Prepare to revolutionize your morning routine with these decadent, irresistibly gooey Dark Chocolate Cinnamon Buns that will make your taste buds dance and your kitchen smell like heaven! Imagine biting into a warm, soft bun oozing with rich dark chocolate and warming cinnamon - a breakfast treat so sinfully delicious, it'll have you ditching your boring breakfast routine forever. These aren't just cinnamon buns; they're a chocolate-lover's ultimate morning fantasy that promises to transform an ordinary day into an extraordinary culinary adventure!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 buns
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon yeast
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and active dry yeast. Whisk together to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Warm the milk and butter together in a small saucepan until the butter is completely melted. Allow the mixture to cool to lukewarm temperature (around 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Pour the warm milk and butter mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or stand mixer with a dough hook until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when gently pressed.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing ground cinnamon with a small amount of sugar and chopping the dark chocolate chips into smaller pieces.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 12x16 inches.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture and chopped dark chocolate chips evenly across the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Carefully roll the dough from the long side, creating a tight log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the cut rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each bun for expansion.
- Cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 30 minutes in a warm place until they become puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) during the second rise.
- Bake the cinnamon buns for 22-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the chocolate is melted and slightly bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Optional: Drizzle with a chocolate glaze or dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, chocolatey, cinnamon-infused buns!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your milk and butter mixture is lukewarm (around 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading Matters: Take your time kneading the dough - a full 8-10 minutes develops the gluten and ensures a soft, elastic texture.
- Rising Environment: Choose a warm, draft-free spot for dough rising - near a preheating oven or in a slightly warm room works perfectly.
- Chocolate Chopping Hack: Chop dark chocolate chips into smaller pieces for more even distribution throughout the buns.
- Cutting Technique: Use dental floss for clean, precise cuts when slicing your rolled dough - it prevents squishing the delicate dough.
- Don't Overbake: Watch your buns carefully in the last few minutes of baking to maintain that perfect gooey chocolate center.
- Serve Warm: These buns are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the chocolate is still melty and the cinnamon aroma is at its peak!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 20mg
