Chocolate Rolls with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Craving a dessert that’s rich, sweet, and totally irresistible? These Chocolate Rolls with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect treat for anyone who loves a decadent combination of chocolate and fresh strawberry flavors!

Imagine soft, fluffy chocolate rolls filled with rich cocoa flavor, topped with a tangy, creamy strawberry cream cheese frosting. It’s a sweet, indulgent dessert that brings together the best of chocolate and berries in every bite.

These chocolate rolls are the ultimate dessert for any occasion—whether you’re enjoying a cozy afternoon or impressing guests at a special event. The creamy strawberry frosting perfectly balances the rich chocolate, making each bite a pure delight.

Ready to enjoy this sweet and decadent treat? Let’s bake up these Chocolate Rolls with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting and indulge in a delicious dessert today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bakery-Worthy at Home: These rolls are pillowy and chocolatey, like something from your favorite café.
• Strawberry Cream Cheese Glaze: Adds a fresh twist that cuts through the richness in just the right way.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
• Vegan-Friendly Base: No eggs or dairy in the dough or filling.
• Fun to Bake: A hands-on, comforting recipe great for weekends or baking with kids.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Rise Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours
Total Time: ~3 hours (including rise time)
Servings: Makes 8 large rolls
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly with a little patience

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Rolling pin
• 9-inch round or square baking pan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stand mixer (optional, but helpful)
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Clean towel or plastic wrap (for proofing)

Ingredients

Dough

• 1 cup non-dairy milk (almond, soy, or oat all work)
• 3 tablespoons organic cane sugar
• 2¼ teaspoons traditional yeast (1 standard packet)
• ¼ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling)
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Filling

• 3 tablespoons coconut oil, softened
• ¼ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
• ⅓ cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Glaze

• ¼ cup vegan plain cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tablespoons strawberry puree (about 2 large ripe strawberries blended)
• ⅓ cup icing sugar (aka powdered sugar)

Variations for Chocolate Rolls

• Add Fresh Berries: Sprinkle chopped strawberries or raspberries over the filling before rolling.
• Nutty Crunch: Add finely chopped toasted hazelnuts or pecans with the chocolate filling.
• Spiced Option: Mix ½ tsp cinnamon into the filling for a warm twist.
• Non-Vegan Version: Use regular milk, butter, and cream cheese if you’re not avoiding dairy.
• Extra Chocolate: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate on top of the glaze.

How to Make Chocolate Rolls Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Warm the Milk and Bloom the Yeast

Warm the non-dairy milk until just warm to the touch (not hot — around 100–110°F). Stir in the sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This shows the yeast is active.

2. Make the Dough

Pour the bloomed yeast mixture into a large bowl. Add the oil and salt. Stir in the flour one cup at a time. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes on a lightly floured surface (or use a dough hook on a mixer) until it’s smooth and elastic.

3. First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 60–75 minutes, or until doubled in size.

4. Make the Filling

While the dough rises, mix the softened coconut oil, sugar, cocoa powder, and sea salt into a smooth paste. Set aside. You can also stir in the chocolate chips now or sprinkle them directly when spreading the filling.

5. Roll Out and Fill

After the dough has risen, punch it down. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12×16 inches.
Spread the chocolate filling evenly all over, leaving a small border at the edges. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly if you didn’t mix them into the filling.

6. Roll and Slice

Carefully roll the dough from the long side into a tight log. Slice into 8 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for cleaner cuts.

7. Second Rise

Place the rolls cut side up in a greased 9-inch round or square baking pan. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes, until puffy.

8. Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, until just golden and cooked through. They should feel soft but set in the center.

Serving and Decoration

These rolls are best served warm when the chocolate is melty and the glaze is soft and creamy.

• Frosting the Rolls: Let the rolls cool for 10 minutes, then spread the strawberry cream cheese glaze over the top while they’re still slightly warm. This allows the glaze to melt a bit and soak in without sliding off completely.
• Extra Garnish: For a pretty touch, top with sliced fresh strawberries or a light dusting of cocoa powder.

How to Serve Chocolate Rolls

• Weekend Brunch: Serve with coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat.
• Dessert Plate: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
• Holiday Breakfast: These are great for Valentine’s Day, Christmas morning, or Mother’s Day brunch.

Storing Chocolate Rolls

• Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep for 4–5 days in the fridge. Reheat gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving.
• Freezer: You can freeze unfrosted rolls. Wrap individually in plastic and foil, then freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before adding glaze.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Soft Dough is Key: Don’t over-flour your dough. It should be slightly tacky, not dry.
• Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best glaze flavor, use ripe, sweet berries. Blend and strain if you want it extra smooth.
• Even Rolls: Use unflavored dental floss to slice rolls cleanly without squishing.
• Let Them Rise Properly: Don’t rush the rise times. It’s what gives the rolls their soft, fluffy texture.

Nutrition (Per Roll – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	310
Total Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	6g
Carbohydrates	42g
Sugars	18g
Protein	4g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	120mg

Chocolate Rolls FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Prep the night before, let them rise in the fridge overnight, and bake fresh in the morning.

Can I use regular cream cheese?
Absolutely. Swap vegan cream cheese for dairy if you’re not avoiding it.

What if I don’t have strawberries?
Use raspberry or cherry puree, or just make a vanilla cream cheese glaze instead.

Can I freeze the rolls?
Yes, freeze before frosting. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Rolls with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting are warm, sweet, and satisfying with a playful twist. They’re a great way to celebrate a weekend morning, a holiday, or just a moment of quiet joy. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just trying something new, this recipe is a keeper.