Hot Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls – The Ultimate Winter Treat!

When the chill of winter settles in, few things evoke the warmth and comfort of home like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the air. These sweet, spiraled treats have long been a staple of cozy gatherings and festive mornings, offering a delightful combination of soft dough and rich, spiced filling. But what if we could elevate this classic pastry to new heights? Enter the Hot Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls—a delicious twist that marries the beloved flavors of hot cocoa with the traditional cinnamon roll.

Hot Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls – The Ultimate Winter Treat!

Indulge in the ultimate winter comfort with our Hot Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls recipe! This delightful twist on a classic combines the rich flavors of hot cocoa with the warmth of cinnamon rolls, perfect for cozy gatherings or festive mornings. Follow our step-by-step guide to create soft, pillowy rolls filled with chocolate goodness, topped with a luscious cocoa glaze. Enjoy them fresh from the oven alongside a warm drink for an unbeatable treat that will warm your heart and home.

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Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Roll Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

For the Hot Cocoa Filling:

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Hot Cocoa Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Optional Garnish:

Whipped cream

Mini marshmallows

Chocolate shavings

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well.

- In another bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, melted butter, and eggs until combined.

- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.

- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Make the Filling:

- In a small bowl, mix the cocoa powder, brown sugar, and cinnamon together. Set aside.

- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 16x12 inches.

- Spread the softened butter over the dough and evenly sprinkle the hot cocoa filling mixture on top.

Roll & Cut:

- Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.

- Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

- Cover the rolls with a towel and allow them to rise for another 30-40 minutes until they puff up.

Bake the Rolls:

- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

- Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.

Prepare the Hot Cocoa Glaze:

- In a medium bowl, mix the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.

Glaze & Serve:

- Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls. For extra flair, top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and chocolate shavings.

- Serve warm and enjoy the cozy flavors of your Hot Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 2 hours | 12 servings