These Black Forest Cinnamon Rolls are soft chocolate rolls filled with cocoa-cinnamon sugar, cherry filling, and a creamy mascarpone frosting. I love how they taste like a rich bakery dessert but still feel cozy enough for brunch or a homemade weekend treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole milk
3/4 cup warm whole milk
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup Dutch cocoa powder
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup bread flour
5 tbsp softened butter
1/2 cup softened butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
3 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tbsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp espresso powder
2/3 cup thick cherry filling
8 oz mascarpone
2/3 cup cold heavy cream
3/4 cup powdered sugar
Dark chocolate shavings
Directions
I start by cooking 2 tablespoons of flour with 1/2 cup milk until thick, then I let it cool.
I mix the warm milk, yeast, and sugar, then I let it foam for about 5 minutes.
Then I add the tangzhong, melted butter, vanilla, eggs, salt, cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and bread flour. I knead the dough until smooth, then I knead in the softened butter.
I let the dough rise until doubled, then I chill it so it is easier to roll.
Next I mix the filling butter, brown sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and espresso powder until smooth.
I roll the dough into a rectangle, spread the filling over it, then add the cherry filling. I cut the dough into 12 strips and roll each one.
Then I place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan and let them rise until puffy.
I bake them at 325°F for 27 to 30 minutes.
I whip the mascarpone, cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.Next I spread the frosting over the warm rolls and finish them with dark chocolate shavings.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 12 servings.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 4 hours
Calories: about 557 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes use raspberry filling instead of cherry filling for a different fruity flavor.
I can add mini chocolate chips inside the rolls for extra chocolate richness.
Also I like using cream cheese instead of mascarpone when I want a tangier frosting.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, I warm one roll in the microwave for about 15 to 25 seconds, just until soft. I avoid overheating so the frosting stays creamy.
FAQs
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, I can prepare the rolls, place them in the pan, cover them, and refrigerate overnight before the second rise.
Can I use regular cocoa powder?
Yes, I can use regular unsweetened cocoa powder, but Dutch cocoa gives the dough a deeper chocolate flavor.
Can I skip the espresso powder?
Yes, I can skip it. I use it because it makes the chocolate flavor stronger, but the rolls still taste delicious without it.
Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
Yes, I can replace mascarpone with cream cheese for a thicker and slightly tangier frosting.
Why do I chill the dough before rolling?
I chill the dough because soft chocolate dough can be sticky. Chilling makes it easier to roll, fill, and cut neatly.
Conclusion
These Black Forest Cinnamon Rolls are rich, soft, creamy, and full of chocolate-cherry flavor. I love making them when I want a special homemade dessert that feels bakery-style but still comforting and fun to serve.
📖 Recipe:
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Black Forest Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Black Forest Cinnamon Rolls are soft chocolate rolls filled with cocoa-cinnamon sugar, sweet cherry filling, and topped with a creamy mascarpone frosting. Rich chocolate flavor and tart cherries make them perfect for brunch, dessert, or a special weekend bake.
Ingredients
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole milk
3/4 cup warm whole milk
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup Dutch cocoa powder
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup bread flour
5 tbsp softened butter
1/2 cup softened butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
3 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tbsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp espresso powder
2/3 cup thick cherry filling
8 oz mascarpone
2/3 cup cold heavy cream
3/4 cup powdered sugar
Dark chocolate shavings
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, cook 2 tablespoons flour with 1/2 cup milk over medium heat until a thick paste forms. Let cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add the cooled tangzhong, melted butter, vanilla extract, eggs, salt, cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and bread flour. Knead until a smooth dough forms.
- Knead in 5 tablespoons softened butter a little at a time until fully incorporated and the dough is soft and elastic.
- Cover and let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Chill the dough for easier handling.
- Mix 1/2 cup softened butter, brown sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and espresso powder until smooth.
- Roll the dough into a large rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, then spoon the cherry filling on top.
- Cut the dough into 12 strips and roll each strip into a cinnamon roll shape.
- Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise until puffy.
- Bake at 325°F for 27 to 30 minutes until baked through.
- Whip mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the frosting over the warm rolls and top with dark chocolate shavings before serving.
Notes
Raspberry filling can be used instead of cherry filling for a different flavor variation.
Mini chocolate chips make a delicious addition to the filling.
Cream cheese may be substituted for mascarpone for a tangier frosting.
Chilling the dough helps make rolling and cutting easier.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15 to 25 seconds before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 557 kcal
- Sugar: 33 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 68 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 92 mg
