Name: Chocolate Espresso Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C); 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 teaspoon sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; ⅓ cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 teaspoon salt; 2 eggs; 4 cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); ¼ cup heavy cream; ½ cup brown sugar (packed); 2 tablespoons cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder; ½ cup dark chocolate (finely chopped); ½ cup heavy cream (to pour over rolls before baking); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder; 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust for desired consistency)

There’s something incredibly comforting about warm, gooey rolls that pack a punch of both chocolate and coffee flavors. This Chocolate Espresso Rolls Recipe blends that rich espresso kick with melty dark chocolate, wrapped in soft, tender dough – perfect for a cozy morning treat or an impressive coffee break indulgence.

The image shows six cinnamon rolls in a white baking pan, with one roll being lifted out by a red and black spatula. Each roll has three visible layers: a golden-brown outer dough layer with a soft, fluffy texture, a dark brown cinnamon filling layer in the middle that looks rich and moist, and a thick light brown cream cheese frosting layer with specks of cinnamon spread on top and swirled inside the roll. The background is a white marbled surface, and there is some cinnamon filling residue around the edges of the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Espresso Rolls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate Espresso Rolls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Espresso Rolls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe quickly became one of my favorites to bake whenever I want something a little special at breakfast or dessert. The interplay between the deep coffee flavor and chocolate is just magical, and making the dough from scratch connects you to every bite.

Perfect balance: The subtle espresso flavor enhances the chocolate without overpowering it.
Soft, pillowy texture: Heavy cream in both the filling and the dough keeps these rolls incredibly tender.
Showstopper presentation: The coffee icing drizzle adds a glossy finish that your guests will rave about.
Hands-on magic: You’ll love rolling out the dough and spreading that luscious filling—it’s part of the fun!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here has a role in creating the ultimate Chocolate Espresso Rolls Recipe. The yeast and sugars get the dough rising and tender, while coffee powder packs in that espresso essence without adding liquid. I recommend choosing quality dark chocolate and fresh yeast for best results.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of warm milk, a small white ceramic bowl with active dry yeast granules, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of cocoa powder, a small white ceramic bowl of instant coffee powder, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small mound of softened unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, finely chopped pieces of dark chocolate, a simple white ceramic bowl containing a smooth coffee icing, all ingredients arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Warm milk: Activates the yeast and keeps the dough soft and moist.
Active dry yeast: The magic ingredient responsible for a fluffy rise.
Sugar (granulated and brown): Granulated sweetens the dough, brown adds molasses depth to the filling.
Unsalted butter: Brings richness to the dough and filling without saltiness.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Eggs: Tenderize the dough and help with structure.
All-purpose flour: Provides the framework for those perfect rolls.
Heavy cream: Adds luscious moisture to both filling and the cream drizzle.
Cocoa powder: Delivers that unmistakable chocolate intensity.
Instant coffee powder: Layers in espresso flavor without adding liquid.
Dark chocolate (finely chopped): Melts beautifully into pockets for rich bites throughout.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the coffee icing with a smooth texture.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Chocolate Espresso Rolls Recipe depending on the occasion—sometimes adding a pinch of cinnamon or swapping dark chocolate for semi-sweet to suit the crowd. Feel free to make it yours and play with textures and flavors!

Variation: Once, I added a sprinkle of sea salt atop before baking, which balanced the sweetness perfectly and gave a lovely crunch.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and a dairy-free butter alternative to accommodate dietary needs.
Extra mocha punch: Stir in a tablespoon of finely ground espresso beans into the filling for a more robust coffee flavor.
Nutty twist: Try adding chopped toasted hazelnuts in the filling for a delightful crunch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Espresso Rolls Recipe

The image shows a cinnamon roll with three visible layers: a golden-brown base layer with a soft and fluffy texture, a middle swirled layer of dark brown cinnamon filling, and a top thick layer of creamy beige frosting with specks of cinnamon throughout. The cinnamon roll sits on a decorative white plate with carved edges on a white marbled surface. Around the plate are scattered dark brown coffee beans. In the background, there is a white cup of coffee on its matching saucer, and a black and gold fork and knife lay to the right of the plate, with a striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Activate the yeast and get your dough started

In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar into warm milk (about 110°F/45°C). After about 5 minutes, look for a frothy, bubbly surface—this means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. If it doesn’t froth, don’t hesitate to start over with fresh yeast, as this is crucial for a good rise.

