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Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Rolls Recipe

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These Cherry Chocolate Rolls, also known as Black Forest Rolls, combine rich cocoa dough with a luscious cherry and chocolate chip filling, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they offer a delightful balance of fruity tartness and chocolate sweetness encased in soft, tender rolls.

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, 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 the active dry yeast over the warm water (110°F), add 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, and stir to combine. Allow this mixture to sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes bubbly and active.
  2. Prepare Wet and Dry Mixtures: In the stand mixer bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture, whole milk, remaining granulated sugar, fine sea salt, and whisked egg; whisk to mix. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and unsweetened cocoa powder.
  3. Mix the Dough: Add one cup of the flour-cocoa mixture to the stand mixer. Using the dough hook, combine ingredients, then add the 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, add additional flour one tablespoon at a time as needed.
  4. First Proof: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for 60 minutes, allowing it to rise and develop.
  5. Make Filling: While the dough is resting, combine softened unsalted butter and vanilla bean paste until the mixture resembles mayonnaise consistency. Set aside.
  6. Roll and Fill Dough: Transfer the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into an 18 x 12-inch rectangle. Evenly spread the prepared vanilla butter over the dough, leaving a ¼-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle dark brown sugar evenly over the butter followed by white chocolate chips, chocolate chips, and the halved fresh Bing cherries. Gently press the filling into the dough, then sprinkle two pinches of kosher salt over the filling.
  7. Shape Rolls and Second Proof: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Place the slices into a lightly greased 13×9-inch baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed.
  8. Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the rolls uncovered for 28-30 minutes until fully cooked and set. Allow the rolls to cool slightly in the pan before glazing.
  9. Prepare and Apply Glaze: Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, vanilla bean paste, and whole milk until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding milk one teaspoon at a time if necessary. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the water used to activate yeast is warm but not hot (about 110°F) to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Fresh Bing cherries provide a classic Black Forest flavor, but frozen or other sweet cherries can be used if fresh are unavailable. Just thaw and drain them well.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut oil and use a non-dairy milk for the glaze.
  • If dough seems too sticky during kneading, add flour gradually to prevent toughness.
  • These rolls are best served warm on the day of baking but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

Keywords: Cherry chocolate rolls, Black Forest rolls, chocolate rolls, cherry dessert, sweet rolls, baked dessert, vanilla glaze rolls

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