Print

Decadent Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls

chocolate orange cinnamon rolls - featured image
Print Recipe

These cinnamon rolls combine rich chocolate, bright orange zest, and classic cinnamon for a cozy, indulgent breakfast treat that’s easy to make and perfect for slow mornings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (440g), sifted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole milk (240ml), warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (56g), melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup dark cocoa powder (25g), unsweetened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar (150g), packed (light or dark)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • Zest of 2 medium oranges (about 2 tablespoons), finely grated
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter (75g), softened
  • 1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chunks (90g), roughly chopped
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (from the zested oranges)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream (for glaze consistency)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warmed milk (about 110°F/43°C), granulated sugar, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Stir gently and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture, stirring to combine. Gradually add sifted flour and salt, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or knead with a stand mixer dough hook for 6-7 minutes.
  4. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or towel, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
  5. While dough rises, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, and orange zest until well combined and spreadable.
  6. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
  7. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around edges. Sprinkle chopped chocolate chunks evenly on top.
  8. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Pinch the seam to seal and cut into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss.
  9. Place rolls cut side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spaced slightly apart. Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Tent with foil if tops brown too fast.
  11. While rolls bake, whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, vanilla extract, and milk or cream until smooth, adjusting consistency as needed.
  12. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls as soon as they come out of the oven. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Warm milk to about 110°F to activate yeast properly. Use dental floss to cut rolls cleanly without squishing. Do not overbake to keep centers gooey. For lighter rolls, substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and vegan butter. Fresh orange zest is preferred over extract for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, chocolate orange cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, breakfast treat, cozy morning recipe, chocolate cinnamon rolls, orange zest, easy cinnamon rolls

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/decadent-chocolate-orange-cinnamon-rolls-recipe-easy-homemade-treat-for-cozy-mornings/