Name: From Scratch Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 3 h 26 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup bread flour; 3/4 cup water; 1/3 cup whole milk (room temperature); 1/3 cup heavy cream (room temperature); 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 3 2/3 cups bread flour; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder; 2 teaspoons instant yeast; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 egg (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Tangzhong from the recipe above; 1/2-1 teaspoon red gel food coloring; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cool room temperature); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 2/3 cup light brown sugar (packed); 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 2 teaspoons cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 4 ounces cream cheese; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract

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If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to the irresistible aroma of fresh cinnamon rolls melting with chocolate and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, your wish is about to come true. This From Scratch Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe will guide you through making bakery-quality rolls right in your own kitchen. The perfect balance of tender dough, rich cocoa, and sweetly spiced filling, complemented by a silky frosting, creates a treat that’s sure to become a beloved favorite for breakfast, brunch, or anytime indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a single large clump of red dough with a rough, uneven texture inside a clear glass mixing bowl. The dough is bright red with some darker red and slightly grayish spots. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Part of a white kitchen appliance with a bit of black is visible on the right side in the background. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing the perfect texture and flavor in these cinnamon rolls. Each component is simple yet essential, working together to create that soft, fluffy dough and decadent filling with the most divine frosting.

Bread flour: Provides the necessary gluten structure for chewy, elastic rolls that hold their shape beautifully.
Water: Hydrates the flour and helps activate the yeast for a perfect rise.
Whole milk and heavy cream: Add richness, moisture, and a tender crumb to the dough.
White vinegar: Enhances dough texture by reacting with the baking agents for softness.
Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: Offer sweetness and help caramelize the filling for gooey deliciousness.
Cocoa powder: Infuses a subtle chocolate depth in both the dough and filling for a unique twist.
Instant yeast: Gives the rolls that essential lift and airy softness.
Fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness to the dough.
Vanilla and vanilla bean paste: Introduce warm, aromatic notes that pair perfectly with cinnamon and chocolate.
Unsalted butter: Key to a luscious dough and filling, contributing to moistness and flavor.
Cinnamon: The classic spice that defines these rolls, offering a fragrant, cozy warmth.
Cream cheese: For the frosting, it provides tang and creaminess that cut through the sweet richness.
Powdered sugar and heavy cream: Create a frosting that’s smooth, spreadable, and irresistibly luscious.
Red gel food coloring (optional): Adds a fun pop of color to make your rolls visually stunning.
Tangzhong (water roux): A special starter that keeps the rolls tender and fresh longer.

How to Make From Scratch Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tangzhong

Start by whisking together water and bread flour in a small saucepan over medium heat. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens into a paste-like slurry. This tangzhong will create amazingly soft and fluffy rolls with longer shelf life, making all the effort totally worth it.

Step 2: Mix the Milk, Cream, and Vinegar

Combine the milk, cream, and white vinegar in a small bowl and set aside. This mixture adds richness and a slight tang that enhances the dough’s flavor and texture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In your stand mixer bowl, whisk together bread flour, sugar, cocoa powder, instant yeast, and salt until evenly mixed. This ensures that every bite has the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Add the milk-cream mixture, egg, vanilla, prepared tangzhong, and red gel food coloring into the bowl with dry ingredients. Using the dough hook on low speed, knead it until a shaggy dough ball forms. The color and consistency here will already hint at the deliciousness to come.

Step 5: Incorporate Butter

Slowly knead the softened butter into the dough, adding about half a tablespoon at a time. Allow each addition to fully incorporate to develop a silky, elastic dough that’s soft but strong enough to hold all that gorgeous filling.

Step 6: Final Kneading

Continue kneading for 8-10 more minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. At this stage, give it that gentle poke test; it should spring back lightly, telling you it’s ready for the next phase.

Step 7: Rest the Dough

Shape the dough into a smooth ball, place it in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 30 minutes. This short rest allows the gluten to relax, making rolling much easier and more even.

Step 8: Make the Filling

Whip together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and vanilla until perfectly smooth. This fudgy, spiced mixture will fill every nook and cranny with irresistible warmth and sweetness.

Step 9: Prepare the Pan

Line a 9×13-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to keep the rolls cozy as they rise and bake.

Step 10: Roll and Fill the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large 15×21-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly across the entire surface, making sure every inch is covered to guarantee gooey bites in every slice.

Step 11: Cut and Rise

Using a pizza cutter, slice the dough into twelve 1 3/4-inch strips. Roll each strip tightly away from you and place them gently into the pan, spaced just right to expand without sticking too much. Cover with plastic wrap and set in a warm spot to rise until doubled, about 1-2 hours. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C).

Step 12: Bake to Perfection

Bake the rolls for 28-35 minutes, keeping an eye on their golden edges and checking that the center rolls reach 175°F-180°F internally. That’s the sweet spot for soft but fully cooked dough with a caramelized surface.

Step 13: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While baking, beat together room temperature cream cheese and butter until creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla bean paste and heavy cream. Whip on low speed until the frosting is fluffy and dreamy, perfect for smothering warm rolls.

Step 14: Frost and Serve

Let the rolls cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before spreading the frosting generously over the top. Then, allow another 15 minutes for the frosting to melt into the swirls. Serve warm and watch as everyone swoons at the first bite!

How to Serve From Scratch Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

This image shows a close-up of a box filled with twelve swirled cinnamon rolls. Each roll has two clear layers: a bright red dough wrapped around a dark brown cinnamon filling. The top of the rolls is covered with a creamy white icing that partly drips down the sides. On top, there are small colorful sprinkles shaped like hearts, dots, and stars in shades of pink, red, and white, scattered all over the rolls, adding a festive touch. The rolls are tightly packed together with smooth, soft textures and a fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the cream cheese frosting. A dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate adds a refined finish that’s sure to impress.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit such as strawberries or a mixed berry salad that balances rich sweetness with bright, refreshing flavors. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte perfectly complements the chocolate notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these gorgeous cinnamon rolls stacked on a rustic wooden board with a few edible flowers for a brunch centerpiece. Alternatively, arrange each roll in individual colorful ramekins for personal servings that make guests feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They remain soft and flavorful, making for a convenient next-day treat.

Freezing

Wrap individual cinnamon rolls in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve texture and freshness.

Reheating

Warm leftover rolls gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) wrapped in foil for about 15 minutes. Add a dab of frosting after reheating for that fresh-out-of-the-oven magic.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, though bread flour gives a chewier and more elastic texture due to its higher protein content. Your rolls will still be delicious, just slightly less chewy and sturdy.

What is tangzhong and why is it used?

Tangzhong is a cooked mixture of flour and water that acts as a water roux. It traps moisture in the dough, keeping your rolls extra soft and fresh longer. This technique is popular in Asian baking and makes a noticeable difference.

Do I have to use red food coloring?

Red gel food coloring is optional and mainly adds a fun, vibrant swirl in your cinnamon rolls. You can skip it for a classic look without impacting taste or texture.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, roll it out with filling, then cover and refrigerate before the final rise. This is perfect for a next-day bake, just allow extra time for the dough to come to room temperature before baking.

How long should I let the frosting sit on the rolls?

Allowing the frosting to rest for about 15 minutes after spreading lets it melt slightly into the warm rolls, enhancing flavor and gooeyness. Don’t skip this step if you want that perfect melty texture!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special, give this From Scratch Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe a go. It’s a rewarding baking adventure that delivers warm, comforting bites packed with incredible flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to recipe for cozy mornings, festive occasions, or any time you want to share something homemade and heartwarming.