Name: Super Soft Chocolate Espresso Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2/3 cup whole milk (160g), warm (100 to 110°F); 1/4 cup sugar (50g); 2 teaspoons active dry yeast; 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour (325g); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (60g); 3 tbsp unsalted butter (42g); 4-6 tbsp heavy cream (adjust as desired); 4 tbsp brown or white sugar (adjust quantity to your liking); 2 tbsp cocoa powder; 1-2 tsp instant coffee powder; 100g semi-sweet or dark chocolate (chopped or chips); 1/4 cup heavy cream (60g); 1 cup powdered sugar (130g); 1/2 tsp instant coffee powder; 2-4 tbsp heavy cream (depending on desired icing thickness)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 37 reviews

If you’re craving a treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, these Super Soft Chocolate Espresso Rolls Recipe are exactly what you need. Imagine tender, pillowy rolls infused with rich chocolate and a subtle espresso kick that awakens your senses with every bite. This recipe beautifully combines the fluffiness of perfectly risen dough with a luscious, velvety espresso-chocolate filling, all glazed with a dreamy coffee-infused icing that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re looking for a morning pick-me-up or a delightful dessert, these rolls are bound to become your new favorite indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A smooth and slightly shiny light beige dough ball sits in the middle of a clear glass bowl. The dough looks soft with subtle folds and dimples on its surface. The bowl rests on a white marbled texture countertop, adding a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet thoughtfully chosen to create the perfect texture and depth of flavor. Each component plays a crucial role—from the warm milk that activates the yeast to the espresso powder that adds an irresistible coffee aroma.

2/3 cup whole milk (160g), warm (100 to 110F): Essential for activating the yeast and yielding a soft dough.
1/4 cup sugar (50g): Provides sweetness and helps feed the yeast for rising.
2 teaspoons active dry yeast: The magic behind that fluffy, airy texture.
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour (325g): Forms the base of the dough with just the right gluten strength.
1 large egg: Adds richness and structure to the dough.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and strengthens the dough.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (60g): Brings tenderness and moisture to the rolls.
3 tbsp unsalted butter (42g): Used in the filling for that melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
4-6 tbsp heavy cream: Adds creaminess and adjusts the filling’s texture perfectly.
4 tbsp brown or white sugar: Sweetens the filling; adjust to your preferred sweetness level.
2 tbsp cocoa powder: Packs the filling with deep, chocolaty flavor.
1-2 tsp instant coffee powder: Gives that distinctive espresso hit without bitterness.
100g semi-sweet or dark chocolate (chopped or chips): Melts into the filling for decadence.
1/4 cup heavy cream (60g): Used to pour over the rolls before baking, adding moisture and shine.
1 cup powdered sugar (130g): The base of the luscious icing.
1/2 tsp instant coffee powder: Infuses the icing with a gentle coffee flavor.
2-4 tbsp heavy cream: Adjusts icing thickness to your liking.

How to Make Super Soft Chocolate Espresso Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Stir gently and wait around 10 minutes for it to become frothy. This bubbling surface means your yeast is alive and ready to give you the softest rolls imaginable.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Once your yeast mixture is frothy, add the flour, egg, salt, and softened butter. Knead the dough for about 7-10 minutes, either by hand or with a stand mixer using the dough hook until it’s silky smooth and stretchable. This step is key for creating those tender, fluffy layers we all love.

Step 3: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover it tightly. Find a warm, humid spot and let it rise for 60-90 minutes until it nearly doubles in size. Be patient here—this rest is what makes the dough soft and airy.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Espresso Filling

While the dough rises, melt butter, heavy cream, cocoa powder, instant coffee, and sugar in a nonstick saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Once everything is melted and smooth, add the chopped chocolate and stir until fully combined. Adjust sweetness or coffee intensity to your taste. Let it cool—it should thicken into a spreadable sauce that tastes like heaven.

Step 5: Assemble the Rolls

After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a 12×14-inch rectangle. Spread your luscious chocolate espresso filling evenly over the surface. Slice the rectangle into six 2-inch wide strips, then carefully roll each into tight spirals. Place the rolls snugly into a buttered baking dish to rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffed and inviting.

Step 6: Preheat and Bake

In the final 20 minutes of the second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the heavy cream evenly over the rolls—it will seep through and keep them beautifully moist. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the rolls turn a delicate golden brown, signaling they’re ready to come out!

Step 7: Frost and Serve

While the rolls bake, whisk powdered sugar, instant coffee, and heavy cream into a luscious icing. Spread the icing generously over the warm rolls just out of the oven. The icing melts slightly, creating a dreamy, glossy finish that feels extra special.

How to Serve Super Soft Chocolate Espresso Rolls Recipe

This image shows two unbaked cinnamon rolls placed in a white rectangular baking dish. Each roll has a spiral shape with visible light beige dough wrapped around a dark brown, glossy filling evenly spread in a thin layer, creating a clear swirl pattern. Next to the baking dish, on a white marbled surface, there is a large rectangular sheet of dough, also light beige, covered with a thick, glossy dark brown spread, cut into long vertical strips. The dough looks soft and smooth, while the dark filling is shiny and textured, likely from bits like nuts or fruit pieces mixed inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra pop, dust the rolls with a bit of cocoa powder or powdered sugar. You can also sprinkle finely chopped toasted nuts or a few fresh coffee beans to complement the espresso notes beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve these rolls alongside a rich cup of coffee, a smooth latte, or a cold glass of milk to balance the sweet and bold flavors. They also pair surprisingly well with fresh fruit like raspberries or sliced bananas to add a refreshing twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these rolls on a rustic wooden board for a cozy brunch vibe or arrange them in a decorative spiral platter for an eye-catching centerpiece. Drizzle extra chocolate or espresso glaze over the rolls right before serving for a decadent look that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Super Soft Chocolate Espresso Rolls Recipe (though that might be hard!), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their softness and flavor.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually or store them whole in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a couple of hours.

Reheating

To revive their freshly baked charm, reheat the rolls gently in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. You can also microwave them for short bursts of 15-20 seconds, adding a bit of moisture with a damp paper towel to keep them soft and warm.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls without espresso powder?

Absolutely! While the espresso powder adds a wonderful depth that complements the chocolate, you can omit it and still have delicious chocolate rolls. Consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to boost flavor if skipping the coffee.

Is it okay to use instant coffee granules instead of powder?

Yes, instant coffee granules work just fine—just be sure to dissolve them in the heavy cream or butter mixture early so the texture stays smooth and your filling is perfectly silky.

Can I substitute all purpose flour with whole wheat flour?

You can substitute part of the flour with whole wheat flour, but using 100% whole wheat might make the dough denser and less soft. Try a 50/50 mix for a healthier twist that still keeps that tender texture.

What if my dough doesn’t rise properly?

This usually means the yeast was inactive or the environment was too cold. Make sure your milk is the right temperature (100-110°F) when activating yeast, and keep dough in a warm, draft-free spot to encourage rising.

Can I prepare these rolls vegan?

With a few swaps like using plant-based milk, a flax egg instead of a chicken egg, vegan butter, and dairy-free chocolate, you can create a vegan-friendly version that’s just as indulgent and super soft.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Super Soft Chocolate Espresso Rolls Recipe a try because it’s one of those soul-satisfying treats that brighten mornings and sweeten afternoons. From the fluffy, tender dough to the rich coffee-chocolate filling and that heavenly frosting, each bite feels like a small celebration. Happy baking, and may these rolls become a beloved staple in your kitchen just as they are in mine!