Super Soft Chocolate Espresso Rolls

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Introduction

If you’ve ever dreamed of sinking your teeth into a warm, soft, and decadent roll, only to be greeted by the delightful combination of rich chocolate and a hint of coffee flavor, then you’re in for a treat with these Super Soft Chocolate Espresso Rolls. This indulgent dessert is the perfect marriage of two beloved flavors—chocolate and espresso—wrapped in a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dough. With a soft, pillowy texture and a rich, aromatic filling, these rolls will quickly become your go-to recipe for sweet breakfasts, decadent desserts, or special occasions. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or a chocolate lover (or both!), this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings in the most delightful way.

The allure of these rolls lies not only in their irresistible flavor but also in their unbeatable texture. These rolls are extra soft, with the dough achieving a perfect balance of tenderness and fluffiness. The rich chocolate and espresso filling oozes out when you take a bite, making every mouthful an explosion of flavor. Drizzle a sweet coffee glaze over the top, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable treat.

In this article, we’ll dive into the reasons why these Super Soft Chocolate Espresso Rolls are worth making, provide a step-by-step guide on how to bake them, and offer tips and variations to make this recipe your own. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with others, these rolls will elevate any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect Combination of Chocolate and Coffee: The deep, bitter notes of espresso pair beautifully with the sweetness of chocolate, creating an indulgent and well-balanced flavor profile.
  • Incredibly Soft and Fluffy: The dough for these rolls is incredibly soft and light, making each bite feel like a cloud. It’s the perfect texture to complement the rich filling.
  • A Sweet and Savory Kick: The coffee glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness with a hint of coffee flavor, enhancing the overall experience of the rolls.
  • A Visual Showstopper: These rolls are not only delicious but also visually striking, with their swirls of chocolate and espresso, making them a perfect choice for special occasions and brunch spreads.
  • Customizable: While this recipe features chocolate and espresso, you can adjust the filling and glaze to suit your preferences, experimenting with different types of chocolate, nuts, or even flavors like cinnamon or caramel.

Preparation Time and Servings

  • Total Time: 4 hours (30 minutes for prep, 2 hours for proofing, 30 minutes for baking, 1 hour for cooling)
  • Servings: This recipe makes about 12 rolls, depending on how large you slice them.
  • Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 350, Protein: 6g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of the dough and gives it structure and texture.
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just slightly.
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast: Helps the dough rise quickly, giving it that soft texture.
  • 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness of the dough.
  • ½ cup warm milk: Activates the yeast and provides moisture to the dough.
  • ½ cup water: Helps balance the moisture in the dough.
  • 2 large eggs: Adds richness to the dough, making it soft and pliable.
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter: Softened, it adds tenderness to the dough.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the dough, adding warmth.

For the Chocolate Espresso Filling:

  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: This is the main flavor of the filling, providing richness and depth.
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and gives the filling a smooth consistency.
  • 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules: Adds the espresso flavor. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
  • 1 tablespoon sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the espresso bitterness.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter: Melted, it binds the filling together and keeps it smooth.
  • ½ cup heavy cream: Provides richness to the filling, helping it to stay smooth and creamy.

For the Coffee Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar: For sweetness and smoothness in the glaze.
  • 2 tablespoons brewed coffee: Adds coffee flavor to the glaze and thins out the powdered sugar for a silky texture.
  • 1 tablespoon milk: To adjust the consistency of the glaze, making it pourable.

Optional Garnish:

  • Chopped chocolate or cocoa nibs: For extra texture and a more intense chocolate experience.
  • Fresh berries or mint leaves: For a fresh contrast to the richness of the rolls.

Step-by-Step Preparation

FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE DOUGH

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, water, and sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then sprinkle the instant yeast over the liquid. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until a dough forms, then knead it on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
  3. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

SECOND STEP: PREPARE THE FILLING

  1. Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, combine the dark chocolate, cocoa powder, coffee granules, sugar, and melted butter. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) and stir until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
  2. Add Heavy Cream: Once the chocolate is melted, stir in the heavy cream to create a creamy, smooth filling. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before using it.

