Picture this: the irresistible aroma of melty chocolate swirling with the warm, spicy scent of cinnamon, all wrapped up in a soft, golden roll. Brownie cinnamon rolls are the ultimate mashup of fudgy brownies and fluffy cinnamon rolls, creating a dessert that’s pure perfection. These brownie cinnamon rolls take the best of both worlds and elevate them into something truly unforgettable—gooey, rich, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of homemade cinnamon rolls or can’t resist a chocolate-packed brownie, this treat will steal your heart with every bite.
So, what makes these brownie cinnamon rolls the ultimate dessert? It’s all about the key ingredients: chocolate, cinnamon, butter, and sugar. Get ready to dive into a cinnamon roll recipe like no other—one that’s about to become your new go-to for indulgent bliss!
Why You’ll Love These Brownie Cinnamon Rolls
A Perfect Blend of Brownies and Cinnamon Rolls
Brownie cinnamon rolls aren’t just a dessert; they’re a game-changer. Imagine the deep, rich flavor of a brownie meeting the soft, pillowy texture of a cinnamon roll. These rolled cinnamon rolls take things up a notch with a gooey chocolate-cinnamon filling that oozes out when you bite in. The chocolate brings a decadent intensity, while the cinnamon sugar adds that classic warmth we all crave in cinnamon rolls recipes. It’s the best of both desserts, rolled into one heavenly treat.
The texture is spot-on too—soft and fluffy on the outside, with a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth center. These brownie cinnamon rolls are everything you didn’t know you needed in a cinnamon rolls cake.
Simple Ingredients, Incredible Flavor
You don’t need a fancy pantry to whip up these homemade brownie cinnamon rolls. The magic lies in everyday ingredients like cocoa powder, chocolate chips, cinnamon sugar, and butter. Toss in some brown sugar for that caramel-like sweetness, and you’ve got a cinnamon roll recipe that’s bursting with flavor. Want to take it over the top? Slather on some creamy cream cheese frosting—it’s the perfect tangy-sweet finish that makes these brownie cinnamon rolls absolutely irresistible.
From the rich cocoa to the warm spice of cinnamon, every bite of these cinnamon rolls homemade delivers a punch of incredible taste without any complicated steps.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast, a show-stopping dessert, or a special treat for a holiday brunch, these brownie cinnamon rolls fit the bill. They’re versatile enough to satisfy your morning cravings alongside a cup of coffee or to cap off dinner with a glass of cold milk. Hosting a gathering? These cinnamon buns will have everyone begging for your cinnamon rolls recipe. They’re indulgent yet approachable, making them a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
How to Make Brownie Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ready to bake the best brownie cinnamon rolls ever? Here’s what you’ll need for these homemade cinnamon rolls:
- For the dough: All-purpose flour, yeast, milk, sugar, butter, and a pinch of salt—your classic base for any cinnamon roll recipe.
- For the brownie filling: Cocoa powder, brown sugar, melted butter, and chocolate chips to create that fudgy brownie cinnamon rolls vibe.
- For the cinnamon layer: Ground cinnamon, granulated sugar, and more butter for that signature cinnamon rolls flavor.
- For the frosting: Cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and a splash of vanilla—because no recipe for cinnamon rolls is complete without it.
These simple ingredients come together to make chocolate chip cookie cinnamon rolls that taste like they came straight from a bakery.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break down how to make these brownie cinnamon rolls from scratch. Follow this cinnamon rolls recipe for guaranteed deliciousness:
- Prepare the dough: In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit until foamy (about 5 minutes). Add flour, melted butter, sugar, and salt, then knead until smooth. Cover and let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Make the filling: Combine cocoa powder, brown sugar, and melted butter for the brownie layer. In a separate bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar for the cinnamon roll layer.
- Roll it out: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle. Spread the brownie filling evenly, sprinkle on some chocolate chips, then top with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Shape the rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice into 12 even pieces. Place them in a greased baking dish.
- Second rise: Cover and let the rolled cinnamon rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and gooey.
- Frost: Once slightly cooled, spread cream cheese frosting over your warm brownie cinnamon rolls for that perfect finishing touch.
This recipe for cinnamon rolls is straightforward but delivers bakery-quality cinnamon rolls homemade every time.
