Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Forget plain cinnamon rolls — these Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls are a Christmas dream! Perfect for holiday gatherings, festive brunches, or cozy family breakfasts, these delightful rolls combine the warm spices of cinnamon with the refreshing zest of orange and rich chocolate. The soft and fluffy texture, gooey filling, and indulgent cream cheese frosting make them a standout treat that will impress everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate and orange creates a rich, sweet flavor profile that is simply delicious.
• Festive Appeal: These rolls are perfect for holiday celebrations, adding a cheerful touch to any occasion.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, baking these rolls can be a fun activity for everyone.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack— they fit any time of day!
• Gorgeous Presentation: Topped with creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles, these rolls are sure to impress your guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on these Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing dough, ensuring it becomes smooth and elastic.
• Rolling pin: Helps to roll out the dough evenly for perfect-sized cinnamon rolls.
• Baking tray: A sturdy surface is essential for even baking and easy handling of your rolls.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 60 grams Unsalted butter
• 220 millilitres Whole milk
• 1 packet (11 grams) Fast-action dried yeast
• 50 grams Caster sugar
• 1 medium Egg (room temperature)
• 1 medium Egg yolk (room temperature)
• 460 grams Strong white bread flour (plus more for dusting)
• 50 grams Cocoa powder (I used Menier 100% Cocoa Powder)
• 1 teaspoon Salt

For the Filling

• 60 grams Unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 120 grams Light brown sugar/muscovado sugar
• 4 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 1 large Orange (zest only)

For the Frosting

• 50 grams Milk chocolate (I use Menier Swiss Milk Chocolate)
• 75 grams Full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
• 50 grams Icing sugar
• 1 large Orange (juice only) (you can use up the orange that was zested for the filling)

How to Make Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by warming the milk in a small saucepan until it’s just lukewarm. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk with yeast and sugar. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In a stand mixer bowl, add flour, cocoa powder, salt, egg, egg yolk, and softened butter. Pour in the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until combined. Increase speed to medium until dough is smooth.

Step 3: Knead and Rise

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size—about 1 hour.

Step 4: Make Filling

While the dough rises, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and orange zest in a separate bowl until combined.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough. Roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the filling mixture evenly across the dough.

Step 6: Shape Rolls

Starting from one long edge, roll up tightly into a log. Cut into equal pieces about an inch thick using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 7: Second Rise

Place rolled pieces into a greased baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover again and let rise for another hour until puffy.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake rolls for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 9: Prepare Frosting

While baking, melt milk chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Once melted, mix in cream cheese and icing sugar until smooth. Add orange juice to achieve desired consistency.

Step 10: Frost Rolls

Once baked rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle them with frosting generously before serving warm!

Now you have mouthwatering Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls ready to brighten up your day!

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls

These Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for any occasion, especially during the holiday season! Here are some creative ways to serve these delightful treats.

For Breakfast

• Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
• Pair with a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate to enhance the flavors.

As Dessert

• Drizzle extra orange glaze on top for an indulgent finish.
• Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert experience.

At Parties

• Present on a festive platter with colorful sprinkles for a fun touch.
• Offer them as part of a dessert table featuring other sweet treats.

For Afternoon Tea

• Slice into smaller pieces for easy sharing with tea.
• Add a selection of flavored teas to complement the rolls’ sweetness.

How to Perfect Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Creating the perfect Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your rolls turn out deliciously every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Make sure your yeast is active and your butter is at room temperature for optimal results.
• Knead well: Proper kneading develops gluten, which gives the dough its fluffy texture. Aim for at least 10 minutes of kneading.
• Allow enough rising time: Let the dough rise until it doubles in size. This can take 1-2 hours depending on room temperature.
• Add zest generously: Don’t skimp on the orange zest; it enhances the flavor and aroma of your cinnamon rolls.
• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on them while baking. They should be golden brown but not overcooked to maintain softness.
• Cool before frosting: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before adding the frosting, ensuring it doesn’t melt away completely.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls pair wonderfully with various side dishes that can elevate your meal experience. Consider these options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious option.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses pairs nicely with the rich chocolate flavor.
4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts add crunch and a savory contrast to the sweet rolls.
5. Herbal Tea: Flavored herbal teas can enhance the cinnamon and orange notes beautifully.
6. Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche offers protein and savory goodness alongside your sweet treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes you should avoid for the best results.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold milk or eggs can hinder the dough from rising properly. Always use room temperature ingredients for better results.
• Not kneading enough: Insufficient kneading can lead to dense rolls. Make sure to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic.
• Ignoring the rise time: Rushing the dough’s first rise can result in flat rolls. Allow it to rise until doubled in size for fluffy results.
• Overfilling with filling: Too much filling can make rolling difficult and lead to spills. Use just enough to cover the dough without overflowing.
• Skipping the frosting: The frosting adds a crucial flavor that complements the rolls. Don’t skip this step for a delightful finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• You can freeze them for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place rolls on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls on high for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as they may become tough.
• Stovetop: Place rolls in a skillet over low heat, covered with a lid, for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls special?

Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls combine rich chocolate with zesty orange flavor, making them perfect for festive occasions.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling a day in advance, then roll and bake them when ready.

How do I ensure my rolls are fluffy?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and allow enough time for the dough to rise properly during both rises.

What can I substitute in this recipe?

You can substitute dairy-free butter and cream cheese if you’re looking for a dairy-free option without sacrificing taste.

Are Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls suitable for breakfast?

Absolutely! They make a delightful addition to any breakfast spread or brunch table.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Their unique blend of flavors makes them perfect for Christmas gatherings or any special occasion. Feel free to customize them with different fillings or toppings to suit your taste!