Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Total Time Prep: 30 min. + rising Bake: 25 min.
Yield 20 rolls
Test Kitchen Approved
These rolls are different from the regular cinnamon rolls. When I take them to my morning bowling league, they are quickly scarfed up.—Myrna Sippel, Thompson, Illinois

Ingredients

  • 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
  • 1-1/2 cups warm water (110° to 115°), divided
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4-1/2 to 4-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup baking cocoa
  • FILLING:
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
  • 2/3 cup finely chopped nuts, optional
  • ICING:
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons 2% milk
  • Additional miniature semisweet chocolate chips, optional

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. Add the butter, sugar, salt and remaining water. Stir in 2-1/2 cups flour and cocoa. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes or until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
  2. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  3. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Roll each portion into a 12x10-in. rectangle; brush with melted butter. Combine the sugar, cinnamon, chocolate chips and, if desired, nuts; sprinkle over dough to within 1/2 in. of edges.
  4. Roll up each jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seams to seal. Cut each into 10 slices. Place cut side down in a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
  5. Bake at 375° for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough milk to reach desired consistency. Spread over rolls while slightly warm; sprinkle with additional chocolate chips if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 roll: 284 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 161mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.

These rolls are different from the regular cinnamon rolls. When I take them to my morning bowling league, they are quickly scarfed up.—Myrna Sippel, Thompson, Illinois
Recipe Creator

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