Waking up to the cozy warmth of your kitchen feels even more magical when you’ve got a tray of Super Soft Chocolate Espresso Rolls rising quietly on the counter. These rolls are the ultimate comfort food mashup: lush, cloud-like dough meets a deeply chocolatey, espresso-kissed filling that practically begs for an extra cup of coffee. There’s something about the soft resistance of each bite, the way the rich filling melts, and the gentle sweetness of the glaze that transforms an ordinary morning into a mini celebration. You’ll find yourself sneaking to the oven door, lifting the lid, and inhaling that irresistible scent—trust me, it’s worth every extra second of anticipation.
As someone who lives for weekend brunch experiments, I have to say these rolls hold a special place in my heart (and stomach!). Not only are they perfect for treating family and friends on a lazy Saturday, but they also make a stunning addition to holiday gatherings. I remember the first time I served these at a little get-together. My best friend, Sarah, took one bite and practically shouted, “Where have these been all my life?!” That moment of pure delight is why I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. You’ll discover tips on mixing just the right espresso punch, shaping the dough for perfect spirals, and finishing with a glaze that ties it all together in silky bliss. So grab your favorite coffee mug, preheat your oven, and let’s dive into the world of Super Soft Chocolate Espresso Rolls—you’re about to bake something unforgettable!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SUPER SOFT CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO ROLLS
To make these irresistible rolls, you’ll gather a mix of pantry staples and a few coffeehouse favorites. Each ingredient plays its part in creating that signature soft dough, decadent chocolate layer, and dreamy espresso glaze you’ll want to savor with every bite.
- All-purpose flour
Provides the sturdy structure for our dough. Its moderate protein content helps develop just enough gluten to achieve those soft, pillowy layers without being chewy.
- Granulated sugar
Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to the dough and helps feed the yeast for a robust rise, ensuring your rolls puff up beautifully.
- Instant yeast
Our secret to quick, reliable rising power. Instant yeast works fast to create air pockets, giving the dough its light, airy texture.
- Salt
Balances the sweetness and helps strengthen the gluten network, which contributes to a tender crumb and prevents the dough from tasting flat.
- Whole milk
Enriches the dough with fat and flavor, yielding a tender crumb and that irresistibly soft bite we all crave in a breakfast roll.
- Unsalted butter (melted)
Infuses the dough with richness, keeps it moist, and adds a subtle sweet-buttery note that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- Large eggs
Bind the dough, add richness, and contribute to that deep golden color when baked—a small but mighty ingredient in our flavor symphony.
- Espresso powder
Packs an intense coffee flavor without adding extra liquid. It enhances the chocolate’s depth and delivers a gentle caffeine kick.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Melt into little pools of gooey joy as the rolls bake, creating the signature chocolate pockets you’ll find in every swirl.
- Unsalted butter (softened) [for filling]
The base of our chocolate-espresso spread, creating a spreadable texture that locks in moisture and richness.
- Granulated sugar [for filling]
Sweetens the filling and helps it caramelize slightly as the rolls bake, giving a perfect balance to the cocoa.
- Cocoa powder
Delivers deep chocolate flavor without extra fat, intensifying every swirl and making each bite luxuriously dark.
- Instant espresso powder [for filling]
Heightens the coffee notes within the chocolate, ensuring each roll has a subtle but noticeable espresso undertone.
- Powdered sugar [for glaze]
Forms the silky base of our drizzle, creating a sweet contrast to the slightly bitter espresso.
- Brewed espresso [for glaze]
Adds real coffee flavor and thins out the glaze, making it pourable and deeply aromatic.
- Milk [for glaze]
Adjusts the consistency of the icing for a glossy finish and a touch of creamy sweetness.
HOW TO MAKE SUPER SOFT CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO ROLLS
Ready to roll up your sleeves and bake? This recipe guides you through each step from mixing the dough to drizzling that glorious espresso glaze. Follow along, and you’ll be rewarded with rolls that are as stunning as they are delicious.
1. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 cups of flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt until evenly combined. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, gently heat whole milk until warm to the touch (around 95°F), then whisk in melted butter, eggs, and espresso powder until smooth and fragrant.
2. Combine and knead: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and springs back lightly when poked.
3. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1–2 hours, or until it looks puffy and soft.
4. Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, beat softened butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and espresso powder together until you’ve achieved a spreadable chocolate-espresso paste with no lumps.
5. Shape the rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Turn it onto a floured surface and roll into a 12×18-inch rectangle, maintaining an even thickness.
