Name: Gooey Chocolate Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 4 h 52 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (237 grams) whole milk; 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter; 1/4 cup (57 grams) sour cream, at room temperature; 1 envelope (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast; 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 2 egg yolks, at room temperature; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 to 4 1/4 cups (508 to 540 grams) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting; 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt; 10 tablespoons (142 grams) unsalted butter, completely softened to room temperature; 2/3 cup (133 grams) packed light brown sugar; 1/3 cup (28 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 1/2 cups (188 grams) powdered sugar, sifted; 1/4 cup (21 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted; 1/4 cup (49 grams) whole milk; 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 31 reviews

There’s nothing quite as irresistible as a warm batch of gooey, tender rolls melting with rich chocolate flavor, and this Gooey Chocolate Rolls Recipe delivers exactly that indulgence. Soft, pillowy dough swirled with a luscious cocoa and brown sugar filling, then crowned with a silky, chocolatey icing creates a dessert that feels like a comforting hug for your taste buds. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this recipe blends simple ingredients in a way that feels both special and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white round baking pan filled with six cinnamon rolls. Each roll has a light tan dough base with a dark brown cinnamon swirl spread evenly in a spiral across the top and inside layers. The cinnamon filling looks slightly textured and moist, contrasting with the smooth dough layers. The rolls are placed close together, touching each other, in the pan. The pan rests on a wire rack over a white marbled surface. The lighting highlights the soft dough and rich cinnamon swirl clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Gooey Chocolate Rolls Recipe. From the creamy butter that adds richness to the cocoa powder lending that deep chocolate essence, every element contributes to the ideal balance of texture, flavor, and color.

Whole milk (1 cup / 237 grams): Warmed to melt butter, it creates a tender, moist dough base.
Unsalted butter (1 stick / 113 grams + 10 tbsp / 142 grams + 2 tbsp / 28 grams): Divided between dough, filling, and icing for creamy richness.
Sour cream (1/4 cup / 57 grams): Adds tang and moisture that enrich the dough’s softness.
Instant yeast (1 envelope / 2 1/4 tsp): The magical leavening agent that lifts the dough to fluffy perfection.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup / 50 grams): Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering.
Large egg and 2 egg yolks (all at room temp): Give the dough body and richness, ensuring a velvety crumb.
Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp + 1 tsp): Brings warmth and complexity to both dough and icing.
All-purpose flour (4 to 4 1/4 cups / 508 to 540 grams): The backbone of the dough, providing structure and chew.
Fine sea salt (1 1/2 tsp + 1/8 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Light brown sugar (2/3 cup / 133 grams): Mixed with cocoa to create the irresistible gooey filling.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup + 1/4 cup sifted / 28 + 21 grams): The star ingredient that gives a rich chocolate punch in filling and icing.
Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups / 188 grams): Creates a smooth, sweet finish with the icing drip.

How to Make Gooey Chocolate Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by gently heating the milk and butter until the butter melts completely, then stir in the sour cream until smooth. This mix must cool to lukewarm so it gently wakes up the yeast without killing it. Combine the dough ingredients in your mixer bowl, starting with the wet ingredients and half the flour plus salt, then add remaining flour while kneading. Knead until the dough is soft and elastic but not sticky—a delicate balance that’s key for those tender rolls.

Step 2: First Rise

Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm spot until doubled in size, which should take about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. This rise builds that airy, soft texture that makes you want to dive right in.

Step 3: Make the Filling

While your dough is rising, prepare the chocolate filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until combined and fluffy. This filling will ooze into every bite of your Gooey Chocolate Rolls Recipe, bringing all that decadent chocolate flavor.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

After your dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread your luscious chocolate filling evenly, leaving a small border for sealing. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log and cut it into 12 even rolls. These neatly portioned pieces ensure each serving is a gooey, chocolatey delight.

Step 5: Second Rise

Place the cut rolls into a greased baking dish, cover again, and let them rise until doubled, roughly another 1 1/2 to 2 hours. This second rest creates softness and height, preparing for a perfectly puffed bake.

Step 6: Bake and Ice

Preheat your oven and bake the rolls until lightly golden brown, about 20 to 22 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together the icing ingredients until smooth and pourable. As soon as the rolls come out hot from the oven, drizzle the icing over, letting it melt into the rolls’ warm crevices for an extra touch of irresistible gooeyness.

How to Serve Gooey Chocolate Rolls Recipe

A close-up image shows a single cinnamon roll on a white plate with a glossy, thick layer of dark chocolate spread on top. The roll has a light golden-brown outer layer with soft, fluffy, pale cream inside visible where a piece has been torn off from the front left. The chocolate topping is shiny with smooth swirls, covering the upper spiral of the roll. Next to the cinnamon roll on the plate, a small piece of the roll rests on a silver fork, showing its airy texture and a slightly darker, caramelized edge. The background is a white marbled surface, and the lighting highlights the richness of the chocolate and softness of the dough. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar or a few chocolate shavings elevates the look and adds a bit of extra sweetness. You can also sprinkle some crushed nuts for texture if desired or a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt to highlight the chocolate notes with a hint of contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve these rolls with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or warm milk for a truly cozy treat. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms these rolls into a personalized dessert experience perfect for gatherings or weekend breakfasts.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, place individual rolls on pretty plates with a sprig of mint or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Bringing out a wooden tray with a warm tea pot and these rolls makes for a welcoming brunch centerpiece that invites everyone to indulge.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover rolls tightly in plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, they stay soft and delicious for up to two days. For longer keeps, refrigeration is a good option but be sure to rewarm before serving to refresh that gooey texture.

Freezing

You can freeze baked Gooey Chocolate Rolls Recipe by placing them in a freezer-safe container or wrapped well in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to three months and thaw overnight in the fridge. Alternatively, unbaked shaped rolls can be frozen after the first rise and thawed to rise fully before baking for fresh-from-the-oven taste any time.

Reheating

To reheat, place rolls in a microwave for about 20 seconds or warm in an oven at 300°F for 10 minutes until heated through. This brings back their soft texture and gooey filling, making you feel like they were just baked fresh.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but you will need to activate the yeast in warm liquid first before adding to the dough mixture. Instant yeast works faster and can be mixed directly with dry ingredients.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?

Absolutely! The first rise develops the dough’s texture, and the second rise after shaping ensures the rolls are light and fluffy with a tender crumb.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

With some substitutions like plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg replacers, you can adapt the recipe, but the texture and richness might differ slightly from the classic version.

Why is the dough so soft and sticky?

This softness comes from the careful balance of butter, sour cream, and hydrating ingredients. A slightly sticky dough is normal and creates that luscious soft crumb once baked.

How do I know when the rolls are perfectly baked?

Look for a light golden brown color on top, and the rolls should spring back gently when pressed. Baking too long can dry them out, so timing is key!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with a comforting, chocolate-filled treat, this Gooey Chocolate Rolls Recipe is the way to go. It combines simple ingredients with a few thoughtful steps for a final result that is both classic and indulgently satisfying. Once you try these rolls warm from the oven, decadent and dripping with chocolate icing, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one!