back into the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and allow it to rest in a warm spot for 30 minutes. This rest period lets the dough relax, making it easier to roll out later.

Step 8: Prepare the Filling

Mix softened butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and vanilla bean paste until smooth. This luscious filling is where the cozy warmth of cinnamon meets the subtle richness of chocolate, a combo that’s pure magic!

Step 9: Prepare Baking Pan

Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, setting the stage for perfectly shaped rolls that bake evenly and lift easily after cooling.

Step 10: Roll and Fill the Dough

Roll your dough on a lightly floured surface into a generous 15×21-inch rectangle. Evenly spread the cinnamon-chocolate filling all the way to the edges, ensuring each roll bursts with flavor.

Step 11: Shape the Rolls

Slice the dough into twelve equal strips about 1 3/4 inches wide, then roll each strip tightly into a spiral. Place the rolls carefully into your prepared pan, cozied up and ready to rise again.

Step 12: Second Rise

Cover the pan and let the rolls rest in a warm spot until they double in size, roughly 1 to 2 hours. This final proof ensures that soft, pillowy texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 13: Bake the Rolls

Preheat oven to 325°F (162°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 28-35 minutes until golden on top and the center rolls reach 175°F to 180°F internally. The smell alone is irresistible!

Step 14: Make the Chocolate and Cream Cheese Frosting

While baking, whip cream cheese with softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and a splash of heavy cream, beating until luscious, fluffy, and spreadable — this frosting steals the show and seals the deal.

Step 15: Cool and Frost

Let the rolls cool for 15 minutes before generously spreading cream cheese frosting while they’re still warm. Allow another 15 minutes for the frosting to melt slightly and sink into every crevice, creating pure bliss in each bite.

How to Serve From Scratch Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

If you want to go the extra mile, sprinkle some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the frosting for a delightful crunch. A few fresh raspberries or a dusting of cocoa powder can add a beautiful contrast and extra burst of flavor, making presentation as exciting as the taste.

Side Dishes

Serve with a steaming cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or chai tea to complement the rich cinnamon and chocolate flavors. Fresh fruit or a light yogurt can also provide a refreshing balance to these indulgent rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not arrange these rolls on a rustic wooden board with a few sprigs of fresh mint or edible flowers for an inviting brunch spread? You can also cut individual rolls in half, layer them with extra frosting, and serve as sliders for a fun, unexpected twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and moist without drying out. For best taste, gently warm before serving.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully either before baking (proofed) or after baking and frosting. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm rolls in a microwave for 20-30 seconds, or in an oven preheated to 325°F (162°C) covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes. This restores their fresh-baked warmth and melts the frosting perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

While bread flour helps develop the ideal chewy texture, all-purpose flour can be used in a pinch. Just remember the rolls might be slightly less chewy and a bit softer.

What’s the purpose of tangzhong in this recipe?

Tangzhong is a cooked flour paste that retains moisture during baking. It helps create the soft, incredibly tender crumb that makes these cinnamon rolls stand out from regular ones.

Can I skip the red gel food coloring?

Yes! The red gel is optional and mainly for subtle color enhancement. The rolls are delicious and beautiful with or without it.

How do I know when my cinnamon rolls are fully baked?

Look for golden brown tops and an internal temperature between 175°F and 180°F for the center rolls. This ensures a perfect bake, not underdone or too dry.

Can I make the frosting dairy-free or vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute cream cheese and butter with your favorite plant-based alternatives and use a non-dairy milk for the cream. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

Trying this From Scratch Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe will absolutely transform your baking game. It’s the perfect blend of cozy, chocolaty, and creamy that satisfies every craving in one warm, gooey bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or treating yourself on a lazy weekend, these rolls will undoubtedly become a beloved staple that keeps you coming back for more. So grab those ingredients and start kneading — your kitchen is about to smell AMAZING!

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