Decadent Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s a certain magic that happens when you mix black cocoa powder with cinnamon and butter, transforming your kitchen into a cozy bakery. The aroma wafts through the air, enveloping you like a warm hug on a chilly morning. Imagine biting into soft, fluffy rolls that swirl with rich chocolate and fragrant spice, topped with creamy frosting that drips just enough to leave a delightful mess on your fingers. giant cinnamon roll cake Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are not just a treat; they’re an experience.

I remember the first time I made these rolls during a family brunch. My cousin took one bite and declared it the best thing he’s ever tasted! Picture the laughter and taste-testing chaos as everyone tried to snag another roll before they disappeared. These rolls are perfect for lazy weekends, holiday gatherings, or whenever you want to impress your friends—or maybe just yourself.

I once served these at a family gathering, and my aunt asked for the recipe immediately after her first bite!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: A versatile choice for baking; ensure it’s fresh for the best texture.

• Black Cocoa Powder: This gives your rolls their rich color and deep chocolate flavor; look for high-quality brands. chocolate chip cheesecake cookies.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough beautifully—don’t skip this step! For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Au Gratin recipe.

• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for rising; check expiration dates for freshness.

• Milk: Warm milk activates the yeast; use whole milk for creaminess.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness; melt it slightly before mixing into the dough.

• Cinnamon: The classic spice that complements chocolate perfectly; don’t be shy with it!

• Cream Cheese: For the frosting; ensure it’s softened for easy blending.

• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting without grittiness; sift it if clumpy.

• Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances all flavors in both dough and frosting; use pure extract if possible.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

The Dough Magic Begins: Start by warming your milk until it’s just lukewarm—not hot enough to scald. Sprinkle in the yeast and let it bloom for about five minutes until frothy. This bubbly mixture means you’re on your way to cinnamon roll heaven.

Mixing It Up!: In a large bowl, combine flour, black cocoa powder, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed before creating a well in the center. mini cinnamon sugar muffins Pour in your warm yeast mixture along with melted butter. Mix until everything comes together into a slightly sticky dough.

Knead Away!: Turn your dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for about 5-7 minutes. You want it smooth but not dry—feel free to add more flour if necessary! Once done, place it in an oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth.

Rise and Shine!: Let your dough rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—this should take about 1 hour. Use this time wisely: maybe catch up on that show you’ve been meaning to binge-watch.

Sugar & Spice Filling!: While waiting, mix softened butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and black cocoa powder in a bowl until creamy. This filling will be swirled into your rolls later! For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes recipe.

Roll It Out!: Once risen, punch down your dough (it’s oddly satisfying) and roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick on a floured surface. Spread that luscious filling evenly across the surface—try not to eat all of it while doing so!

Shape Those Rolls!: Starting from one long side of your rectangle, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape—like wrapping up your favorite blanket after a long day! Cut this log into equal pieces (about 12-15) using dental floss or a sharp knife.

Bake Until Golden!: Place your cut rolls on a greased baking tray or lined pan and let them rise again for about 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake them until they’re puffed up and golden brown—around 25-30 minutes should do nicely.

The Creamy Finish!: While they bake, whip up your cream cheese frosting by mixing softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Once those rolls are out of the oven (and cooled slightly!), slather the frosting generously on top—don’t skimp here!

Now sit back and watch as eyes widen with delight at their first bite of these Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting! They’ll never guess how easy they were to make—and neither will you! cinnamon raisin bagels.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing the dry ingredients before adding wet ones to ensure even distribution. Knead until smooth, then let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different frostings, like vanilla or maple.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For reheating, microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore softness.

I remember the first time I made these Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls. My friends devoured them so quickly that I barely got one for myself!

FAQ

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of black cocoa?

Yes, but the flavor will be less intense and color lighter.

How long does it take to prepare these cinnamon rolls?

Preparation takes about 30 minutes, plus rising time of one hour.

Can I freeze leftover cinnamon rolls?

Yes, they freeze well; wrap them tightly and store them for up to three months.

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Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

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• Author: Anastasia Chen
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and warm cinnamon, perfect for brunch or dessert. These fluffy, visually stunning rolls are topped with a creamy frosting that enhances their flavor, making each bite an indulgent experience. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, these rolls promise to impress with their unique taste and comforting aroma.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup black cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, sprinkle yeast over warmed milk; let bloom for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, black cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Mix into a slightly sticky dough.
3. Knead dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in an oiled bowl; cover with a damp cloth and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. While dough rises, mix softened butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and black cocoa powder to create filling.
5. Roll risen dough into a rectangle (about ¼ inch thick). Spread filling evenly over the surface and roll tightly into a log. Cut into equal pieces (12-15).
6. Place rolls on greased baking tray; let rise for another 30 minutes while preheating oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
7. For frosting, blend cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Frost warm rolls generously before serving.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll (70g)
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 25mg