Introduction
Soft, fluffy, gooey, and laced with melty chocolate and a bold espresso kick — these Chocolate Espresso Cinnamon Rolls are next-level indulgent. If you love the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls in the morning and the bold flavor of your favorite mocha, this recipe is your sweet spot. Finished with a creamy cream cheese glaze, every bite melts in your mouth.
Whether you’re making these for a holiday brunch or just a luxurious weekend breakfast, prepare for serious smiles.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe brings together three of my favorite things: chocolate, coffee, and cinnamon. The dough is pillowy-soft, the filling is rich with dark cocoa and espresso, and the cream cheese glaze adds a dreamy finishing touch. These rolls are indulgent without being overly sweet and bold without being bitter — a true harmony of dessert and breakfast.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Chocolate Espresso Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp espresso powder (or finely ground coffee)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Swaps & Notes
- Espresso powder: Adds depth, not bitterness — use decaf if needed
- Cocoa: Dark or Dutch-processed for intense flavor
- Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet balances the richness, but milk or dark also work
- Dairy-free? Use plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese alternatives
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.
In a large bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, salt, butter, and eggs. Pour in yeast mixture and mix to form a dough.
Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–2 hours, until doubled.
2. Make the Filling
In a bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, cocoa, espresso powder, cinnamon, and salt into a paste. Stir in chocolate chips. Set aside.
3. Roll & Fill
Punch down the dough. Roll into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly, leaving a ½-inch border.
Roll tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 12–15 pieces with a sharp knife or floss.
Place into a greased 9×13-inch pan or round cake pans. Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
4. Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden on top and cooked through. Let cool slightly.
5. Make the Glaze
In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
6. Glaze & Serve
Drizzle glaze over warm rolls. Serve warm and enjoy every gooey bite!
Tips for Success
✔️ Proof the yeast properly — it should be foamy before you mix it in
✔️ Use room-temperature ingredients for easier mixing and fluffier texture
✔️ Let rolls cool slightly before glazing — not too hot or it will melt off
✔️ Want stronger coffee flavor? Add ½ tsp espresso powder to the glaze
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These rolls are a treat on their own, but even better with:
- A hot cappuccino or cold brew
- Fresh berries and whipped cream
- Try alongside Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs for a dessert board
- For something lighter after, serve with Edible Cookie Dough
Storage & Leftovers
- Room Temp: Store in a sealed container for 2–3 days
- Fridge: Keep glazed rolls refrigerated for up to 5 days
- Reheat: Microwave for 15–20 seconds for melty texture
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked rolls and bake fresh, or freeze baked ones unglazed
More Recipes You’ll Love
For more sweet, rich, chocolate-filled inspiration:
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites Are My Favorite Little Treat to Bake Anytime
- These Cake Mix Cookies Are My Go-To Shortcut for Easy Foolproof Treats
- The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (And I’ve Made a Lot)
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Espresso Cinnamon Rolls are everything you want in a sweet bake — fluffy, rich, deeply flavored, and drizzled with creamy glaze. Whether you’re baking them for brunch, dessert, or just because you need something warm and indulgent, these rolls deliver.
Tried them? Snap a photo, tag @ChefManiac, and share the gooey goodness! ☕🍫🍥
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