Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls with cream cheese Frosting are the kind of treat that make your heart sing and your taste buds dance. Imagine a soft, gooey roll, swirled with rich cocoa and cinnamon, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that just melts in your mouth. cinnamon raisin bagels You can almost smell the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around and sneak a taste before they even cool down.
I remember the first time I attempted to make these heavenly rolls; my kitchen looked like a flour bomb exploded. My dog was covered in dough, and my kids were trying to “help” by sprinkling chocolate chips everywhere. Yet, when those rolls finally emerged from the oven, warm and inviting, all chaos was forgotten as we indulged in pure bliss together. chocolate chip cheesecake cookies These rolls are perfect for lazy Sunday breakfasts or festive gatherings where you want to impress without much fuss.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The black cocoa creates an intense flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the frosting
- Preparing these rolls is simple enough for any home cook while still delivering impressive results
- Their deep color and glossy icing make them a showstopper on any table
- Perfect for brunches or dessert after dinner, they’re versatile enough for any occasion!
My family couldn’t stop raving about how delicious these rolls were; they practically begged me to make them again! For more inspiration, check out this Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for better texture; it helps achieve that perfect fluffy roll.
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Black Cocoa Powder: This gives your rolls their unique dark color and rich flavor; don’t skip it!
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key; adjust based on your personal preference. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Au Gratin recipe.
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Active Dry Yeast: Ensure it’s fresh for proper rising; it’s the magic behind those fluffy layers.
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Milk: Warm up the milk slightly to help activate the yeast.
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Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness; I recommend using unsalted for better control over flavors.
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Cinnamon: A classic companion to cocoa; use ground cinnamon for ease.
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Powdered Sugar: Essential for making that creamy frosting smooth and sweet.
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Cream Cheese: For a tangy twist in your frosting that complements the sweetness perfectly.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla takes both dough and frosting to new heights of flavor!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Dough: Start by warming 1 cup of milk until lukewarm (about 110°F). Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast along with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of black cocoa powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. The combination will smell delightful!
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in your frothy yeast mixture along with 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter and mix until combined. It’s okay if it’s messy—embrace it!
Knead Your Dough : Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This step is crucial—feel free to channel your inner baker warrior!
Let It Rise : Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (around 1 hour). This is when you can grab a coffee or maybe even sneak some chocolate—I won’t tell.
Create Filling & Roll**: Once risen, punch down the dough gently. Roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. mini cinnamon sugar muffins Spread softened butter evenly over the surface followed by a generous sprinkle of sugar mixed with cinnamon.
Shape & Bake**: Roll tightly into a log starting from one long side; cut into equal pieces (about 12). Place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish. Let rise again for about 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake until golden brown—around 25-30 minutes.
Make Cream Cheese Frosting**: While they bake, beat together 8 oz cream cheese softened with 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
Now drizzle this heavenly frosting over those warm rolls as soon as they come out—just try not to eat them all at once! Enjoy your Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls with cream cheese Frosting as an indulgent breakfast or decadent dessert! giant cinnamon roll cake.
You Must Know
- These Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls with cream cheese frosting are a delightful treat that combines rich cocoa and warm spices
- They’re perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings, filling your kitchen with mouth-watering aromas
- The contrast of flavors will leave everyone wanting more!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your dough, allowing it to rise while you mix the filling. Bake until golden brown for optimal texture and flavor.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to substitute black cocoa with regular cocoa powder or add nuts for extra crunch. Experiment with flavored cream cheese frostings for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your dough rises in a warm place for best results; this activates the yeast perfectly
- Don’t skip the resting time, as it enhances flavor and texture
- If using regular cocoa, adjust sugar slightly to maintain balance
Making these cinnamon rolls always reminds me of Sunday mornings at my grandmother’s house, where the smell of baking filled every corner and brought us all together.

FAQ
Can I use regular cocoa instead of black cocoa?
Yes, but the flavor will be different; adjust sugar accordingly.
How long do these cinnamon rolls stay fresh?
They can last up to three days when stored properly at room temperature.
Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! Freeze baked rolls in an airtight container for up to two months.
Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
Description
Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate indulgence, combining rich black cocoa and warm cinnamon in a soft, gooey roll. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these rolls are perfect for breakfast or dessert. Whether you’re gathering family around the table or treating yourself to a sweet escape, these delightful rolls will surely bring joy to your taste buds. Easy to make and impressively delicious, they fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas that no one can resist.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup black cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup milk (lukewarm)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Warm 1 cup of milk to about 110°F. Stir in 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit until frothy (5-10 minutes).
- In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of black cocoa powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Add the frothy yeast mixture and melted butter to the dry ingredients; mix until combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until doubled in size.
- Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle (¼ inch thick). Spread softened butter over it and sprinkle with sugar mixed with cinnamon.
- Roll tightly into a log, slice into equal pieces (about 12), and place cut-side up in a greased baking dish. Let rise again for about 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle frosting over warm rolls and serve.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (85g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg





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