Baking Tips for Perfect Brownie Cinnamon Rolls
Want your brownie cinnamon rolls to be soft, gooey, and downright delicious? Here are some pro tips:
- Don’t overbake: Pull them out when the tops are golden but the centers still look slightly underdone—they’ll finish setting as they cool.
- Keep them moist: Cover the rolls with foil halfway through baking to trap steam and prevent drying out.
- Use room-temperature ingredients: Soft butter and warm milk help the dough rise perfectly for fluffy cinnamon rolls recipes.
- Double-check the yeast: Fresh, active yeast is key to airy homemade cinnamon rolls.
With these tricks, your brownie cinnamon rolls will be the talk of every table.
Serving & Storing Your Brownie Cinnamon Rolls
Best Ways to Serve
These brownie cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, but a few toppings can take them to the next level. Spread on a generous layer of cream cheese frosting for a classic cinnamon roll finish. Feeling extra indulgent? Drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for a cinnamon rolls cake twist. A dusting of powdered sugar works too if you’re keeping it simple.
Pair these chocolate chip cinnamon roll cookies with a hot cup of coffee for breakfast or a cold glass of milk for dessert. They’re versatile enough to shine at any time of day.
How to Store & Reheat
Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep your brownie cinnamon rolls fresh:
- Room temperature: Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They’ll stay soft and tasty.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. The frosting might firm up, but the flavor stays amazing.
- Freezing: Wrap individual cinnamon buns in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, microwave a roll for 20-30 seconds or warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes. Add a dab of butter before reheating to keep that cinnamon rolls homemade texture soft and gooey.
Print
The Best Brownie Cinnamon Rolls Ever!
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes rising time; defaults to prep + cook = 1 hour, but adjusted for rising)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Description
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (for yeast activation)
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Brownie Filling:
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Cinnamon Layer:
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin, if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, mix flour, ¼ cup sugar, melted butter, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix cocoa powder, brown sugar, and melted butter until combined. Set aside. In another bowl, combine cinnamon and sugar.
- Assemble the Rolls: Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the brownie filling evenly, sprinkle with chocolate chips, then spread softened butter and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix. Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Second Rise: Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden.
- Frost: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.
Notes
- For extra gooeyness, don’t overbake—remove when centers are slightly soft.
- Add a chocolate drizzle for a decadent twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days or refrigerate for a week.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: brownie cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, homemade cinnamon rolls, cinnamon buns, chocolate chip cookie cinnamon rolls
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prepare homemade brownie cinnamon rolls?
To make brownie cinnamon rolls from scratch, start with a soft, yeasted dough and layer it with a rich chocolate-cinnamon filling. Roll, slice, and bake until golden brown, then finish with a creamy frosting for the perfect indulgence.
Is it okay to bake brownie cinnamon rolls with a cover?
Covering brownie cinnamon rolls while baking can help retain moisture and ensure even cooking. However, for a slightly crispier top, remove the cover during the last few minutes of baking.
Should I apply icing to brownie cinnamon rolls while they are warm?
Spreading icing on warm brownie cinnamon rolls allows it to melt slightly, creating a glossy, delicious glaze. If you prefer a thicker frosting, wait until they have cooled slightly before adding it.
What is the ideal baking time for brownie cinnamon rolls?
Brownie cinnamon rolls typically bake at 175°C (350°F) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center. Check for doneness by lightly pressing the top—if it springs back, they’re ready.
Why did my brownie cinnamon rolls turn out dry instead of soft?
Dry brownie cinnamon rolls may result from overbaking, using too much flour, or not enough moisture in the dough. To keep them soft and gooey, ensure accurate measurements and avoid excessive baking time.
Conclusion
There’s no denying it—these brownie cinnamon rolls are the best of the best. They bring together the fudgy richness of brownies and the spiced, fluffy goodness of cinnamon rolls in a way that’s pure magic. With simple ingredients like chocolate, cinnamon, butter, and sugar, this cinnamon roll recipe delivers a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from cozy mornings to festive celebrations.
So, what are you waiting for? Try making these homemade brownie cinnamon rolls and see why they’re a cut above the rest. I’d love to hear how they turned out for you—leave a comment if you loved these brownie cinnamon rolls as much as I do! Happy baking!