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
Scale
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
