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Chocolate Pecan Cinnamon Rolls with Cocoa and Ganache Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 105 reviews
  • Author: Elara
  • Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x

Description

These Chocolate Pecan Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic sweet, spiced dough of cinnamon rolls with rich chocolate and toasted pecans, all topped with a smooth chocolate ganache. The dough is infused with cocoa powder and a hint of instant coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor. Perfect for a decadent breakfast or dessert treat, these rolls are soft, gooey, and bursting with chocolate goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • Cooking spray
  • 1 tsp. granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 2 packets active dry yeast
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp. instant coffee granules
  • 2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened

Filling

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
  • All-purpose flour, for dusting
  • 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, divided

Ganache and Topping

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped toasted pecans

Instructions

  1. Prepare Yeast Mixture: Lightly grease a large bowl with cooking spray. In a large measuring cup, combine 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water and 1 teaspoon sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients for Dough: In the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, cocoa powder, instant coffee granules, salt, and remaining 1/2 cup sugar.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients and Mix Dough: Add the yeast mixture, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until the dough begins to form. Increase speed to medium and add the 3 tablespoons of softened butter one tablespoon at a time. Continue mixing until the dough is smooth, approximately 5 minutes.
  4. First Rise: Transfer the dough to the prepared bowl, turning it to coat it evenly with cooking spray. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature until it nearly doubles in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
  5. Roll Out Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and dust the top with flour. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into an 18 by 15-inch rectangle.
  6. Spread Filling: Spread the cinnamon roll filling evenly over the dough using an offset spatula, then sprinkle 1/2 cup of the semisweet chocolate chips over the filling.
  7. Roll and Slice: Starting at one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Trim the ends with a sharp knife and cut the log into 12 pieces, approximately 1 1/2 inches thick.
  8. Second Rise: Grease a 13 by 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Arrange the rolls with the flat sides down in the dish. Cover and let rise at room temperature until nearly doubled in size, 30 to 45 minutes.
  9. Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place a rack in the center. Uncover the rolls and bake until the tops are dry and the centers feel set, about 20 to 25 minutes. The dough will not appear much darker after baking. Transfer the baked rolls to a wire rack and cool for 10 minutes.
  10. Prepare Ganache: Place the remaining 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips in a medium heatproof bowl. Microwave the heavy cream in 30-second increments until hot, about 1 minute total. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 30 seconds, then whisk until smooth.
  11. Finish and Serve: Spread the chocolate ganache evenly over the cinnamon rolls. Top with the finely chopped toasted pecans. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use lukewarm water to activate yeast properly, around 105°F to 110°F (40°C to 43°C).
  • Toast pecans lightly for enhanced flavor and crunch before chopping.
  • Ensure the dough rises in a draft-free area for best results.
  • The instant coffee in the dough enhances but does not overpower the chocolate flavor.
  • If preferred, replace semisweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips.
  • Leftover rolls can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chocolate pecan cinnamon rolls, chocolate cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, chocolate ganache rolls, holiday breakfast pastry

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Find it online: https://kitchenflavorspot.com/chocolate-pecan-cinnamon-rolls-with-cocoa-and-ganache-recipe/