Hey y'all! If you're searching for the most decadent, gooey Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Rich Ganache, you’ve just struck gold. This recipe wraps pillowy-soft cinnamon rolls around a luscious chocolate swirl and tops it all off with glossy, silky ganache—perfect for special breakfasts, holidays, or whenever you need a chocolate fix. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Rich Ganache Recipe
- Ultra-soft dough with a deliciously rich chocolate-cinnamon filling in every bite.
- Simple to follow steps make homemade bakery-style rolls possible for anyone.
- Perfect for brunches, celebrations, or cozy weekend treats.
- The velvety chocolate ganache topping elevates these rolls to dessert status.
- They’re make-ahead friendly, so you can enjoy fresh rolls anytime.
Ingredients for Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Rich Ganache
For the Dough:
- 3 ¼ cups (400g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoon (1 packet) instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk, warm (110°F/43°C)
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg, room temperature
For the Chocolate-Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup (130g) packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (90g) mini chocolate chips
For the Rich Ganache:
- ¾ cup (120g) semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
How to Make Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Rich Ganache
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and beaten egg. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate-Cinnamon Filling
Combine softened butter, brown sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough
Punch down the risen dough and roll out into a 14x18-inch rectangle. Spread the chocolate-cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.
Step 4: Shape and Slice Rolls
Tightly roll up the dough from the long edge. Slice into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss. Arrange in a greased 9x13-inch baking pan, cover, and let rise for another 30-40 minutes.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 22-25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
Step 6: Prepare the Rich Ganache
Place chocolate chips and butter in a heatproof bowl. Heat heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over the chocolate. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Drizzle or spread the rich ganache generously over warm rolls. Serve immediately for ultimate gooeyness!
Notes for Perfect Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Rich Ganache
- If your kitchen is cold, let your dough rise in an oven set to the 'proof' setting or with the light on. More on proofing yeast doughs can be found at King Arthur Baking.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate for the best flavor—learn more about cocoa types at Serious Eats.
- Don’t overbake—rolls stay softest when just barely golden.
Variations: Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Rich Ganache, Your Way
- Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped toasted hazelnuts or pecans to the filling.
- Orange Chocolate: Mix 1 teaspoon orange zest into the filling for a citrusy twist.
- Mocha: Add 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder to the filling for a coffee kick.
Required Equipment for Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Rich Ganache
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Sharp knife or dental floss
- Small saucepan (for ganache)
- Whisk
Storage Instructions for Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Rich Ganache
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze (without ganache) for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and top with fresh ganache before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Rich Ganache
Serve warm with a glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or a creamy latte. These rolls also pair beautifully with fresh fruit or a simple vanilla yogurt for a balanced brunch.
Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Rich Ganache
- Let the dough rise fully for extra fluffiness—patience pays off! For best yeast dough tips, check out Bigger Bolder Baking.
- Don’t skip the mini chocolate chips; they melt into irresistible pockets of gooey chocolate.
- Pour the ganache on while the rolls are still warm so it seeps into every swirl.
FAQ – Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Rich Ganache
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise until doubled before baking.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?
Absolutely—just dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm milk with a pinch of sugar and let it foam for 5-10 minutes before adding to the flour mixture.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
They’re ready when golden and puffed, and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center reads 190°F (88°C).
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- ½ cup dark chocolate, chopped (for ganache)
Instructions
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1In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
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2Add melted butter, egg, granulated sugar, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes, then cover and let rise for 1 hour.
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3Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips. Roll up tightly and slice into 9 rolls.
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4Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes until golden brown.
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5For the ganache, heat heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over chopped dark chocolate and stir until smooth. Drizzle ganache over warm rolls before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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