recipe
yields
Makes 12 rolls
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup plus 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder, divided
21/4 teaspoons instant active dry yeast (1 package)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup water
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate, chopped fine
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup milk chocolate chips
8 ounces (1 brick) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 to 3 tablespoons milk
Ingredients for the Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Frosting
steps
- In a large bowl mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, yeast, and salt.
- In a saucepan heat the milk, butter, and water over medium heat until the butter is melted.
- Add the milk mixture, eggs, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size for about 1 hour.
- In a small bowl mix together the chocolate, sugar, remaining teaspoon of cocoa, and cinnamon.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle the chocolate cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the butter.
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 even pieces.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the rolls until golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Melt the chocolate chips in a small saucepan over medium heat or in 30-second bursts in the microwave. Allow to cool until the chocolate is cooled but still melted.
- In a small bowl or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the chocolate and mix until incorporated. Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla, mixing until fully combined. Stream in milk to reach desired consistency, taking care not to make it too thin.
- Once the rolls have cooled, generously spread the frosting over each and enjoy!
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Recipe by
Phillip Ashley Rix, author of "For the Love of Chocolate" -
Contributing City
Memphis












