Super Soft Chocolate Espresso Rolls: A Cozy Chocolate & Coffee Treat

Published: 4 Feb 2026

There’s nothing quite like a warm, soft chocolate roll fresh from the oven. Add a hint of espresso, and you have a luxurious chocolate espresso roll that is tender, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat. These rolls combine fluffy yeast dough with a rich chocolate and coffee filling, offering a bakery-quality experience at home.

Whether you’re baking for the fall season, winter desserts, or a cozy brunch, this recipe will guide you every step of the way. Don’t forget to check our homepage for more chocolate sweet rolls and espresso baked goods recipes.

Table of Content

What Are Super Soft Chocolate Espresso Rolls?

Super soft chocolate espresso rolls are yeast-based sweet rolls filled with a mix of cocoa, chocolate, and espresso. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, these rolls carry the bold flavors of chocolate and coffee, perfectly balanced with a soft, airy dough.

They are often served:

As a warm breakfast or brunch treat
For coffee mornings or special gatherings
During fall and winter when cozy desserts are a must

The combination of soft yeast dough, melty chocolate, and espresso flavor makes these rolls irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super soft texture: Tender and bakery-style rolls with a light crumb
Chocolate and espresso flavor: Perfect balance of sweetness and rich coffee aroma
Versatile for occasions: Great for fall rolls, winter desserts, or casual gatherings
Beginner-friendly: With step-by-step guidance, even novice bakers can succeed

These rolls are a delicious way to combine chocolate winter desserts with espresso baked goods for a comforting homemade treat.

Ingredients You Will Need

For the Dough

1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
1/4 cup warm water (for yeast activation)
2 1/4 tsp instant or active dry yeast
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg

For the Chocolate-Espresso Filling

1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp espresso powder or instant coffee
1/2 cup chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate

For the Glaze (Optional)

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk or cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: 1/2 tsp espresso powder for extra flavor

Equipment You Will Need

Large mixing bowl or stand mixer with dough hook
Rolling pin
9×13-inch baking pan
Knife or unflavored dental floss for clean cuts
Small bowl and whisk for glaze
Pastry brush for butter

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Super Soft Chocolate Espresso Rolls

This core recipe section guides you through the full process for perfect, soft rolls.

7 Step Recipe Formula

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, mix warm milk, warm water, and sugar.
Sprinkle yeast over the surface and stir lightly.
Let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. Foaming indicates active yeast.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
Add foamy yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter.
Mix until a rough dough forms.
Knead:
- By hand: 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic
- With stand mixer: 6–8 minutes on medium speed with dough hook
Dough should be soft, slightly tacky, and smooth.
Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate-Espresso Filling

In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and espresso powder.
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Stir in chopped chocolate pieces for pockets of melty goodness.
Filling should be spreadable, not runny. Adjust sugar or cocoa if necessary.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough to release air.
On a floured surface, roll dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
Spread chocolate-espresso filling evenly over the dough.
Starting at a long edge, roll dough into a tight log.
Cut log into 10–12 equal pieces with a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan with slight gaps between each.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover rolls with a clean towel.
Let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Proper rising ensures the rolls stay airy and soft.

Step 6: Bake the Rolls

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes until tops are golden and fill bubbles slightly.
Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft, tender texture.

Step 7: Optional Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and optional espresso powder until smooth.
Drizzle glaze over warm rolls.
Allow glaze to seep into spirals for extra sweetness and shine.

Tips for Perfect Super Soft Rolls

Use warm, not hot liquids for yeast activation.
Do not rush rises — allow dough to double and then rise again after shaping.
Use dental floss to cut rolls for clean spirals without squishing the dough.
Brush tops with melted butter before baking for an extra golden crust.
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container; reheat before serving for freshness.

Flavor and Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with coffee or milk.
Add chopped nuts or extra chocolate chips for texture.
Turn into chocolate winter desserts with spiced glaze (cinnamon or orange zest).
Perfect for fall rolls, breakfast, brunch, or festive occasions.

Variations to Try

Mocha Morning Rolls: Coffee butter filling with espresso glaze for breakfast.
Chocolate Sweet Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap glaze for cream cheese frosting for a rich finish.
Espresso Babka-Style Buns: Brioche-style dough swirled with chocolate espresso filling for bakery-quality rolls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I prepare these rolls ahead?
Yes, assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let rise at room temperature before baking.

Q: Can the dough be frozen?
Freeze unbaked rolls after shaping. Thaw and allow a second rise before baking.

Q: What if I don’t have espresso powder?
Instant coffee granules work fine; the flavor will be slightly milder.

Health Notes and Ingredient Swaps

Swap milk for almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free version.
Reduce sugar slightly for less sweetness.
Use whole wheat or bread flour for a slightly heartier texture.

Conclusion

These super soft chocolate espresso rolls are tender, rich, and full of coffee-chocolate goodness. Perfect for fall baking, winter desserts, or cozy brunches, they bring the bakery experience right into your kitchen.

Try them warm with a cup of coffee, and watch them disappear in no time! Don’t forget to visit our homepage for more chocolate sweet rolls, espresso baked goods, and cozy baked treats.