Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls
There’s nothing quite like walking into your kitchen and being enveloped by the sweet, warm aroma of freshly baked goods. The scent of cinnamon wafts through the air, and before you know it, the anticipation of biting into a gooey roll filled with chocolate makes your mouth water. Baking has always felt like a love language to me, a way to bring joy to my family and friends.
When I first experimented with this recipe for Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls, it was a chilly Sunday morning, and I craved something sweet and comforting. As I rolled out the dough and layered it with rich melted butter, crushed chocolate cookies, and cinnamon, I couldn’t help but smile. Each step felt like creating a cozy moment. Sharing these rolls with loved ones turned a simple breakfast into a cherished memory. Whether for a weekend treat, a holiday gathering, or just an indulgent afternoon, these not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also warm your heart.
Now, let me take you through how to create these delightful Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls, a recipe that’ll bring warmth right to your table.
Kitchen Essentials You’ll Need
Before diving into the delicious realm of baking these rolls, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials. Having the right tools makes the entire process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls: A set of varying sizes for mixing dry and wet ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is vital for baking, so don’t skip this!
- Rolling pin: Essential for perfectly flattening out the dough.
- Baking dish: A greased 9×13 inch dish works beautifully for these rolls.
- Spatula: Great for spreading butter and icing evenly.
These tools not only help in creating great texture and flavor but also ensure that your time spent in the kitchen is as efficient as possible. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls? They are the perfect balance of sweet and spiced, offering that delightful combination of flavors with every bite. The soft, pillowy dough paired with rich chocolate and comforting cinnamon creates a taste explosion that feels like a warm hug.
Here are just a few reasons why you’re going to adore this recipe:
- Comforting flavors: The natural sweetness of the chocolate blended with the warm aroma of cinnamon will make your kitchen feel like a cozy bakery.
- Super easy to make: With simple ingredients and easy steps, you don’t need to be a master baker to pull this off.
- Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s brunch with friends, a family gathering, or a cozy holiday treat, these rolls are sure to impress.
- Endless possibilities: You can customize the filling and toppings to suit whatever you’re craving.
Imagine pulling these rolls out of the oven, golden brown and gooey. The moment you break one apart and see the chocolate oozing out, you know you’ve created something special.
Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
To create these delicious Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup crushed chocolate cookies
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (for icing)
- Extra cookie crumbles (for topping)
These ingredients create a delightful balance of sweetness, creaminess, and richness that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to bring your kitchen to life with the aroma of freshly baked Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls? Follow these simple steps to achieve roll perfection:
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and cinnamon. Next, add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Knead the mixture until the dough is soft and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a clean cloth and place it in a warm area. Let it rise until it has doubled in size, which usually takes about 1 hour.
- Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle shape. Spread melted butter over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with crushed chocolate cookies, mini chocolate chips, and a dash of cinnamon.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly from the longer end and slice it into rolls. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish.
- Bake your rolls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by mixing softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk in a bowl until smooth.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the icing over them and finish with a sprinkle of extra cookie crumbles. Serve warm and enjoy every bite!

Fun Variations You Can Try
There’s nothing wrong with a little creativity in the kitchen! Here are some fun variations you might consider trying with your Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls:
- Nutty goodness: Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Fruit-filled rolls: Sprinkle in some chopped apples or berries for a fruity twist.
- Different chocolates: Experiment with dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for different flavor profiles.
- Maple icing: Swap the cream cheese icing for a rich maple glaze for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Spices: Consider adding nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
Feel free to let your imagination run wild. Each twist can create a uniquely delightful experience.
How I Love to Serve It
Serving these Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls is just as enjoyable as making them. I love to present them warmly right out of the oven, their gooey chocolate centers glistening under a drizzle of creamy icing.
For a cozy brunch, I often pair them with fresh fruit and a steaming cup of coffee. The contrast of the warm rolls with the cool, refreshing fruit creates a perfect giving-and-receiving moment at the table.
