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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules - 1/2 teaspoon fine salt - 1 tablespoon active dry yeast - 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled - 1 large egg, beaten - 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - For the icing: - 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted - 1 tablespoon brewed coffee (cooled) - 1 tablespoon milk Gathering these ingredients is key to making your mocha cinnamon rolls. Each one has a role in creating a soft, sweet treat. The flour gives structure. Cocoa adds rich flavor. Sugar sweetens the dough while coffee boosts its taste. Yeast helps the rolls rise and become fluffy. Warm milk activates the yeast. Butter adds moisture, and the egg gives richness. Brown sugar and cinnamon bring warmth and spice. Chocolate chips add a delightful surprise. For the icing, powdered sugar gives sweetness and coffee adds a nice kick. These ingredients work together to create a delightful dish that is perfect for breakfast or dessert. Enjoy the process of gathering them, as it sets the stage for a delicious baking adventure! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, grab a large mixing bowl. In it, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, instant coffee granules, fine salt, and active dry yeast. Use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients well. Next, take a separate bowl. Combine the warm milk, melted butter, and beaten egg. Whisk it until smooth. Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until you have a soft dough. Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes. You want it to feel smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball. Place it in a greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. It should double in size. Once it rises, gently punch the dough down to release air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface. Aim for a rectangle about 12x8 inches. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mix evenly over your rolled-out dough. Then, scatter semi-sweet chocolate chips on top. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice it into 12 equal pieces, about 1 inch thick. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish. Place them close but not touching. Cover with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have puffed up, bake them for 20-25 minutes. They should turn golden brown on top. While the rolls bake, mix powdered sugar, brewed coffee, and milk in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. You can adjust the icing's consistency with more milk if needed. After baking, let the rolls cool for a few minutes. Then, drizzle the icing generously over them. Enjoy the sweet aroma and the delightful taste! To get the best mocha cinnamon rolls, focus on the dough. Start with soft and sticky dough. It should not be too dry or too wet. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour. If it is too dry, mix in a bit of warm milk. Rising time is key. Let the dough rise in a warm spot. This helps it grow big and fluffy. The first rise should take about 1 hour. After shaping the rolls, give them another 30 minutes to rise. This second rise makes them soft and airy. For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom. These spices blend well with the chocolate and coffee. You can also mix in some chopped nuts or dried fruits for a different twist. When storing your rolls, keep them in an airtight container. This helps them stay fresh. If you have leftovers, you can reheat them easily. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. They will taste almost like fresh! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your yeast is fresh and active for the best rise. Check the expiration date and perform a quick proof test if in doubt. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the rolls soft and fluffy. Overmixing can create a dense texture. Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or different types of chocolate to the filling for a unique twist on the classic recipe. Serve Warm: For the best flavor and texture, serve the rolls warm right out of the oven with the icing drizzled on top. {{image_4}} You can make mocha cinnamon rolls and keep them dairy-free. Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk. For butter, try using coconut oil or vegan butter. These swaps work well and keep the flavor tasty. Looking for sweetener alternatives? You can use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar. For chocolate, dark chocolate chips can add a rich taste. You can also use dairy-free chocolate chips if you want to stick to dairy-free. Adding nuts can give your rolls a nice crunch. Chopped walnuts or pecans work well. If you prefer dried fruits, raisins or cranberries can add a sweet twist. Just sprinkle them on the filling before rolling. Feel free to experiment with different fillings too. You can use peanut butter or Nutella for a fun twist. For icing, try adding vanilla extract or flavored syrups to change it up. These small changes can create new flavors in your mocha cinnamon rolls. To keep your mocha cinnamon rolls fresh, cool them completely on a wire rack. Once cool, place the rolls in an airtight container. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, put them in the fridge. This helps maintain their soft texture. To reheat your rolls without drying them out, use a microwave. Place a roll on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 10-15 seconds. If you want to use the oven, preheat it to 350°F. Wrap the rolls in foil and heat for about 10 minutes. Enjoy your rolls warm again for the best taste! Yes, you can prep mocha cinnamon rolls the night before. To do this, follow these steps: - Prepare the dough as usual. - After kneading, shape the dough into a ball. - Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. - Store it in the fridge overnight. - In the morning, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This method allows you to enjoy fresh rolls with less morning fuss! If you don’t have instant coffee, try these options: - Brewed coffee: Use about 1/4 cup of strong brewed coffee in the dough. - Coffee extract: A few drops can add great flavor. - Espresso powder: This works well for a richer taste. These substitutes will still give your rolls that lovely coffee flavor. You can tell the rolls are done by checking these signs: - They should be golden brown on top. - Tap the top gently; it should sound hollow. - The internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C) if you check with a thermometer. Trust your eyes and ears to get perfect rolls every time! Yes, you can freeze mocha cinnamon rolls. Here’s how: - Allow the rolls to cool completely after baking. - Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. - Place the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, remove from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. You can warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy those delicious rolls anytime! Making mocha cinnamon rolls is easy and fun. We covered all the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Knowing how to knead dough and achieve the right texture is key. Don’t forget to experiment with variations to find your favorite flavor. Store your rolls properly to keep them fresh. With these guidelines, you can impress friends and family with delicious treats. Dive into baking and enjoy the rich, warm flavors of these rolls!

Mocha Cinnamon Rolls Delight

Deliciously soft and chocolatey cinnamon rolls with a hint of coffee, topped with a creamy icing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 quarter cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
  • 1 half teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 3 quarter cup warm milk
  • 1 quarter cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 quarter cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 half cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 half cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon brewed coffee, cooled to room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon milk for the icing

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, instant coffee granules, salt, and active dry yeast until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and beaten egg. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  • Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together.
  • Gradually add the remaining flour, a little at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  • Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  • Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release excess air. Roll it out using a rolling pin into a rectangle approximately 12x8 inches.
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the surface of the rolled-out dough, then scatter the chocolate chips on top.
  • Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, ensuring a snug fit. Slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces, each about 1 inch thick.
  • Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, making sure they are close but not touching. Cover with a towel and allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once the rolls have puffed up, place them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are beautifully golden brown on top.
  • While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by combining sifted powdered sugar, brewed coffee, and milk in a small bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy, adjusting the consistency with more milk if necessary.
  • After removing the rolls from the oven, allow them to cool in the pan for just a few minutes before drizzling the icing generously over them.

Notes

Serve warm with an extra drizzle of icing and a dusting of cocoa powder.
Keyword baking, cinnamon rolls, dessert, mocha