Print

The Best Gooey Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Rich Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Close-up of a soft, fluffy chocolate cinnamon rolls with a bite taken out, showing the rich chocolate swirl filling.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A recipe for rich, soft chocolate cinnamon rolls featuring a decadent chocolate filling and topped with a thick chocolate cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon for yeast
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus 1/2 cup for filling
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus 2 cups for frosting
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened, for frosting
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, for frosting
  • 2 tablespoons milk, for frosting

Instructions

  1. Combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a bowl. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups of flour, the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, and salt.
  3. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. While the dough rises, prepare the chocolate filling. In a small bowl, mix the 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Set aside.
  6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches.
  7. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on one long edge.
  8. Starting from the long edge opposite the border, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam closed.
  9. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls. Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
  10. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until lightly golden brown.
  11. While the rolls bake, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and creamy. Gradually beat in the remaining 2 cups of powdered sugar until the frosting is thick.
  12. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Spread the chocolate cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For extra gooey rolls, slightly underbake them by about 2 minutes.
  • You can substitute hazelnut spread for some of the butter in the filling for a different flavor profile.
  • Make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight after the first rise for easier morning preparation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://afripaket.com/chocolate-cinnamon-rolls-recipe-gooey/