Melting Chocolate-Cranberry Rolls

Name: Melting Chocolate-Cranberry Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 rolls
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet instant yeast; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup warm milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 eggs; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup fresh cranberries; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making Melting Chocolate-Cranberry Rolls, especially during the holiday season when everyone is craving sweet treats. The combination of rich chocolate and tangy cranberries creates a delightful balance that's impossible to resist. I found that letting the rolls rise slowly not only enhances the texture but also allows the flavors to develop beautifully. When I bake these rolls, the aroma fills the kitchen and brings a sense of warmth that makes everyone gather around. Trust me, these are a perfect indulgence.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-16T14:52:28.863Z

Baking has always been a passion of mine, and these Melting Chocolate-Cranberry Rolls exemplify the joy I find in blending flavors. There’s something magical about watching the dough rise and transform, especially when you know chocolate and cranberries will soon come together in a heavenly snack. I’ve experimented with different fillings, but this combination is a clear favorite with family and friends.

Using fresh cranberries can elevate these rolls, giving them a tart contrast to the rich chocolate. The secret to success is to allow the rolls to chill slightly before baking; this enhances their texture and the flavors meld perfectly. The anticipation is always worth it when they come out, warm and inviting!

        Why You'll Love These Rolls
        Decadent blend of chocolate and sweet-tart cranberries
Soft, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfectly sweet for a delightful breakfast or dessert
Easy to make and impressive to serve for any occasion

      

Dough Development

The dough for Melting Chocolate-Cranberry Rolls is crucial for achieving that soft, fluffy texture that makes each bite melt away. Using warm milk not only activates the instant yeast but also helps in creating a tender crumb. Be mindful of not overheating the milk; it should feel warm to the touch—around 110°F (43°C) is ideal. Kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic ensures that you develop the gluten, which will give the rolls their structure while still allowing for a light and airy interior.

Once your dough has risen, it’s essential to punch it down gently to release any excess air. This step helps maintain the dough’s moisture and contributes to an overall better bread structure. If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) with the door cracked open, which can create a perfect environment for the yeast to work effectively.

Filling Flavor Boost

The filling blend of chocolate chips and cranberries is where the magic truly happens. Fresh cranberries provide a tart contrast that enhances the richness of the semi-sweet chocolate. If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can substitute them with dried cranberries; just consider soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes to plump them up before mixing. This helps them maintain some moisture during baking and prevents them from becoming overly chewy.

Incorporating brown sugar and cinnamon into the filling adds a warm, caramelized depth. The sugar melts during baking, creating small pockets of gooey sweetness that complement the chocolate. Make sure to distribute the filling evenly before rolling to prevent any dry spots, which can leave parts of the rolls lacking that heavenly flavor combination.

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet instant yeast
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 eggs

Filling Ingredients

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup fresh cranberries
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Topping Ingredients

1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients thoroughly and prepare your rolls with love!

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and knead until smooth and elastic.

Let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, mix together chocolate chips, cranberries, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.

Assemble the Rolls

Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough and roll tightly. Cut into 12 equal rolls and place in a greased baking dish.

Second Rise

Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise for another 15 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake

Bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let them cool slightly.

Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

Enjoy your fluffy, decadent rolls!

Pro Tips

For the best results, use fresh cranberries, and let the rolls cool slightly before glazing for a gorgeous finish.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to prepare these rolls in advance, you can make the dough a day ahead and allow it to rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. This method also develops the flavor further, making for an even more delicious roll. Just remember to bring the dough back to room temperature before rolling it out and adding the filling.

Once baked, these rolls can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked rolls. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply pop them in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

These Melting Chocolate-Cranberry Rolls make an indulgent breakfast option or a decadent dessert. For an extra special touch, consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the warm rolls with cold cream adds another delightful layer to the experience.

If you're looking to elevate the presentation, sprinkle some extra powdered sugar over the rolls right before serving. You can also drizzle some dark chocolate or a berry coulis on top for a stunning visual that will impress your guests and make the rolls even more irresistible.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can, but fresh cranberries provide a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the chocolate.

→ How do I store leftover rolls?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

→ Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and then shape and bake the rolls the next day.

→ What can I substitute for milk?

You can use any non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk as a substitute for the warm milk in the dough.