Melting Chocolate-Cranberry Rolls

Name: Melting Chocolate-Cranberry Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 rolls
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp active dry yeast; 1 cup warm milk; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 cup dried cranberries; Powdered sugar (optional)

Highlighted under: Cozy Dessert Classics

I love making Melting Chocolate-Cranberry Rolls because they combine rich chocolate with the tartness of cranberries, achieving a perfect balance. Each bite is a delightful surprise, with a gooey center that melts in your mouth. Whenever I serve these rolls, they disappear in minutes, and I find joy in sharing this indulgent treat with family and friends. It's a simple yet impressive recipe that brightens up any occasion, from brunch to dessert. Trust me, they'll love every bite as much as I do!

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-01-16T13:30:28.515Z

Making these Melting Chocolate-Cranberry Rolls became a cherished pastime for me during the chilly months. The process of mixing the dough, infusing it with chocolate and cranberries, and watching them rise in the oven fills my kitchen with a warm, enticing aroma. I've found that letting the dough rest a bit longer enhances its fluffiness, so don't rush this step!

The first time I served these rolls, the sweet-tart combination wowed my guests. They loved the surprise of the melting chocolate inside, which inspired me to create variations with different fillings! I highly recommend topping them off with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

        Why You'll Love These Rolls
        Decadent melted chocolate with a burst of tart cranberries
Fluffy texture that's irresistibly soft and buttery
Perfect for both breakfast treats and as a satisfying dessert

      

Mastering the Dough

The base of these Melting Chocolate-Cranberry Rolls hinges on a well-kneaded dough. When mixing the dough, ensure you activate the yeast properly by using warm milk—not hot, as that can kill the yeast. The ideal temperature is between 100°F to 110°F. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy texture. After mixing the wet and dry ingredients, you should have a slightly sticky dough. Don't worry if it seems a bit tacky; as you knead it on a floured surface, it will become smooth and elastic.

Kneading is not just about combining ingredients; it develops gluten, which gives the rolls their signature fluffiness. Aim for a kneading time of about five minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You can test if it’s ready by performing the ‘windowpane test’—stretch a small piece of dough; if it holds together without tearing, it’s good to go. Allowing the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size is essential for achieving that airy texture, so choose a nice draft-free corner of your kitchen.

Filling and Forming

The magic of these rolls lies in the combination of chocolate and cranberries. When you roll out the dough, aim for a rectangle roughly ½ inch thick; this thickness allows the insides to meld beautifully. Distributing the chocolate chips and cranberries evenly is key. You want every bite to offer a generous taste of both the rich chocolate and the tangy cranberries. If you prefer a less sweet roll, you can reduce the amount of chocolate chips or substitute with a dark chocolate variety for more depth of flavor.

When rolling the dough into a log, ensure it’s tight enough to keep the fillings secure but not so tight that it pushes them out when the dough rises. A serrated knife works best for cutting the log into equal pieces, which will ensure even baking. Using a ruler to gauge your sections can be helpful if you like precision. This step can significantly impact both the presentation and texture; even-sized rolls bake uniformly, leading to that perfectly golden and soft outcome.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your delicious rolls!

For the Rolls

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup dried cranberries

For Topping

Powdered sugar (optional)

Make sure to measure everything accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake the perfect Melting Chocolate-Cranberry Rolls.

Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. Add the softened butter, eggs, salt, and flour.

Mix until a soft dough forms.

Knead and Rise

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Add Fillings

Punch the dough down and roll it out into a large rectangle. Sprinkle chocolate chips and cranberries evenly over the surface. Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.

Second Rise

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar if desired.

Enjoy your freshly baked rolls with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For a unique twist, try adding chopped nuts or different dried fruits to the filling for added texture and flavor.

Storing and Reheating

These Melting Chocolate-Cranberry Rolls are perfect for making ahead of time. Once baked, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh for about 2-3 days. If you wish to keep them longer, consider freezing unbaked rolls. Just place the cut rolls on a baking sheet to freeze individually for a couple of hours before transferring them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to a month, making for a quick treat when needed.

To reheat frozen rolls, simply let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will revive the fluffy texture and melt the chocolate center again. Be careful not to overbake them, or they may lose that delightful gooeyness. A light dusting of powdered sugar after reheating brings back that fresh-out-of-the-oven aesthetic.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Feel free to experiment with the fillings! For a twist, try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch alongside the cranberries. If cranberries aren’t your favorite, you could substitute with another dried fruit, such as cherries or apricots. Each will add a different flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the melted chocolate. Drizzling a bit of caramel or a splash of orange zest can also elevate the flavors for a special occasion.

When it comes to serving, these rolls are versatile. They shine as a sweet breakfast item or a comforting dessert, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to enhance the indulgence. They can also be cut into smaller portions for bite-sized desserts at a party or gathering. No matter how you serve them, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, but fresh cranberries are more tart. You may want to adjust the sugar to balance the flavors.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping.

→ What variations can I try?

You can experiment with different fillings like nuts, dried figs, or even caramel bits for a unique flavor twist!