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

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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