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Chocolate Rolls

Soft, fluffy homemade chocolate rolls filled with a rich cocoa butter filling and chocolate chips, then topped with a silky chocolate glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or holiday baking.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 395
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 3¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2¼ tsp instant yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¾ cup warm whole milk
  • ¼ cup warm water
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Filling
  • ½ cup softened butter
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
Chocolate Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 –3 tbsp milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Combine warm milk, water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes.
  2. Add butter, egg, vanilla, salt, and flour. Mix into a soft dough.
  3. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
  4. Let the dough rise for about 1 hour until doubled.
  5. Mix together the filling ingredients.
  6. Roll dough into a large rectangle.
  7. Spread filling evenly over the dough.
  8. Sprinkle with chocolate chips.
  9. Roll tightly into a log.
  10. Slice into 12 equal rolls.
  11. Arrange in a greased baking dish.
  12. Let rise for 30–40 minutes.
  13. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
  14. Mix glaze ingredients until smooth.
  15. Spread glaze over warm rolls.
  16. Serve warm.

Notes

Choose Quality Chocolate

Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips for a deeper, richer flavor.

Measure Flour Correctly

Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid adding too much, which can make the rolls dense.

Dough Consistency

The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky. If it's sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time rather than all at once.

Let the Dough Rise Fully

A complete first and second rise ensures light, airy rolls with a fluffy texture.

Roll Evenly

Roll the dough into an even rectangle so each roll bakes uniformly.

Use Softened Butter

Soft butter spreads more easily and helps create neat, defined chocolate swirls.

Slice with Dental Floss

Unflavored dental floss cuts cleanly through the dough without squishing the rolls.

Don't Overbake

Remove the rolls when the tops are lightly golden. Overbaking can dry them out.

Frost While Warm

Apply the glaze while the rolls are warm so it melts slightly into every swirl.

Storage

Store at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Make Ahead

Prepare the rolls through shaping, refrigerate overnight, then let them come to room temperature for about 45 minutes before baking.

Nutrition

Nutrient Per Serving
Calories 395 kcal
Carbohydrates 58 g
Protein 7 g
Fat 16 g
Saturated Fat 9 g
Cholesterol 48 mg
Sodium 230 mg
Potassium 175 mg
Fiber 3 g
Sugar 25 g
Calcium 58 mg
Iron 3 mg