6. Add filling and chocolate: Spread the prepared filling in an even layer over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly across the top.
7. Roll and slice: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the edge as you go. Cut into 12 equal rolls and arrange them cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Second rise: Cover the baking dish loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let the rolls rest in a warm spot for 30 minutes until puffy and almost doubled.
9. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Remove the cover and bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and fully set in the center.
10. Glaze and serve: While the rolls cool for a few minutes, whisk together powdered sugar, brewed espresso, and milk until smooth. Drizzle generously over the warm rolls so the glaze pools into every crevice before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SUPER SOFT CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO ROLLS
Once you’ve baked and glazed these dreamy rolls, it’s time to plan how you’ll present them. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a cozy breakfast for two, thoughtful serving adds to the experience. Below are four delightful ways to elevate each bite.
- Classic Brunch Spread
Arrange your warm rolls on a large platter alongside fresh berries, sliced bananas, and a pot of steaming coffee. The fruit’s natural sweetness and tang provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich chocolate and espresso.
- Indulgent Dessert Board
Pair slices of these rolls with small bowls of whipped cream, chopped nuts, and a side of raspberry jam. Guests can customize each bite, making it interactive and decadent.
- Solo Coffee Companion
For a cozy morning alone, place one roll on a small plate, dust with extra cocoa or powdered sugar, and serve with a steaming latte or a strong black coffee. The interplay of hot coffee and gooey chocolate is pure comfort.
- Elegant Tea Party
Trim the rolls into bite-sized squares and arrange on a tiered cake stand. Serve with a selection of herbal or Earl Grey tea. The delicate tea notes beautifully balance the robust espresso flavor in each miniature square.
HOW TO STORE SUPER SOFT CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO ROLLS
Keeping these rolls soft, fresh, and flavorful for days takes just a little care. From keeping them airtight to warming them just right, here are strategies that ensure your chocolate-espresso treat stays irresistible.
- Room-temperature storage
Once fully cooled, store the rolls in an airtight container or a resealable bag at room temperature for up to two days. Place a sheet of parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
- Refrigeration
For a longer shelf life (up to five days), wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Bring to room temperature or warm gently in the microwave before serving so they regain their softness.
- Freezing
Freeze unglazed rolls individually on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They will keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes, then glaze.
- Glaze-on storage
If you’ve already added the glaze, allow it to set fully before placing the rolls in a shallow container. Store at room temperature for one day or refrigerate for up to three days, then warm gently to revive the gooey texture.
CONCLUSION
What a delicious journey we’ve taken together, from mixing a simple dough to drizzling on that final coat of espresso glaze. These Super Soft Chocolate Espresso Rolls are the perfect marriage of fluffy texture, chocolatey richness, and just the right hint of coffee. Whether you’re planning a leisurely weekend brunch or searching for an impressive yet comforting dessert, this recipe has you covered. You can easily prepare the dough the night before, pop it in the fridge, and bake fresh rolls in the morning—making your breakfast spread look like you’ve been baking since dawn. Don’t forget that each roll clocks in at about 350 calories, so they’re a splurge-worthy treat to enjoy alongside your favorite hot beverage.
Feel free to print this article and save it, so it’s always just a page-turn away when you’re in need of a truly special bake. Below, you’ll find a FAQ section to answer any lingering questions about technique, substitutions, or troubleshooting. If you try these rolls, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment sharing your favorite tweaks, ask any baking questions you’ve got, or just let me know if these became the highlight of your morning. Happy baking, and may your kitchen always be filled with the sweet aroma of fresh treats!
Super Soft Chocolate Espresso Rolls
Description
These Super Soft Chocolate Espresso Rolls are a heavenly combination of fluffy dough and decadent chocolate filling, drizzled in a smooth espresso glaze. Perfect for a cozy morning treat!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, heat the milk until warm to the touch, about 95°F. Add the melted butter, eggs, and espresso powder to the milk and whisk well.
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Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough starts to form. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
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Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm environment until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
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Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, mix together softened butter, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and espresso powder until smooth.
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Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a 12x18 inch rectangle.
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Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Starting with the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 even rolls and place them in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
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Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffed.
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
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Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top. Let cool slightly before adding the glaze.
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To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, brewed espresso, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Note
- These rolls can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
- For a richer flavor, swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate.
- Make sure the milk isn't too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Perfect pairing with a cup of hot coffee or cocoa for a cozy breakfast.
- Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for a sweet and salty combination.