You can also arrange them on a pretty platter, garnished with extra cookie crumbles, and invite friends to serve themselves. The smell alone will draw folks in, and the sight of these rolls is enough to spark conversations and laughter as everyone digs in.
I especially love to enjoy them during special occasions like family gatherings or holiday breakfasts. The atmosphere becomes more festive, the warmth of fresh rolls in hand brings everyone together.
Helpful Tips from My Kitchen
As someone who loves to bake, I’ve gathered some valuable tips over the years that might help you perfect these Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls:
- Warmth matters: Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly. It should feel comfortably warm to your touch.
- Knead well: This is key to a light and fluffy roll. Don’t rush the kneading process; give it about 8–10 minutes.
- Don’t skip resting time: Letting the dough rise properly is pivotal for achieving that light fluffiness.
- Monitor baking time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your rolls the last few minutes to prevent over-baking.
- Icing consistency: If the icing is too thick, add a splash more milk until it reaches a consistency you can drizzle.
Armed with these tips, you’ll be ready to create the most delicious, bakery-worthy rolls right in your own kitchen.
Important Cooking Reminders
When baking your Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls, here are a few essential reminders to keep in mind:
- Safety first: Always use oven mitts when handling hot dishes.
- Storing your rolls: Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month.
- Reheating tips: To reheat, warm them in a microwave for 10–15 seconds or pop them back in a warm oven for a few minutes.
- Watch out for common mistakes: Be mindful not to overwork the dough, which can lead to tough rolls. Always measure ingredients precisely, and don’t skip the rising times.
These reminders will help you create the best possible outcome, ensuring your rolls remain soft, flavorful, and irresistible.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
These delightful Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls can be a bit indulgent, but they are worth every delicious bite! Here’s a rough idea of the nutritional breakdown:
- Calories: Approximately 300 per roll
- Carbohydrates: Around 45g
- Fat: Approximately 12g
- Protein: About 5g
Keep in mind that indulgence is part of the magic of baking, so enjoy these rolls in moderation as a special treat.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes (including rising time)
- Yield: 12 rolls

Common Questions You Might Have
How do I know when my rolls are done baking?
The best way to check is by looking for a golden-brown top. You can also tap the bottom of a roll; it should sound hollow when it’s fully baked. If you’re unsure, use a toothpick to check if the center is cooked through.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, allowing it to rise, then cover it and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling out.
What if my rolls don’t rise properly?
If your rolls don’t rise, it might be due to your yeast being expired. Always check the expiration date on the yeast packet before using it, and ensure you use warm milk—hot will kill the yeast and cold won’t activate it.
Conclusion
Baking has a way of nurturing the soul, doesn’t it? As you pull your Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls from the oven, the smell wafting through your kitchen will remind you of simple pleasures and shared moments. The delightful combination of flavors—from the sweetness of chocolate to the spiciness of cinnamon—offers a comforting embrace that feels like home.
Taking the time to prepare these rolls is not just about satisfying a craving; it’s about creating cherished memories, sharing laughter over breakfast, and keeping traditions alive. Each time you bake these, you’ll build a legacy of love, warmth, and joy for all who enjoy them. I hope you find the same delight in making and sharing these rolls as I have. May your kitchen become a sanctuary filled with sweet aromas and happy moments. Enjoy your baking journey with the Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls!
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Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, gooey Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls filled with chocolate and cinnamon, perfect for sharing during brunch or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup crushed chocolate cookies
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (for icing)
- Extra cookie crumbles (for topping)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and cinnamon. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Knead until the dough is soft and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a clean cloth and place it in a warm area to rise until it has doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle with crushed chocolate cookies, mini chocolate chips, and a dash of cinnamon.
- Roll the dough tightly and slice it into rolls. Arrange in a greased baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown.
- While baking, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk for the icing until smooth.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle with icing and sprinkle extra cookie crumbles on top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For added flavor variation, consider adding nuts, fruits, or different chocolates to the filling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, chocolate chip, baking, sweet treats, dessert, brunch