Step 2: Mix your dough ingredients & knead until smooth

Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add sugar, softened butter, salt, eggs, and flour. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix on medium speed until the dough pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl. It should be soft but not sticky—if needed, add a little flour or a splash of milk to adjust the texture.

Step 3: Let the dough rise happily

Transfer your dough to an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and place it somewhere warm like near the oven or on top of the fridge. Within an hour, it should double in size. If your kitchen is chilly, I sometimes turn on the oven light inside my turned-off oven—it creates the perfect cozy nook.

Step 4: Prepare that luscious espresso chocolate filling

In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, heavy cream, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and instant coffee powder until smooth and creamy. Then fold in finely chopped dark chocolate so every bite bursts with melty goodness.

Step 5: Roll out, fill, and shape the rolls

After your dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 12×18 inches. Spread your filling evenly, leaving a small border to prevent leaks. Then, roll it tightly from the long edge into a log—don’t rush this part! Slice into 8 even rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 6: Second rise and the heavy cream pour

Cover the baking dish with a kitchen towel and let your rolls rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy and almost doubled. Just before baking, pour ½ cup of heavy cream over the rolls. This adds incredible moisture and richness that keeps the centers soft as they bake.

Step 7: Bake to golden perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until beautifully golden and fully cooked. Keep an eye on them; grabbing the perfect golden color is key—as soon as the tops look done, pull them out to keep that tender center.

Step 8: Whisk up the coffee icing & drizzle generously

While the rolls cool slightly, whisk powdered sugar, instant coffee powder, and heavy cream together until smooth. You can adjust thickness with more cream—or add a little less for a firmer drizzle. Spoon it over the warm rolls and watch it cascade deliciously down the sides.

Top Tip

Through countless batches, I’ve learned a few tricks that really transform this Chocolate Espresso Rolls Recipe from good to unforgettable. These tips helped me perfect the balance of flavors and texture every time.

Yeast activation is key: Never skip the 5-minute proofing step to ensure your rolls rise beautifully.
Don’t rush rolling: Rolling the dough tightly ensures neat, uniform rolls that bake evenly.
Heavy cream soak: Pouring cream before baking keeps the rolls extra moist – it’s my secret weapon!
Watch your browning: Pulling rolls out at golden brown preserves their softness and avoids dryness.

How to Serve Chocolate Espresso Rolls Recipe

Chocolate Espresso Rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a few chocolate shavings or dust some extra cocoa powder on top after the icing sets—it adds that final decadent touch. Sometimes, a pinch of cinnamon dusted on top lifts the warmth of the espresso beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with a simple fresh fruit salad or a creamy latte to round out your coffee break. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can make for an indulgent treat any time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the rolls on a tiered cake stand for an elegant display. Wrapping them individually in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming gift or party favor too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover rolls covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I find reheating in the microwave for about 15 seconds revives that fresh-baked softness wonderfully.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked rolls by wrapping the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then baking directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. I’ve done this for last-minute guests, and the results are just as delicious!

Reheating

Reheat your rolls in a warm oven (300°F/150°C) for 10-12 minutes wrapped in foil to retain moisture, or microwave briefly as mentioned. Adding a tiny splash of cream or butter before warming can bring back indulgent softness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant coffee powder in the filling?

Instant coffee powder is best here because it dissolves completely without adding extra liquid, ensuring the filling stays the right consistency and texture. If you want to use brewed coffee, reduce other liquids slightly and be mindful of dough consistency.

How can I tell if my yeast is active?

When you mix yeast with warm milk and a little sugar, it should start to foam and bubble after about 5 minutes. This indicates your yeast is alive and ready to leaven the dough. If nothing happens, it’s best to replace the yeast before proceeding.

Can I make these rolls ahead and refrigerate before baking?

Yes! After shaping the rolls, cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking. This slow rise improves flavor development.

What’s the best way to prevent the rolls from drying out?

Avoid overbaking by pulling the rolls out at a golden brown color. Also, the step of pouring heavy cream over the rolls before baking locks in moisture and keeps the centers soft. Storing leftovers in airtight containers helps as well.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Espresso Rolls Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines two of my favorite things—coffee and chocolate—into a warm, bakery-style treat I can make right at home. Whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking a roll with your morning cup, I truly believe you’ll love the rich flavors and soft texture these bring to your table. Give it a go, and don’t forget to savor every bite!