Chocolate Espresso Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Introduction
These Chocolate Espresso Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich flavors of dark chocolate and bold espresso with warm cinnamon spices. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or special brunch, they offer a delicious twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons espresso powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup finely chopped dark chocolate
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon melted chocolate
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, instant yeast, and granulated sugar. Let the mixture sit until frothy, about 5 minutes. Add melted butter, eggs, and salt, stirring to combine. Gradually incorporate the flour and knead the dough until smooth. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, espresso powder, and ground cinnamon to prepare the filling.
- Step 3: Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the surface, then sprinkle with finely chopped dark chocolate. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into 12 equal pieces.
- Step 4: Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise until puffed, about 30 minutes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for around 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Step 5: While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, melted chocolate, and espresso powder. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger espresso flavor, add an extra teaspoon of espresso powder to the filling or glaze.
- Swap dark chocolate with semi-sweet or milk chocolate according to your preference.
- Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to simplify kneading.
- Allow rolls to cool slightly before glazing to avoid melting the drizzle completely.
Storage
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warm before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?
Yes, instant coffee is a suitable substitute, but espresso powder offers a more concentrated and richer flavor in these rolls.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Absolutely. After kneading, refrigerate the dough overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise before rolling and assembling the cinnamon rolls.
Print
Chocolate Espresso Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These decadent Chocolate Espresso Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich flavors of dark chocolate and bold espresso with the classic warmth of cinnamon. Soft, fluffy dough rolled with a luscious coffee-infused cinnamon filling and studded with chopped dark chocolate, then baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a smooth espresso glaze for the perfect treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons espresso powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup finely chopped dark chocolate
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon melted chocolate
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
Instructions
- Activate Yeast and Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, instant yeast, and granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active. Then add the melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour to form a soft dough. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover and set it in a warm place to rise until it doubles in size, which will take approximately 1 hour.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: While the dough is rising, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, espresso powder, and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl until well combined to create the flavorful filling.
- Roll and Fill Dough: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the prepared filling evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the finely chopped dark chocolate across the surface. Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape and slice it into 12 even pieces.
- Second Rise and Bake: Place the sliced rolls into a greased baking dish, ensuring enough space to expand. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes or until puffed. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for approximately 25 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through.
- Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, melted chocolate, and espresso powder to make a smooth glaze. After removing the rolls from the oven, allow them to cool slightly and then drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, you can increase the espresso powder slightly in the filling or glaze.
- Chopped dark chocolate can be swapped with chocolate chips if preferred.
- The rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently before serving.
- Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate espresso cinnamon rolls, coffee cinnamon rolls, baked cinnamon rolls, breakfast pastries, espresso infused dessert