THIRD STEP: ASSEMBLE THE ROLLS

  1. Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 18 inches long and 12 inches wide.
  2. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the chocolate espresso filling over the rolled-out dough, leaving about 1 inch of space at the edges.
  3. Roll Up the Dough: Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from one long edge. Once rolled up, pinch the edges to seal the dough.
  4. Slice the Rolls: Using a sharp knife, slice the dough into 12 even rolls. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.

FOURTH STEP: PROOF AND BAKE THE ROLLS

  1. Let the Rolls Rise: Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another hour, or until they’ve doubled in size.
  2. Preheat the Oven: While the rolls are proofing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

FINAL STEP: MAKE THE GLAZE AND FINISH

  1. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, brewed coffee, and milk. Whisk until smooth and drizzle over the hot rolls as soon as they come out of the oven.
  2. Garnish and Serve: Optional: Garnish with chopped chocolate, cocoa nibs, or fresh berries. Serve the rolls warm, and enjoy the rich, chocolatey, coffee-flavored goodness.

How to Serve Super Soft Chocolate Espresso Rolls

These rolls are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

1. For Breakfast or Brunch

The combination of chocolate and coffee in these rolls makes them perfect for a decadent breakfast or brunch. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a latte to bring out the flavors of the espresso.

2. As a Dessert

Serve these rolls as a dessert after a nice dinner, or include them in your dessert spread for a special occasion. They’re great for impressing guests at holiday gatherings, parties, or family meals.

3. With a Side of Fresh Fruit

To balance the richness of the rolls, serve them with fresh fruit such as berries or citrus slices. The acidity of the fruit provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the rolls.

4. As a Sweet Snack

These rolls also make for a perfect sweet snack in the afternoon or whenever you need a little pick-me-up. The combination of chocolate and coffee is a satisfying treat at any time of day.

Additional Tips

  1. Make Ahead: You can prepare these rolls the night before. After assembling them, cover the dish and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, simply let them come to room temperature before baking.
  2. Freezing: These rolls freeze well. To freeze, bake and cool them completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Adjust the Coffee Flavor: If you want a more pronounced coffee flavor, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of instant coffee to the filling. For a milder coffee taste, reduce the amount.
  4. Add a Nutty Touch: For an extra texture, consider adding some chopped nuts like hazelnuts or almonds to the filling or sprinkle them on top of the glaze.

Recipe Variations

While the chocolate and espresso combination is simply irresistible, there are several variations you can try:

1. Use Different Types of Chocolate

Swap out the dark chocolate for milk chocolate or white chocolate for a sweeter variation of these rolls. Each type of chocolate will provide a unique flavor profile to the rolls.

2. Add a Cinnamon Twist

For a warm, spiced touch, you can add ground cinnamon to the filling. It pairs beautifully with the chocolate and espresso, adding depth to the flavor.

3. Make it Vegan

To make these rolls vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, and use a dairy-free milk substitute (such as almond milk or oat milk). You can also swap the eggs for flaxseed eggs.

4. Go Nut-Free

If you’re making these rolls for someone with a nut allergy, simply leave out the nuts and keep the recipe focused on the chocolate and espresso flavors.

Freezing and Storage

These rolls can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment. To store, let the rolls cool completely, then place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls as mentioned earlier.

Special Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls: For combining the dough and filling.
  • 9×13-inch Baking Dish: For arranging and baking the rolls.
  • Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough.
  • Sharp Knife: For slicing the dough into rolls.
  • Whisk: For making the glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee for the glaze? Yes, you can dissolve instant coffee in a bit of hot water and use it for the glaze.
  2. Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer? Absolutely! You can knead the dough by hand. It may take a little more effort, but the results will be worth it.
  3. Can I use a different glaze for these rolls? Yes, you can use a simple sugar glaze, a chocolate glaze, or even a caramel drizzle for different flavor combinations.

Conclusion

Super Soft Chocolate Espresso Rolls are a show-stopping treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth and coffee cravings all in one bite. With their soft, pillowy dough and rich, aromatic filling, these rolls make for an indulgent breakfast, dessert, or snack. The best part? They’re easy to make, and you can customize them to fit your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or as a sweet treat on their own, these rolls will surely become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

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