Mocha Cinnamon Rolls

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 tablespoons cocoa powder - 1/4 cup sugar - 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon active dry yeast - 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup chocolate chips - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 tablespoon brewed coffee (cooled) - 1 tablespoon milk (for icing) When measuring ingredients, use dry measuring cups for flour and cocoa powder. For liquids, stick to liquid measuring cups. This ensures accuracy. A kitchen scale can help for precision, especially with flour. Remember, too much flour can make your rolls dry. - All-purpose flour is the main base. It gives structure to the rolls. - Cocoa powder adds a rich chocolate flavor, making these rolls special. - Instant coffee granules enhance the mocha taste. A little goes a long way. - Brown sugar brings sweetness and moisture, making the rolls soft. - Chocolate chips provide delightful bursts of melted chocolate in each bite. These ingredients come together to create a tasty treat. Each one plays a role in making your mocha cinnamon rolls delicious. Enjoy the process of mixing and baking! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of flour, cocoa powder, sugar, instant coffee granules, salt, and yeast. This blend will give your rolls a rich flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk warm milk, melted butter, and the egg. This step adds moisture and richness to the dough. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix. Stir as you go. Add the remaining flour slowly until the dough is soft. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. It should feel elastic and smooth. Then, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll it out into a rectangle, about 12 by 8 inches. Now, let's make it sweet! In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Spread this mixture evenly over the dough. Next, sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice it into 12 equal pieces. Each slice will become a tasty roll. Place them in a greased baking dish. Cover them with a towel and let them rise again for 30 minutes. This second rise helps create fluffy rolls. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). After the rolls have risen, pop them in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until they are golden brown. While they bake, prepare the icing. In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, cooled brewed coffee, and milk until smooth. When the rolls are done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls. Enjoy your delicious mocha cinnamon rolls! To get the best dough, start with warm milk. The milk should feel warm, not hot. This helps the yeast wake up. Mix the dry ingredients first. Use a large bowl for this mix. Gradually add the milk mixture to the dry mix. Stir well to combine. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes. You want it smooth and soft. If it sticks to your hands, add a little flour. If it’s too dry, add a splash of milk. You can boost flavor in many ways. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. Use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste. You can also swap instant coffee for espresso powder. This adds a strong coffee flavor. For a twist, add a bit of vanilla extract to the icing. It adds a sweet touch that balances the coffee. Avoid using cold ingredients. Cold milk or butter can slow down yeast. Make sure you knead long enough. If the dough is not elastic, it won’t rise well. Don’t skip the second rise. This makes the rolls light and fluffy. Also, watch the baking time. Every oven is different. Check the rolls at 20 minutes. They should be golden brown. If they’re too brown, cover them with foil. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh yeast and high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor in your mocha cinnamon rolls. Temperature Check: Ensure your milk is warm but not hot (around 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it. Knead Properly: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic; this develops the gluten, giving your rolls the right texture. Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as nuts or dried fruit, for added texture and flavor. {{image_2}} You can customize mocha cinnamon rolls to fit your taste. Here are some fun options: - Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. - Dried Fruit: Try raisins or cranberries for a fruity twist. - Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce before rolling for extra sweetness. - Marshmallows: Add mini marshmallows to make them gooey. Experiment with these mix-ins. Each one adds a new layer of flavor. Switching up spices can change the mood of these rolls. Consider these swaps: - Nutmeg: Replace some cinnamon with nutmeg for a warm spice. - Vanilla: Add vanilla extract to the dough for a sweet aroma. - Peppermint: Use peppermint extract for a fun, holiday vibe. These swaps can make the rolls unique and exciting to enjoy. The glaze can also be changed to match your style. Here are a few ideas: - Chocolate Glaze: Melt dark chocolate for a rich topping. - Maple Icing: Use maple syrup in your icing for a different flavor. - Coconut Cream: Blend coconut cream with powdered sugar for a tropical twist. These glaze alternatives add even more fun to your mocha cinnamon rolls. Store your mocha cinnamon rolls in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to three days. If you have leftover icing, store it in a separate container in the fridge. Before sealing, let it cool down to room temperature. To reheat your rolls, place them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This warms them without drying them out. For a crispier texture, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This brings back their original fluffiness. You can freeze these rolls to enjoy later. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned. Yes, you can make mocha cinnamon rolls ahead of time. Prepare the dough and let it rise. After shaping the rolls, place them in the baking dish. Cover them and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. This method keeps the rolls fresh and saves you time. Instant coffee granules work best in this recipe. They blend well and add a deep coffee flavor. You can also use brewed coffee for the icing. If you prefer a stronger taste, select a dark roast coffee. This will enhance the chocolate and cinnamon flavors. Yes, you can use gluten-free flour. Look for a blend designed for baking to achieve the best results. Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Keep in mind that the dough may have a different texture. You may need to adjust the liquid for the right consistency. This blog post covered key steps for making delicious mocha cinnamon rolls. We explored the right ingredients, measurement details, and the importance of each key element. You learned precise instructions for preparing the dough, shaping rolls, and baking them to perfection. The tips offered help you achieve the best dough texture and avoid common mistakes. Don’t forget the variations to excite your taste buds! Finally, proper storage and reheating tips will keep your rolls fresh. Enjoy making these tasty treats, and remember, practice makes perfect!$

Mocha Cinnamon Rolls

Delicious cinnamon rolls infused with mocha flavor, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Total Time 2

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 quarter cup sugar
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
1 half teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
3 quarter cup warm milk
1 quarter cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 quarter cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 half cup chocolate chips
1 half cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon brewed coffee, cooled
1 tablespoon milk for icing

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, cocoa powder, sugar, instant coffee granules, salt, and yeast. Mix well.
In another bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and egg until smooth.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring continuously.
Add the remaining flour, a little at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and roll it out into a rectangle (about 12x8 inches).
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Spread the mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the chocolate chips over it.
Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, then slice it into 12 equal pieces.
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them with a towel, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by combining powdered sugar, brewed coffee, and milk in a bowl until smooth.
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling them with the icing.

Notes

Serve the mocha cinnamon rolls warm, drizzled with extra icing if desired, and garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a few coffee beans for visual appeal.

Keyword breakfast, cinnamon rolls, dessert, mocha