Name: Chocolate Croissant Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cans Pillsbury crescent rolls; 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter, softened; 2 tablespoons cocoa powder; ¾ cup brown sugar, packed; 1 tablespoon cinnamon; ½ cup mini chocolate chips; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream

If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect combo between a croissant and a cinnamon roll, you’re going to flip for this Chocolate Croissant Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. I first tried making these little delights (also known as cruffins) on a lazy Sunday morning, and let me tell you, my kitchen smelled like heaven for hours. The flaky layers of buttery crescent dough, layered with rich cocoa and warm cinnamon sugar, plus that creamy frosting on top? Pure magic. Stick with me—I’ll show you how to make these irresistible treats so your family or guests go wild just like mine do!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy to Make: Using canned crescent rolls makes this impressive dessert totally doable even on busy days.
Irresistible Flavor Combo: Chocolate meets cinnamon sugar goodness in a flaky, buttery croissant roll that hits all the right notes.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From weekend brunch to a cozy dessert, these roll-ups always impress without stress.
Customizable Frosting: You control the sweetness and creaminess, making it as rich or light as you like.

The image shows a close-up of two cinnamon rolls on a white plate with one roll cut in half showing its inside with visible layers. The rolls have multiple layers of golden brown dough with dark brown cinnamon filling swirled inside. They are topped with white icing that is drizzled over them and small chocolate chips scattered on the icing. In the background, there is a white plate holding more cinnamon rolls that are perfectly formed with the same layers and toppings. The setting is on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth under the plates. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chocolate Croissant Cinnamon Rolls, croissant cinnamon rolls with chocolate, easy chocolate cinnamon rolls, flaky cinnamon roll recipe, brunch dessert ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work so well together because the store-bought crescent dough gives you buttery layers without the fuss, and the cocoa-cinnamon combo adds that comfort flavor punch. Mini chocolate chips puff up in the oven for little melty pockets of joy. Quick tip: Keep your butter softened but not melting for an easy spread!

Flat lay of three cans of pale crescent roll dough sheets neatly folded, a stick of smooth softened butter, a small white ceramic bowl of rich dark brown cocoa powder, a small white bowl filled with packed golden brown sugar, a small white bowl holding cinnamon powder with warm reddish-brown hues, scattered glossy mini chocolate chips, a small white bowl with fine white powdered sugar, a small white bowl with melted pale yellow butter, a small white bowl containing clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl of fresh cream or milk with a slight sheen, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Chocolate Croissant Cinnamon Rolls, croissant cinnamon rolls with chocolate, easy chocolate cinnamon rolls, flaky cinnamon roll recipe, brunch dessert ideas

Pillsbury crescent rolls: This is the base that makes this recipe super simple—just remember to pinch those perforations tightly so your roll doesn’t unravel.
Butter, softened: Softened, not melted—makes spreading the cocoa mixture easy-peasy.
Cocoa powder: Adds that deep chocolate flavor; I prefer unsweetened for balance.
Brown sugar: Gives a beautiful caramel vibe alongside cinnamon.
Cinnamon: The warm spice that brings everything together.
Mini chocolate chips: Tiny bursts of chocolate that melt perfectly during baking.
Powdered sugar: For creamy, dreamy frosting.
Melted butter (for frosting): Makes the frosting silky smooth.
Vanilla extract: A little goes a long way for richer flavor.
Milk or cream: Adjusts your frosting to the perfect drizzle consistency.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the coolest things about this Chocolate Croissant Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to switch things up to suit your tastes or dietary needs. I love trying new flavors by swapping out ingredients or adjusting toppings!

Nutty Addition: When I added chopped toasted pecans or walnuts inside the roll before baking, it gave a lovely crunch that my family really loved.
Spiced Up: You can kick the cinnamon up a notch with a dash of nutmeg or cardamom—my friends always ask what my secret spice blend is.
Dairy-Free Twist: Use a plant-based butter substitute and almond milk for the frosting, and the flavor stays rich and buttery.
Extra Chocolate: Try adding a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top after frosting—you’ll feel like you’re indulging in a bakery masterpiece.

How to Make Chocolate Croissant Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a nonstick muffin pan and give it a good spray with cooking spray so the rolls don’t stick—trust me, using a nonstick pan here saves a lot of headaches later.

Step 2: Make That Chocolatey Butter Spread

In a small bowl, stir the softened butter and cocoa powder together until it’s a smooth, chocolatey mixture. This is the base of your flavor bomb, so don’t rush—smooth is key for even spreading on the dough.

Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar and Chocolate Chips

Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips in a separate bowl. This mixture creates the gooey pockets of cinnamon and chocolate that you’ll savor with every bite. I like to mix this up fresh so the sugar stays nice and fluffy.

Step 4: Roll Out and Layer the Crescent Dough

Roll out one can of crescent dough on a lightly floured surface or silicone mat. Be sure to pinch the perforations together so that the dough behaves like one solid sheet and doesn’t separate. Spread about one-third of your chocolate butter mixture evenly over the dough, then sprinkle on a third of your cinnamon sugar and chocolate chip blend.

Step 5: Shape the Croissant Cinnamon Rolls

Roll the dough up tightly from the long end, then cut the roll in half crosswise to get two logs. Each log gets sliced lengthwise, too, giving you four strips in total. Now here’s the fun part: wrap each strip around your finger with the cut side facing up and nestle it into the muffin pan. This technique gives you that signature flaky cruffin look and texture.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Pop them in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes until they’re golden brown and puffed up. I find that every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on them after the 15-minute mark to avoid over-baking.

Step 7: Whip Up the Creamy Frosting

While your rolls bake, mix powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and 1–2 tablespoons milk in a bowl. I usually add about 3 tablespoons milk to get the right runny consistency for drizzling—but add milk slowly, so it doesn’t get too thin. This frosting gives your cacao-cinnamon rolls a sweet, luscious finish.

Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Spoon the frosting generously over warm cruffins just out of the oven. If you want to get fancy, sprinkle a few extra mini chocolate chips on top for that final touch. These are best eaten warm but trust me—they can disappear fast!

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Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Croissant Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Keep Dough Cold: It’s tempting to warm the crescent rolls to make spreading easier, but cooler dough helps keep layers flaky and prevents the buttery filling from soaking through too fast.
Use a Sharp Knife: When cutting your rolled dough into logs, a sharp knife avoids squashing the layers—this means puffier, flakier croissant rolls.
Don’t Overbake: Watch the oven close toward the end; overbaking dries out the delicate layers. Golden brown with a little shine is perfect.
Adjust Frosting Consistency: I learned to start frosting with less milk—it’s easier to thin down than thicken up, so go slow and taste as you go.

How to Serve Chocolate Croissant Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Chocolate Croissant Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a few extra mini chocolate chips or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting right before serving—it adds a little texture and a pop of color that makes the rolls look straight from a bakery.

Side Dishes

Pair these cruffins with a fresh fruit salad or a cup of strong coffee or chai tea for a cozy morning treat or afternoon pick-me-up. The fruit’s brightness balances the rich chocolate and cinnamon flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch with friends, I like setting the cruffins in a pretty tiered stand alongside fresh berries and whipped cream. Another fun idea is to place a single cruffin in a small dessert bowl with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—instantly turning it into a decadent dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay soft but if you find they’re starting to dry, a quick zap in the microwave revives the softness nicely.

Freezing

Freezing works great! Wrap each cruffin tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I recommend reheating in a 325°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to get that flaky texture back, or microwave for 15-20 seconds if you’re in a hurry—just watch they don’t get rubbery!

FAQs

Can I use homemade croissant dough instead of canned crescent rolls?

Absolutely! Homemade croissant dough will work beautifully and deliver an even flakier texture. Just remember it requires more time and skill, so if you’re short on time, canned crescent rolls are a fantastic shortcut.
Do I have to add chocolate chips?

Nope, they’re optional! But I highly recommend them for extra melty chocolate surprises in each bite. If you prefer, you could swap them out with chopped nuts or dried fruit.
How do I make the frosting thicker or thinner?

Start by adding just a tablespoon of milk (or cream) and mix well. Add more slowly to thin it out. If it gets too thin, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken. This way, you can nail your perfect frosting consistency every time.
Can I prepare these ahead of time before baking?

Yes! You can assemble them, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring them to room temperature and then bake as usual.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Chocolate Croissant Cinnamon Rolls Recipe gives you that bakery brilliance without the fuss, and I’m pretty sure once you try making them, you’ll feel the same. The balance of crisp flakiness, cinnamon-cocoa warmth, and frosting sweetness makes them my go-to when I want to impress with minimal effort. So next time you crave something cozy and chocolaty, pull out those crescent rolls and get rolling—you deserve it!