Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that fills your home with the warmth of the holidays, these Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls are just what you need. The combination of chocolate and orange is truly magical, creating a delightful contrast that makes every bite feel like a festive celebration. Perfect for family gatherings or simply as a sweet indulgence on a lazy weekend morning, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep close to your heart!

Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly baked rolls, warm from the oven and drizzled with creamy frosting. This recipe transforms basic cinnamon rolls into something extraordinary, making it a cherished favorite in my kitchen. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, these Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls will surely bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of chocolate and orange zest creates a unique and rich flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up with confidence.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a soft and gooey roll! These treats are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Perfectly Festive: Great for Christmas mornings or holiday brunches, adding a cheerful touch to your celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make these mouthwatering Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls! Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or easily available at your local grocery store.

For the Dough

• 60 grams Unsalted butter
• 220 millilitres Whole milk
• 1 packet (11 grams) Fast-action dried yeast
• 50 grams Caster sugar
• 1 medium Egg (room temperature)
• 1 medium Egg yolk (room temperature)
• 460 grams Strong white bread flour (plus more for dusting)
• 50 grams Cocoa powder (I used Menier 100% Cocoa Powder)
• 1 teaspoon Salt

For the Filling

• 60 grams unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 120 grams light brown sugar/muscovado sugar
• 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 large Orange (zest only)

For the Frosting

• 50 grams Milk chocolate (I use Menier Swiss Milk Chocolate)
• 75 grams Full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
• 50 grams Icing sugar
• 1 large Orange (juice only; you can use up the orange that was zested for the filling)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch to your rolls.
• Try different citrus: Lemon zest can be an excellent substitute for orange if you’re looking for something bright and zesty.
• Switch up the chocolate: Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer taste.
• Make it vegan: Substitute dairy products with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut oil.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by melting your unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add in whole milk and stir until it’s just warm. This step is important because if the mixture is too hot, it can kill the yeast. Combine this warm mixture with fast-action dried yeast in a bowl and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. This step helps activate the yeast so that your rolls will rise beautifully!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together strong white bread flour, cocoa powder, caster sugar, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout your dough. Once mixed well, create a well in the center where you can add your wet ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add your egg and egg yolk into the well of dry ingredients along with the yeast mixture. Gently mix until everything comes together into a sticky dough. Don’t worry if it seems messy at first; that’s part of the charm! Knead this dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth – about 8–10 minutes will do wonders here.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Place your kneaded dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about 1–2 hours. This rising time is crucial as it helps develop flavor and texture.

Step 5: Make the Filling

While waiting for your dough to rise, prepare your filling by mixing together softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and freshly zested orange in a bowl until combined. The aroma will be heavenly!

Step 6: Roll Out Your Dough

Once risen, punch down your dough gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle shape about 1 cm thick. Spread your filling evenly across this rectangle—don’t skimp on this part!

Step 7: Form Your Rolls

Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape. Slice this log into even pieces—about 10 should do nicely! Place them cut-side up in greased baking trays.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover them again with a cloth and let them rest while preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). They should puff up nicely during this time—around 30 minutes should suffice.

Step 9: Bake!

Bake those beautiful rolls for about 20 minutes until they are cooked through and golden brown on top. The smell wafting through your home will be irresistible!

Step 10: Frosting Time!

While they cool slightly, prepare your frosting by melting milk chocolate gently over low heat then mixing it with cream cheese, icing sugar, and freshly squeezed orange juice until creamy smooth. Drizzle generously over each roll once they’ve cooled enough not to melt away all that deliciousness!

And there you have it! A batch of delightful Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls ready to share—or keep all to yourself! Enjoy every fluffy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Making the perfect Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls is easier than you think! With just a few pro tips, you’ll be on your way to baking these delightful treats like a pro.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature helps create a smoother dough and frosting, leading to better texture and flavor.
• Knead Well: Don’t skip the kneading step! Kneading develops gluten in the dough, giving your rolls that soft and fluffy structure we all love.
• Let It Rise: Be patient during the rising time. Allowing the dough to double in size ensures light and airy rolls. A warm spot in your kitchen can help speed up this process.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your rolls while they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry cinnamon rolls. They’re perfect when golden brown and still soft to the touch.
• Use Quality Chocolate: The chocolate you choose can make a big difference in taste. Opt for high-quality milk chocolate to enhance the creaminess of your frosting.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls

These Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls are not only delicious but also visually stunning! Here are some creative ways to present them for any occasion.

Garnishes

• Orange Zest: A sprinkle of fresh orange zest on top of the frosting adds an extra burst of citrus flavor and a vibrant pop of color.
• Chopped Nuts: Consider adding some finely chopped walnuts or hazelnuts for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft rolls.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements the rich sweetness of the rolls and adds a healthy touch to your breakfast or dessert table.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer creamy yogurt with granola and berries for a delightful contrast in texture and flavor that balances out the richness of the rolls.
• Herbal Tea: Pairing these cinnamon rolls with a warm cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, creates a soothing experience perfect for brunch or an afternoon treat.
• Coffee: For coffee lovers, serve these rolls with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or espresso. The chocolate-orange flavors harmonize beautifully with a rich coffee profile.

Enjoy making these delightful Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls and impress your family and friends with this festive treat! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this delightful treat any time! You can easily make them ahead of time, store leftovers, or even freeze them for future indulgence.

Storing Leftovers

• Let the rolls cool completely before storing.
• Place the rolls in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the rolls to cool completely after baking.
• Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped rolls in a freezer bag or container, removing excess air.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen rolls overnight in the refrigerator.
• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Place the rolls on a baking tray and cover with foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious treats!

Can I make Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling in advance. Just assemble the rolls, let them rise, and then bake them when you’re ready to enjoy!

What makes these Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls special?

The combination of rich chocolate, zesty orange, and warm cinnamon creates a unique flavor profile that elevates traditional cinnamon rolls into something extraordinary!

Can I use a different type of chocolate for the frosting?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate or white chocolate if you want a different flavor twist in your frosting.

How do I prevent my cinnamon rolls from becoming dry?

Make sure not to overbake your rolls; they should be soft and fluffy. Also, using room-temperature ingredients helps maintain moisture.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls are truly a festive delight that combines rich flavors with an irresistible sweetness. I hope you enjoy making these delightful treats as much as I do! They’re perfect for gatherings or simply indulging yourself on a cozy afternoon. Happy baking!