Hot Chocolate Rolls with Marshmallow Icing

Cooking Method: Bake

Cuisine: American, Swedish

Courses: Dessert

Difficulty: Intermediate

Dietary: Chocolate, Flours + Cereals, Grains

Description

Soft, cocoa-swirled rolls inspired by a mug of hot chocolate, finished with fluffy marshmallow icing that melts into every spiral. Cozy, indulgent, and perfect for tearing apart during the fourth quarter—or anytime winter calls for comfort.

Ingredients

Sweet Yeast Dough (From Scratch)

¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 egg + 1 egg yolk, room temperature
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
3–3½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt

Hot Chocolate Filling

2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup cocoa powder
½ cup brown sugar

Marshmallow Icing

½ cup marshmallow fluff
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tbsp milk (more if needed)
½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Sweet Yeast Dough Instructions

1
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2
Whisk in egg, egg yolk, and melted butter.
3
Add 3 cups flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4
Knead by hand or mixer 5–7 minutes, adding remaining flour as needed, until smooth and elastic.
5
Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1½ hours, until doubled in size.

Hot Chocolate Filling Instructions

6
Roll risen dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
7
Brush evenly with melted butter.
8
Sprinkle cocoa powder and brown sugar evenly over the dough.
9
Roll tightly from the long side and slice into 9–12 rolls.
10
Marshmallow Icing Instructions
11
Beat all icing ingredients until smooth, fluffy, and spreadable.
12
Set aside at room temperature until ready to use.

Baking Instructions

13
Place rolls in a buttered baking dish.
14
Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
15
Bake at 350°F for 22–25 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through.
16
Spread marshmallow icing over warm rolls so it gently melts into the spirals.

Note

Serving Notes

Best served warm, pull-apart style
Pair with hot chocolate, coffee, or a vanilla latte
Ideal for sharing straight from the baking dish

Perfect For

Fourth quarter desserts • Snow days • Post-game sweetness • Winter weekends

Keywords: chocolate rolls, marshmallow icing, hot chocolate dessert, cozy winter baking, Swede Dish

Make-Ahead Options (Highly Recommended)

Overnight Rise (Best for Game Day)

After slicing rolls, place in baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight.
Remove from fridge 30–45 minutes before baking, then bake as directed.

Dough Prep Ahead

Prepare dough and complete first rise.
Refrigerate dough (covered) up to 24 hours before rolling and filling.

Freezer Option

Freeze unbaked rolls after slicing.
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then rise at room temp before baking.