Chocolate Ganache Cinnamon Rolls
Recipe Overview
Overview
These Chocolate Ganache Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The process begins with a warm mixture of milk and water, which is essential for activating the yeast. Once the yeast blooms, it’s combined with flour, sugar, and a touch of vanilla, creating a rich dough that’s both soft and pliable.
After kneading the dough to perfection, it’s allowed to rise until doubled in size, which is crucial for achieving that fluffy texture we all love in cinnamon rolls. The filling, made from a blend of brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon, adds a sweet and aromatic flavor that complements the chocolate ganache topping beautifully.
Baking these rolls at 350°F results in a golden-brown exterior, while the ganache, made from simmered heavy cream and semi-sweet chocolate chips, adds a luxurious finish. The combination of warm cinnamon rolls and rich chocolate is simply irresistible, making these rolls perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy brunch or a festive gathering.
I can’t recommend these enough! They’re not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. You’ll want to keep this recipe handy for when you’re craving something sweet and indulgent.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
In a bowl, combine warm milk and water, then add active dry yeast and sugar. Whisk and let it bloom for 5 to 10 minutes.
Tip: Ensure the milk and water mixture is warm between 115 to 120°F for optimal yeast activation.
Tip: Add sugar to the yeast mixture as it feeds off sugar and helps it rise.
In a standing mixer, add the proofed yeast, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix for 30 seconds.
Add half of the flour, mix for 1 minute, then add the remaining flour and salt. Mix for another minute.
Knead the dough for about 4 to 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Tip: Knead the dough until it becomes a nice smooth ball and releases from the sides of the bowl.
Grease a bowl with non-stick spray and place the dough inside, rolling it to coat the top.
Tip: Grease the top of the dough to prevent it from forming a skin while rising.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a clean tea towel, then place it in a warm area to rise until doubled in size.
After 1 hour, punch down the risen dough and lightly flour the surface.
Tip: Lightly flour the surface to prevent sticking, but avoid using too much flour.
Spread the dough into a rectangle approximately 9 by 15 inches.
In a bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
Brush melted butter over the dough, leaving a half-inch border.
Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Roll the dough tightly from the longest side.
Tip: Use dental floss to cut the rolls evenly for a cleaner cut.
Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces.
Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
Place the rolls in the baking dish with seams facing down.
Wrap the dish with plastic wrap and cover with a tea towel, then let rise for another 35 minutes.
Tip: Place the rolls in a warm area free from drafts to help them rise properly.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Remove plastic wrap and brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter.
Bake the cinnamon rolls in the oven for 20 to 22 minutes.
In a saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium-low heat until it simmers.
Tip: Keep a close eye on the heavy cream to prevent it from boiling over.
Pour the hot heavy cream over semi-sweet chocolate chips and let sit for 4 minutes.
Stir the chocolate and cream mixture until smooth and thick.
Tip: Stir the ganache until it is thick and glossy for the best texture.
Serve the cinnamon rolls and drizzle ganache over each roll.
Tip: Serve the ganache over the rolls for a more indulgent presentation.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Almond Milk
Ingredient: Eggs
→ Substitution: Flaxseed Meal + Water
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Flour Blend
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Using warm water helps activate the yeast effectively.
- •Allowing the dough to rise in a warm environment ensures a better texture.
- •Rolling the dough tightly helps maintain the shape of the cinnamon rolls.
- •Brushing melted butter on the dough before adding the filling enhances flavor.
