Cinnamon and chocolate rolls

Delicious Cinnamon and Chocolate Rolls

Welcome to the world of enticing aromas, where cinnamon embraces chocolate in a sweet dance of flavors! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing cinnamon and chocolate rolls that are not just a quick dessert but also an unforgettable experience, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even a delightful dessert.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 12 rolls

Ingredients needed

For the dough:
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg (for a shinier appearance)
- 4 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 300 ml lukewarm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)

For the filling:
- 50 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for a more intense flavor, use freshly ground cinnamon)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjustable to taste)
- Chocolate for decoration (either dark or milk chocolate, according to preference)

For brushing:
- 1 egg (beaten, for a shiny appearance)
- Chocolate for decoration (optional)

A little story about the rolls

These cinnamon and chocolate rolls have a rich tradition in global cuisine. Their origins are lost in the mists of time, but it is certain that these delights have been cherished by generations, becoming a symbol of comfort and warmth of home. The enticing aromas of cinnamon and chocolate weave together perfectly to create a culinary experience that makes us feel at home, no matter where we are.

Step by step: Preparing the rolls

1. Preparing the dough
- In a large bowl, sift the flour to avoid lumps. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the yeast, salt, and sugar. Gently mix to combine the dry ingredients.
- Add the oil and begin kneading the ingredients, gradually pouring in the lukewarm milk. It is essential that it is not hot, as it will affect the yeast's activity.
- Continue kneading until you obtain an elastic and homogeneous dough. This process can take about 10 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but don't overdo it!

2. Fermentation
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 1 hour or until it doubles in volume. This is a crucial phase, so don't skip it!

3. Preparing the filling
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the cinnamon and sugar. This mixture will add a deep flavor to the rolls. If you want a more intense taste, you can also add some chopped nuts or raisins.

4. Forming the rolls
- After the dough has risen, place it on a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangular sheet about 5 mm thick.
- Spread the butter and cinnamon mixture evenly over the sheet. Sprinkle the chocolate decoration on top, distributing it evenly.

5. Rolling the dough
- Roll the dough as tightly as possible to form a cylinder. It is essential to have a tight roll for the rolls to bake evenly.
- Using a knife dusted with flour to avoid sticking, cut the cylinder into pieces about 3-5 cm long.

6. Placing in the tray
- Arrange the rolls in a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to allow for rising during baking.
- Brush them with the beaten egg and, if desired, sprinkle a little chocolate decoration on top for an attractive appearance.

7. Baking
- Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden and fragrant. You will be greeted by an irresistible aroma that will make you want to rush to the oven!

8. Serving
- Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. They are delicious warm, but also at room temperature. You can add a chocolate glaze or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an even more decadent experience!

Useful tips
- Vegan option: You can replace the butter with vegan margarine and the milk with plant-based milk (almond, soy, or coconut).
- Additions: Experiment with different fillings by adding, for example, dried cranberries or chopped nuts. These add an interesting texture and flavor to the rolls.
- Storage: The rolls keep well in airtight containers for a few days. You can reheat them in the oven to bring them back to life.

Nutritional benefits
These cinnamon and chocolate rolls are not just tasty but also nutritious! Whole flour provides essential fiber, while cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar levels. Moderate consumption of dark chocolate, for example, can offer antioxidant benefits.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 8 g of dry yeast and add it directly to the flour.
- Can the rolls be frozen?
Absolutely! You can freeze the rolls before baking. Before baking, let them thaw and rise for about 30 minutes.
- What can I serve the rolls with?
These rolls go perfectly with a cup of flavored coffee, tea, or even warm milk.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! Cinnamon and chocolate rolls are perfect for bringing smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!