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Cherry Chocolate Rolls (Black Forest Rolls) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 84 reviews

These Cherry Chocolate Rolls, inspired by the classic Black Forest flavors, combine rich cocoa dough with fresh Bing cherries, white and dark chocolate chips, and a sweet vanilla butter filling. Soft, tender, and perfectly sweet, they are topped with a luscious vanilla glaze, making them an irresistible treat for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • ¼ cup warm water (about 110°F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup whole milk (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 large egg (whisked)
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Filling Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter (softened, room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
  • 5 tablespoons dark brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips
  • ⅓ cup chocolate chips
  • 1 ½ cups fresh Bing cherries (pitted and halved)
  • 2 pinches kosher salt

Vanilla Glaze Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
  • 3 tablespoons whole milk (or heavy cream)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: Sprinkle yeast over warm water and add 1 tsp of sugar. Stir to combine and let sit for 5-7 minutes until the mixture bubbles and the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the dissolved yeast mixture, milk, remaining sugar, salt, and whisked egg. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and cocoa powder.
  3. Form Dough: Add one cup of the flour mixture to the stand mixer and use the hook attachment to mix. Follow by adding coconut oil. Gradually add the remaining flour mixture, one cup at a time, kneading until the dough is smooth and cleans the sides of the bowl. If the dough is too sticky, incorporate 1 tablespoon more flour.
  4. Let Dough Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for 60 minutes until it doubles in size.
  5. Prepare Filling: While the dough rests, stir together the softened butter and vanilla bean paste until it reaches a mayonnaise-like consistency. Set aside.
  6. Roll Out Dough and Add Filling: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it into an 18×12-inch rectangle. Spread the vanilla butter evenly over the dough, leaving a ¼-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle dark brown sugar over the butter, then evenly distribute white and dark chocolate chips along with the halved cherries. Gently press the filling into the dough and sprinkle with kosher salt.
  7. Shape and Second Rise: Roll the dough tightly into a log along the long side and cut into 12 equal slices. Place the slices cut side up into a lightly greased 13×9-inch pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap and bake the rolls for 28-30 minutes until baked through and slightly firm on top. Allow to cool slightly before glazing.
  9. Make Vanilla Glaze and Serve: Mix together confectioners’ sugar, vanilla bean paste, and milk until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding milk 1 teaspoon at a time if needed. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and serve.

Notes

  • Ensure water used to activate yeast is warm, not hot, to prevent killing the yeast.
  • If dough feels too sticky, flour can be added gradually but avoid adding too much to keep rolls tender.
  • Use fresh Bing cherries for the best flavor and texture; frozen cherries may release too much juice.
  • The vanilla butter filling can be made ahead and kept refrigerated until ready to use.
  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
  • Vanilla glaze consistency is adjustable; thinner glaze will drizzle more easily, thicker glaze can be used for a more defined coating.

Keywords: Cherry Chocolate Rolls, Black Forest Rolls, Chocolate Cherry Buns, Sweet Rolls, Cocoa Dough, Vanilla Glaze

Find it online: https://famdishes.com/cherry-chocolate-rolls-black-forest-rolls-recipe/