Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Forget plain cinnamon rolls — these Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls are a Christmas dream! If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate, zesty orange, and warm cinnamon, you’re in the right place. This recipe is not only delicious but also perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy breakfast with family, a festive afternoon treat, or a sweet ending to a holiday gathering.

What truly makes this recipe special is how it fills your kitchen with the most wonderful aroma as they bake. Plus, who can resist the gooey filling and creamy frosting? Trust me; these rolls will make everyone’s day just a little brighter!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is simple and straightforward. You’ll impress yourself with how easily these rolls come together.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves chocolate and cinnamon! These rolls are sure to become a favorite for both kids and adults alike.
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh in the morning. Perfect for holiday brunches!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of chocolate, orange zest, and cinnamon creates a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and festive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items you might already have in your pantry. Each one plays an important role in creating those soft, fluffy rolls you’ll love.

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 flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Try Different Citrus: Swap out the orange zest for lemon or lime for a different citrus twist.
• Switch Up the Chocolate: Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer taste.
• Make it Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg and use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by melting your unsalted butter in a saucepan along with the whole milk. This mixture should be warm but not too hot—around body temperature is perfect—for activating your yeast. Once ready, sprinkle in your fast-action dried yeast and caster sugar. Let it sit until it becomes frothy—this means your yeast is alive and ready to help those rolls rise!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine your strong white bread flour and cocoa powder along with salt. Make a well in the center and add your frothy yeast mixture along with room temperature egg and egg yolk. Mix until it comes together into a sticky dough. It’s okay if it’s messy at this stage; this part is all about building that delicious base.

Step 3: Knead Your Dough

Transfer your dough onto a floured surface. Knead it gently for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This step is important because kneading develops gluten which gives your rolls their fluffy texture!

Step 4: Let It Rise

Place your kneaded dough into an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—about 1-2 hours depending on how warm it is where you are.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

While waiting for the dough to rise, mix room temperature butter with light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and freshly zested orange peel in another bowl. This will create that gooey filling that everyone loves!

Step 6: Roll It Out

Once your dough has risen beautifully, punch it down gently to release air bubbles. Roll out into a rectangle shape on a floured surface. Spread your filling evenly over the rolled-out dough to ensure every bite has that rich flavor.

Step 7: Shape Into Rolls

Roll up your rectangle tightly from one end to another. Slice into even pieces—around 10 works well—and place them cut-side up into a greased baking dish.

Step 8: Final Rise & Bake

Cover them again with cloths and let them rise once more until puffy—about 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once ready, bake them for about 20 minutes until they are golden brown.

Step 9: Make the Frosting

While they cool slightly, melt your milk chocolate and mix it with cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add icing sugar followed by freshly squeezed orange juice until you achieve that luscious frosting consistency.

Step 10: Frost & Serve!

Drizzle or spread that heavenly frosting over warm rolls before serving. Add colorful sprinkles on top if you’re feeling festive! Enjoy these delightful Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls fresh out of the oven—they’re simply irresistible!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Making these Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you’ll be ready to impress your family and friends!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your egg and butter are at room temperature helps them blend more smoothly into the dough, resulting in a softer and fluffier roll.
• Knead thoroughly: Spend ample time kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This helps develop gluten, which gives your rolls their lovely structure.
• Let it rise in a warm place: Yeast loves warmth! Placing your dough in a slightly warm area (like near the oven) will help it rise beautifully, making your rolls light and airy.
• Don’t rush the second rise: Allowing your rolls to rise again after shaping is key to achieving that perfect fluffy texture. Patience will reward you with irresistible rolls!
• Experiment with fillings: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits to the filling if you like extra texture and flavor! This can enhance the overall experience of your Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls

These delicious rolls can steal the show on any table, especially during festive occasions. Here are some fun ways to present them!

Garnishes

• Orange zest: A sprinkle of fresh orange zest on top of the frosting adds a vibrant color and enhances that orangey aroma.
• Chocolate shavings: Adding some chocolate shavings brings extra decadence and visual appeal, making each serving irresistible.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing side of seasonal fruits balances the richness of the rolls while adding a burst of color.
• Yogurt parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries makes for a delightful contrast in texture and complements the sweetness of the rolls perfectly.
• Coffee or hot chocolate: Pairing these rolls with a warm beverage like coffee or hot chocolate can elevate your breakfast or brunch experience to new heights!

With these serving suggestions, you’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Enjoy every gooey bite of your Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their delightful flavors with minimal fuss on busy mornings or festive occasions.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing

• Freeze the unbaked rolls before the second rise by placing them on a baking sheet and covering them with plastic wrap.
• Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.
• Alternatively, freeze baked rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen unbaked rolls, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then allow them to rise at room temperature before baking.
• For baked rolls, microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these delicious Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls!

Can I make Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling in advance, then assemble and bake when you’re ready. This makes them a fantastic option for holiday breakfasts.

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 a festive treat!

Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting?

Yes! If you’re looking for an alternative, consider using a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice for a lighter topping.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls?

Adding more orange zest or even some chopped nuts can give your rolls an extra dimension of flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls as much as I do! With their scrumptious filling and creamy frosting, they’re bound to become a favorite in your home. Whether it’s for brunch or dessert, they bring warmth and joy to any occasion. Happy baking!