Heavenly Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Hazelnut Icing Recipe

Sweet aromas of warm chocolate and hazelnut icing swirl through the kitchen, promising pure comfort.

These delectable chocolate cinnamon rolls blend rich cocoa with spicy warmth in every tender bite.

Soft, pillowy dough becomes a canvas for decadent chocolate filling that melts perfectly between soft layers.

cinnamon adds a gentle heat that complements the deep chocolate notes, creating an irresistible combination.

Each roll drizzled with creamy hazelnut icing transforms an ordinary morning into a luxurious breakfast experience.

The delicate balance of flavors makes these rolls a standout treat that will delight anyone seeking a special morning indulgence.

One taste, and you’ll understand why these chocolate cinnamon rolls are destined to become your new favorite breakfast obsession.

Why Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Stand Out

• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings where guests crave fresh, vibrant flavors that everyone will love.
• Master Simple Cooking Technique: Requires minimal cooking skills with straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can confidently execute without stress.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows quick ingredient swaps like adding grilled chicken, changing cheese types, or incorporating different herbs to match personal preferences.
• No-Fuss Preparation: Combines classic Italian ingredients in one bowl, minimizing kitchen cleanup and providing a delightful meal with minimal effort and maximum taste satisfaction.

Ingredients for Hazelnut Iced Chocolate Rolls

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the chocolate cinnamon rolls.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the dough.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the rolls.

• Warm Milk: Creates a soft, tender texture in the dough.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds structure to the dough.

• Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise and creates a light, airy texture.

• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Provides a classic sweet and warm flavor to the rolls.
• Softened Butter: Creates a smooth base for the filling and helps distribute sugar and cinnamon.

• Crushed Nuts: Adds a delightful textural element to the rolls.

• Powdered Sugar, Hazelnut Spread, Milk: Combines to create a smooth, creamy, and flavorful glaze for the rolls.

Steps to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls

Step 1: Create Chocolate Dough

Mix dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt. Pour in warm milk, melted butter, and a beaten egg.

Stir until a soft, sticky dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare Delicious Filling

Combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.

Set aside for rolling process.

Step 3: Roll and Shape Chocolate Rolls

Flatten dough into a large rectangular shape approximately 12×18 inches.

Spread softened butter evenly across the surface. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture over butter.

Optional: Add crushed hazelnuts for extra crunch. Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long edge, creating a log.

Slice the log into 12 equal portions using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 4: Second Rising Period

Place rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving small spaces between each roll.

Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Bake rolls for 25 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 6: Craft Hazelnut Icing

• Powdered sugar
• Hazelnut spread
• Milk

Adjust milk quantity for desired icing consistency.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Drizzle warm hazelnut icing over freshly baked rolls. Serve immediately with coffee or hot chocolate for a decadent treat.

Notes for Gooey Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

• Place the covered bowl in a warm, draft-free area like a turned-off oven with the light on to help the dough rise faster and more evenly.
• Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to cut the rolled dough into even slices without squishing the delicate dough.
• Cover the rolls with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning and keep the edges soft and moist.
• Gradually add milk to the hazelnut icing to control the consistency, making it thicker for spreading or thinner for drizzling.

Fun Mixes for Cinnamon Roll Lovers

• Vegan Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Replace dairy milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, swap egg with a flax egg, and choose dairy-free hazelnut spread for the icing.
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Option: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the texture remains soft and tender while maintaining the rich chocolate flavor.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Rolls: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, replace brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative, and incorporate sugar-free hazelnut spread for a healthier version.
• Nutty Chocolate Variation: Add chopped almonds or pecans into the filling, sprinkle roasted nut pieces between layers, and incorporate ground nuts directly into the dough for extra crunch and depth.

Tasty Sips With Hazelnut Cinnamon Rolls

• Savor Complementary Coffee Companions: Rich espresso or smooth cappuccino perfectly balances the chocolate cinnamon rolls' sweetness, cutting through the rich hazelnut icing with robust flavor notes.
• Elevate Dessert Wine Pairings: Late harvest Moscato or sweet Port wine enhance the chocolate's depth, creating a luxurious dessert experience that highlights the rolls' complex flavor profile.
• Create Milk Beverage Magic: Creamy cold milk or warm steamed milk with a touch of vanilla provides a classic, comforting companion that softens the rolls' intense chocolate and cinnamon flavors.
• Discover Hot Chocolate Harmony: Decadent hot chocolate with marshmallows or a sprinkle of cinnamon mirrors the rolls' chocolate essence, creating a harmonious and indulgent flavor combination that feels like a warm hug.

Storing Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls Soft

• Store cooled chocolate cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Place rolls in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Warm in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent edges from becoming too crispy.
• Transfer from freezer to refrigerator overnight. Warm in oven at 300°F for 10-12 minutes, then drizzle fresh hazelnut icing on top for best taste.

FAQs

• How do I know if the yeast is active before making the dough?

Mix the yeast with warm milk (around 110°F) and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. If it becomes foamy and bubbly, the yeast is active and ready to use.

• Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes, after rolling and cutting the rolls, place them in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to let them rise at room temperature.

• What if my dough doesn't rise properly?

Ensure your yeast is fresh, use warm (not hot) milk, and place the dough in a draft-free, warm area like near a preheated oven or in a turned-off oven with the light on.

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls With Hazelnut Icing Recipe

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• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Heavenly chocolate cinnamon rolls with hazelnut icing bring warmth and indulgence to weekend brunch. Rich chocolate dough swirled with cinnamon and topped with silky hazelnut glaze promise pure comfort and delightful sweetness you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups (330 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons / 7 grams) instant yeast
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) warm milk
• 1/3 cup (75 grams) unsalted butter

Chocolate and Sweetener Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Create a soft, chocolate-infused dough by combining flour, cocoa powder, sugar, yeast, and salt in a mixing bowl. Incorporate warm milk, melted butter, and egg until a cohesive mixture forms.
2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise in a warm location for 1 hour or until volume doubles.
3. Prepare the filling by blending brown sugar and cinnamon in a separate container.
4. Roll the risen dough into a rectangular shape approximately 12×18 inches. Evenly distribute softened butter across the surface.
5. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered dough. Optional: Add crushed nuts for extra texture.
6. Tightly roll the dough from the long edge, creating a compact log. Slice the log into 12 uniform pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
7. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space between each piece. Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
9. Whisk powdered sugar, hazelnut spread, and milk to create a smooth, pourable icing. Adjust consistency with additional milk if needed.
10. Once slightly cooled, generously drizzle the hazelnut icing over the warm rolls. Serve immediately with coffee or hot chocolate for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Boost the chocolate flavor by adding extra cocoa powder or mixing in chocolate chips into the dough for an intense chocolate experience.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, ensuring the texture remains soft and tender.
• Enhance the nutty profile by toasting hazelnuts before crushing and sprinkling them into the filling for a deeper, more complex flavor.
• Prepare the rolls ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating overnight, then letting them come to room temperature before the second rise and baking.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 155 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 135 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.1 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg