Mocha Rolls

Today we’ll be making rich and indulgent mocha rolls. With a gooey chocolate filling and a decadent coffee frosting, this dessert is a perfect pick me up for any day.

A few months ago, I visited a friend for the first time. As soon as I entered her adorable apartment, she offered me a cinnamon roll with espresso frosting. It only took one bite for me to feel extremely inspired. I immediately started thinking of how to make them and what kind of spin I'd like to add to it. As a chocolate lover, I knew I had to find a way to incorporate chocolate. And so, these fluffy and delicious mocha rolls were born!

Here's a video to follow along to!

Mocha Rolls

Ingredients

Dough

• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• 1 ¼ cups warm milk

• 3 cups all purpose flour

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp white sugar

• 1 tsp salt

Filling

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tbsp espresso powder

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder

Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp espresso or coffee

Optional

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

Make the dough:

• Combine 1 tablespoon of sugar, yeast, and milk. Set aside for 5 to 10 minutes.

• Add flour, the rest of the sugar, and salt into large bowl.

• Pour the bloomed yeast mixture into the dry ingredients.

• Use stand mixer with the dough hook or a spatula to mix the ingredients into a dough. Once the dough has just come together, add in the softened butter.

• Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes with the stand mixer or 10 minutes by hand.

• Form the dough into a ball and place in a well oiled bowl. Cover and allow to rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes.

Make the filling:

• In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, chocolate chips, butter, cinnamon, espresso powder, and cocoa powder.

• Place this in the microwave for 30 seconds, or until melted together. Stir this mixture until it is smooth.

Assemble the rolls:

• Once the dough is done rising, transfer it to a generously floured surface.

• Roll the dough out into a 14 x 8 inch rectangle.

• Spoon the filling on the dough and spread it evenly.

• Carefully roll the dough into a 14 inch log.

• Cut into 12 even sized rolls. Transfer the rolls to a greased pan.

Rise again:

• Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel.

• Allow the rolls to rise in a warm area for 30 minutes.

Bake:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit

• Pour heavy cream (if using) over the rolls

• Bake the rolls for 27 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown

Make the frosting:

• Whisk or mix the soft butter until smooth.

• Slowly add in the powdered sugar.

• Add in the vanilla and espresso and mix.

Finishing touches:

• Allow the rolls to cool until moderately warm.

• Top the rolls with the frosting.

Enjoy!