Ingredients
For the Dough:
- Milk (1 cup, lukewarm): Milk adds moisture to the dough and helps achieve that soft, tender texture.
- Granulated White Sugar (¼ cup): Sugar lightly sweetens the dough and helps activate the yeast.
- Active Dry Yeast (1 tablespoon): Yeast is the key to making the dough rise, resulting in those fluffy, airy rolls.
- Eggs (2 large, room temperature): Eggs add richness and structure to the dough.
- Unsalted Butter (¼ cup, melted): Butter gives the dough a slight buttery flavor and soft texture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor of the dough, balancing the sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour (3 ½ to 4 cups): The main structure of the dough comes from the flour. The quantity may vary depending on humidity, temperature, and other factors.
For the Filling:
- Light Brown Sugar (½ cup): Adds a caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (2 tablespoons): The key to that rich chocolatey taste in every bite.
- Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and complexity to the chocolate flavor.
- Unsalted Butter (6 tablespoons, softened): Creates a velvety texture when spread over the dough.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bars or Chips (1 cup): Melts into gooey pockets of chocolate, elevating the richness of the rolls.
For the Frosting:
- Unsalted Butter (⅛ cup, room temperature): Adds a creamy, smooth base to the frosting.
- Cream Cheese (¼ cup, softened): Balances the sweetness with a slight tang, making the frosting extra indulgent.
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup, sifted): Sweetens the frosting while maintaining a light, airy texture.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (¼ cup): Deepens the chocolate flavor of the frosting.
- Milk (1-2 tablespoons): Helps thin the frosting to your desired consistency.
Instructions
1. Preparing the Dough
To start, you’ll need to activate the yeast. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the yeast to become active and foamy, ensuring that your rolls rise properly.
Next, add the eggs, melted butter, and salt to the mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.
Switch out your whisk for a dough hook attachment if you’re using a stand mixer. Add 3 ½ cups of flour to the mixture, and knead on medium-low speed until the dough comes together. The dough should feel slightly sticky to the touch but should not stick to the sides of the bowl. If it’s too sticky, gradually add more flour (up to 4 cups total). Knead the dough for about 5 minutes on medium speed until it’s smooth and elastic.
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, brush the top with a little oil, cover it with a dry towel, and let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
2. Making the Filling
While the dough rests, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon. This combination of flavors will infuse the rolls with a rich, warm sweetness. Set the mixture aside.
3. Shaping the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 200°F (100°C) to create a warm environment for the rolls to rise. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle, approximately 20×18 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border along the long edge. Sprinkle the brown sugar-cocoa mixture and chopped chocolate over the butter.
Starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal-sized pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Turn off the oven and place the rolls inside to rise for about 30 minutes. Keep the oven door slightly ajar to allow the rolls to double in size.
4. Baking the Rolls
Once the rolls have risen, remove them from the oven and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, until they’re lightly browned on top. If the rolls begin to brown too quickly, cover them with a piece of parchment paper halfway through baking.
5. Making the Frosting
While the rolls are baking, it’s time to prepare the frosting. In a medium mixing bowl, use a handheld or stand mixer to beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until well combined. Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. The result should be a rich, chocolatey frosting that’s perfect for spreading over the warm rolls.
6. Frosting and Serving the Rolls
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5-10 minutes. Then, generously spoon the frosting over the warm rolls, allowing it to melt slightly into the soft dough. The combination of warm rolls and rich chocolate frosting creates an irresistible treat that’s best enjoyed fresh.
Notes
- Don’t rush the dough: Allowing the dough to rest and rise is key to achieving that soft, pillowy texture. Be patient, and your rolls will reward you with perfect fluffiness.
- Use room-temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature to ensure a smooth dough and frosting.
- Control the flour: Adding too much flour can make the rolls dense and dry. Be mindful of the dough’s texture—slightly sticky is ideal.
- Cover during baking: If the tops of the rolls brown too quickly, cover them with parchment paper to prevent over-browning while they finish baking.
- Prep Time: 30 Minutes
- Cook Time: 20 Minutes