Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls take everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls and give it a dark, dramatic upgrade. These rolls are not just visually stunning; they also deliver an explosion of flavor with each bite. The dough is soft and pillowy, infused with rich black cocoa that deepens the chocolate flavor. Topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese icing, these rolls are perfect for Halloween or any time you want to treat yourself. Let’s dive into how to make these gourmet cocoa cinnamon rolls that are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls

Here are a few reasons why these dark cocoa cinnamon rolls will become your new favorite:

• They offer a unique chocolate twist that elevates the traditional cinnamon roll.
• Perfect for special occasions, especially Halloween, with their striking color.
• They are easy to make at home, allowing you to enjoy homemade black cocoa cinnamon rolls.
• Rich in flavor, they will satisfy even the most intense chocolate cravings.
• These rolls make a fantastic sweet treat for gatherings or cozy family breakfasts.
• With a simple recipe, you can impress your guests with minimal effort.
• They combine the best of cinnamon and chocolate, creating a delightful experience.

Ingredients for Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls

Gather these items:

• ¾ cup whole milk (Warm (100–110°F))
• 2¼ tsp instant yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
• 1 large egg (room temp)
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2-1 tsp black food coloring (optional)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup black cocoa powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp espresso powder (optional)
• 1/3 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• ½ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
• 1½ tbsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp black cocoa powder
• ¼ cup warm heavy cream
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tbsp milk (for consistency)
• Gel food coloring: orange or neon green

How to Make Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: Add the egg, yolk, and black food coloring if using, and mix to combine.
3. Step 3: Add flour, black cocoa, salt, and espresso powder. Mix for about 2 minutes, then add in the softened butter.
4. Step 4: Knead on medium speed for 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and shiny black.
5. Step 5: Shape into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled (about 60–90 minutes).
6. Step 6: Mix butter, sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa until it forms a smooth paste.
7. Step 7: Once the dough has doubled, roll it into a 12×14.5-inch rectangle.
8. Step 8: Spread the filling evenly all over the surface, reaching close to the edges. Sprinkle some chocolate chips if you’d like.
9. Step 9: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the dough into 9 long strips along the 14.5-inch side. Each strip should be about 1.5-1.6 inches wide. Roll each one up from one short end to another to form individual cinnamon rolls.
10. Step 10: Place the rolls in a greased 9×9-inch pan. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy. Right before baking, pour the warm heavy cream between and around the rolls.
11. Step 11: Bake at 350°F for 22–25 minutes, until just set and the centers are puffed but still soft.
12. Step 12: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
13. Step 13: Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat until fluffy.
14. Step 14: Mix in milk until you reach a spreadable consistency. Add as much or as little milk as you want.
15. Step 15: Optional: Add food coloring until your frosting is vivid and Halloween-ready. Top with Halloween sprinkles.
16. Step 16: Spread generously over slightly warm rolls so it melts a little into the spirals. Decorate with sprinkles and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls

Keep these in mind:

• Allow your dough to rise in a warm environment for better texture.
• Use quality black cocoa powder for the richest flavor.
• Don’t skip the espresso powder; it enhances the chocolate flavor.
• For an extra treat, add chocolate chips to the filling.

Best Ways to Serve Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls can be enjoyed in various ways:

• Serve them warm with a drizzle of additional cream cheese icing.
• Pair them with coffee or hot chocolate for the perfect breakfast.
• Try adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

How to Store and Reheat Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls

To keep your rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven, ensuring they stay moist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls

What’s the secret to perfect Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls?

The secret lies in using high-quality ingredients, particularly black cocoa powder, which gives these rolls their rich flavor and color. Properly kneading the dough ensures a soft texture.

Can I make Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator. In the morning, roll, cut, and bake as directed for fresh rolls.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls?

Be careful not to over-knead the dough, as this can lead to dense rolls. Also, ensure your yeast is fresh and that your dough rises in a warm area for the best results.

Variations of Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls You Can Try

Here are some fun twists to enjoy:

• Add peppermint extract for a festive holiday flavor.
• Incorporate nuts or dried fruit into the filling for added texture.
• Experiment with different frostings, such as chocolate ganache for an even richer dessert.

For more delicious recipes, check out Easy Cinnamon Rolls or Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil. You can also learn about vegetable gardening tips to enhance your culinary skills!

Indulge in 7 Sinful Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls

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• Author: Jessica
• Total Time: 140 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Black Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls take everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls and give them a dark, dramatic upgrade.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ¾ cup whole milk (Warm (100–110°F))
• 2¼ tsp instant yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
• 1 large egg (room temp)
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2–1 tsp black food coloring (optional)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup black cocoa powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp espresso powder (optional)
• 1/3 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• ½ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
• 1½ tbsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp black cocoa powder
• ¼ cup warm heavy cream
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp milk (for consistency)
• Gel food coloring: orange or neon green

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Instructions

1. In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the egg, yolk, and black food coloring if using, and mix to combine.
3. Add flour, black cocoa, salt, and espresso powder. Mix for about 2 minutes, then add in the softened butter.
4. Knead on medium speed for 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and shiny black.
5. Shape into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled (about 60–90 minutes).
6. Mix butter, sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa until it forms a smooth paste.
7. Once the dough has doubled, roll it into a 12×14.5-inch rectangle.
8. Spread the filling evenly all over the surface, reaching close to the edges. Sprinkle some chocolate chips if you’d like.
9. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the dough into 9 long strips along the 14.5-inch side. Each strip should be about 1.5-1.6 inches wide. Roll each one up from one short end to another to form individual cinnamon rolls.
10. Place the rolls in a greased 9×9-inch pan. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy. Right before baking, pour the warm heavy cream between and around the rolls.
11. Bake at 350°F for 22–25 minutes, until just set and the centers are puffed but still soft.
12. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
13. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat until fluffy.
14. Mix in milk until you reach a spreadable consistency. Add as much or as little milk as you want.
15. Optional: Add food coloring until your frosting is vivid and Halloween-ready. Top with Halloween sprinkles.
16. Spread generously over slightly warm rolls so it melts a little into the spirals. Decorate with sprinkles and enjoy!

Notes

• Prep Time: 60 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 507 kcal
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg