Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

For a decadent twist on a traditional treat, try these chocolate cinnamon rolls that are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 179 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon milk
• ½ cup shortening
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅔ cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 large eggs eggs
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar, divided
• 2 packages active dry yeast
• ½ cup warm water (105 to115 degrees F/40 to 45 degrees C)
• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, or more as needed
• ½ cup lukewarm milk (scalded then cooled)
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, or to taste, divided

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Dissolve yeast in warm water in a mixing bowl. Stir in 2 1/2 cups flour, cocoa, shortening, milk, 1/2 cup sugar, eggs, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and salt. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Mix in enough remaining flour to make dough easy to handle.

Step 2

Turn dough onto a lightly floured board; knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turn greased side-up, and cover. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease two 9x13-inch baking pans.

Step 4

Punch down dough and divide in half. Roll each half into a 15x9-inch rectangle. Spread each rectangle with 2 tablespoons butter. Mix remaining 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon together in a bowl. Sprinkle half of the mix over each rectangle. Roll up, beginning at the wide side; pinch edges of dough into the roll to seal well. Stretch the roll to make even.

Step 5

Cut each roll into 15 slices. Place slightly apart in the prepared pans. Let rise until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven until golden, 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 7

While rolls bake, mix confectioners' sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Frost rolls while still warm.