Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy chocolate roll swirled with rich cocoa and topped with a vibrant pink strawberry cream cheese frosting that melts slightly into the crevices. These Chocolate Rolls with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting combine the comforting warmth of freshly baked sweet rolls with the irresistible pairing of chocolate and strawberry.
Perfect for weekend brunches, special occasions, or whenever you need a delightful treat to brighten your day, these rolls strike the perfect balance between decadence and homemade charm. The contrast between the deep chocolate dough and the bright, tangy frosting creates a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This
- Make-ahead friendly: prepare the dough the night before and bake in the morning for fresh rolls without the early wake-up
- Impressive presentation with minimal effort – the swirled design and pink frosting create a wow factor
- Perfect balance of flavors – rich chocolate paired with tangy-sweet strawberry cream cheese
- Versatile treat that works for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or afternoon tea
- Freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy one roll at a time whenever the craving strikes
Ingredients
- Organic cane sugar: 3 tbsp, for dough.
- Non-dairy milk: 1 cup, for dough.
- Traditional yeast: 2¼ tsp, for leavening.
- Vegetable oil: 1/4 cup, for dough.
- All-purpose flour: 2½ cups, for dough structure.
- Salt: 1/4 tsp, for dough flavor balance.
- Coconut oil: 3 tbsp, for filling.
- Chocolate chips: 1/4 cup, for filling.
- Coconut sugar: 1/3 cup, for filling sweetness.
- Cocoa powder: 2 tbsp, for filling flavor.
- Sea salt: 1/4 tsp, for filling.
- Vegan plain cream cheese: 1/4 cup, for frosting.
- Strawberry puree: 2 tbsp (about 2 large strawberries), for frosting flavor.
- Icing sugar: 1/3 cup, for frosting sweetness.
Instructions
- Warm the non-dairy milk with organic cane sugar until slightly warm. Stir in the yeast and allow it to froth for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Add the vegetable oil and yeast mixture, then knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- For the filling, melt coconut oil and chocolate chips together. Stir in the coconut sugar, cocoa powder, and sea salt until fully combined.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread the filling evenly over the surface.
- Roll the dough up tightly from one long side and slice into 10 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes, until the rolls are golden.
- For the frosting, blend vegan cream cheese with strawberry puree, then gradually add icing sugar until smooth. Adjust consistency with additional puree or non-dairy milk if desired.
- Once the rolls are cooled, spread the frosting generously over the top and serve.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, add 2 tablespoons of espresso powder to the dough to enhance the chocolate flavor
- No fresh strawberries? Use 3 tablespoons of strawberry preserves instead
- Make it vegan by substituting plant-based butter, milk, and cream cheese alternatives
- Add a touch of pink food coloring to the frosting if your strawberries don’t provide enough color
- For a quick version, use store-bought chocolate sweet roll dough and focus on the homemade strawberry frosting
- Try adding orange zest to the dough for a chocolate-orange variation that pairs beautifully with the strawberry frosting
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate rolls are delightful on their own, but pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or cold glass of milk. For an extra special brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit and a savory egg dish for balance.
For dessert, warm a roll slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The contrast between warm roll and cold ice cream creates a delightful temperature play that elevates this already special treat.
Notes
- Rolls are best enjoyed the day they’re made but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
- For longer storage, freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 1 month and frost after thawing
- The rolls are done when they spring back slightly when touched and reach an internal temperature of 190°F
- Store leftover frosting separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
FAQs
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the rolls through the cutting and placing in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking.
Why didn’t my dough rise properly?
Check that your yeast is fresh and that your milk wasn’t too hot (which can kill the yeast). Also, ensure you’re letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the frosting?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well first to remove excess moisture, or your frosting might become too runny.
How do I get clean slices when cutting the roll?
Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife. For the floss method, slide it under the roll, cross it over the top, and pull to create a clean cut without squishing the dough.
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