Sourdough Chocolate Rolls
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that marries the tangy goodness of sourdough with rich, velvety chocolate, then you’ve come to the right place! My Sourdough Chocolate Rolls are a cherished recipe that I’ve made countless times for family gatherings and cozy weekend brunches. They’re soft, fluffy, and filled with ribbons of chocolate goodness that will make any chocolate lover swoon. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, these rolls are not just a dessert; they bring joy and warmth to any table.
Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly baked rolls, or surprising your loved ones with a sweet treat after dinner. These Sourdough Chocolate Rolls offer comfort and indulgence in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up with confidence.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet chocolate surprise hidden inside!
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough the night before and bake them fresh in the morning.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sourdough and chocolate creates a unique taste experience that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather everything we need to create these delicious Sourdough Chocolate Rolls!
For the Dough
- 200 g whole milk
- 100 g sourdough starter, active and bubbly
- 70 g cane sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 430 g bread flour
- 5 g sea salt
- 8 tbs unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
For the Filling
- 5 tbs unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup cane sugar
- 2 tbs cocoa powder, unsweetened
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Syrup
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
Variations
One of the joys of baking is how flexible recipes can be! Feel free to experiment with these variations for your Sourdough Chocolate Rolls:
- Add nuts: Throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
- Try different chocolates: Substitute semi-sweet chips with dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a unique twist.
- Incorporate fruit: Add dried cherries or raspberries for a fruity contrast to the chocolate.
- Spice it up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to your rolls.
How to Make Sourdough Chocolate Rolls
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
Start by warming the whole milk until it’s just warm to the touch. In a large mixing bowl, combine this milk with your active sourdough starter and cane sugar. This mixture feeds the yeast in your starter and helps create those lovely fluffy rolls. Next, beat in one large egg until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together bread flour and sea salt. Slowly add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until combined. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is key because it develops gluten which gives your rolls their structure.
Step 3: First Rise
Place your kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature until doubled in size—this usually takes about 4-6 hours depending on your environment. Patience is essential here; this slow rise allows flavors to develop beautifully!
Step 4: Prepare Your Filling
Once your dough has risen, it’s time to prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix together soft butter, cane sugar, cocoa powder, and semi-sweet chocolate chips until well combined. The filling should be spreadable but not too runny—it will melt beautifully during baking.
Step 5: Shape Your Rolls
Roll out your dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread your filling evenly over the dough. Starting from one edge, roll it tightly into a log shape. Slice this log into even pieces about 1 inch thick—these will be your rolls!
Step 6: Second Rise
Place each roll into a greased baking dish or on a lined baking sheet. Cover them again with a cloth and let them rise for another hour until puffy.
Step 7: Bake!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake your rolls for about 30 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
Step 8: Prepare Your Syrup
While they bake, mix together whole milk, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a small saucepan over low heat until smooth. Drizzle this syrup over warm rolls once they come out of the oven for an extra layer of chocolaty goodness.
Enjoy every bite of these scrumptious Sourdough Chocolate Rolls! They make any moment feel special.
Pro Tips for Making Sourdough Chocolate Rolls
Making the perfect Sourdough Chocolate Rolls is easier than you think, especially with a few helpful tips!
- Use an active sourdough starter: Make sure your starter is bubbly and active before using it. This ensures your rolls rise beautifully and have that delightful tangy flavor.
- Knead well: Kneading the dough for about 8-10 minutes helps develop gluten, resulting in a fluffier texture. Don’t rush this step; it’s crucial for that dreamy roll consistency!
- Give it time to rise: Patience is key! Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size, which may take longer than conventional recipes. This slow fermentation enhances flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip the chocolate chips: Incorporating semi-sweet chocolate chips into the filling adds rich, gooey pockets of chocolate that contrast perfectly with the fluffy dough.
- Adjust baking time as needed: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your rolls towards the end of baking; they should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
How to Serve Sourdough Chocolate Rolls
These Sourdough Chocolate Rolls are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Serve them warm for breakfast or as a sweet snack with delightful accompaniments!
Garnishes
- Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overwhelming the chocolate flavor.
- Fresh berries: Placing fresh raspberries or strawberries on top introduces a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the rolls.
Side Dishes
- Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbed tea pairs excellently with these rolls, enhancing their flavors while providing comforting warmth.
- Yogurt parfait: A simple yogurt parfait with granola and fruits complements the sweetness of the rolls, adding a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully.
- Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad can lighten up your meal, offering vibrant flavors that work well alongside decadent chocolate.
- Scrambled eggs: For a heartier option, serve these rolls with fluffy scrambled eggs. The savory aspect balances out the sweetness perfectly, making it a well-rounded breakfast experience.
With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, you’re all set to impress anyone lucky enough to try your homemade Sourdough Chocolate Rolls! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage
These Sourdough Chocolate Rolls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, homemade sweetness whenever the craving strikes. With a little planning, you can make these rolls in advance and have them ready to go!
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing.
- Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing
- Wrap the cooled rolls individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Unwrap the rolls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm. You can also microwave each roll for about 15-20 seconds if you’re short on time.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making Sourdough Chocolate Rolls.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour for Sourdough Chocolate Rolls?
Yes, all-purpose flour can be used as a substitute; however, the texture may be slightly different. Bread flour gives a chewier texture due to its higher protein content.
How long does it take for Sourdough Chocolate Rolls to rise?
The rising time can vary but typically takes around 4-6 hours at room temperature. If you prefer a slower rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight.
Can I add nuts or other fillings to my Sourdough Chocolate Rolls?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fillings like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a swirl of cinnamon for added flavor.
What should I do if my sourdough starter isn’t bubbly enough?
If your starter isn’t active, try feeding it more frequently or placing it in a warmer spot. A bubbly starter is key for achieving that perfect rise in your Sourdough Chocolate Rolls!
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in creating these delightful Sourdough Chocolate Rolls! The combination of tangy sourdough and rich chocolate is sure to win over anyone who takes a bite. Remember that baking is all about experimenting and having fun. Enjoy making these rolls and don’t hesitate to share your experience with me—I’d love to hear how they turned out!
Sourdough Chocolate Rolls
Indulge in the delightful combination of tangy sourdough and rich chocolate with these Sourdough Chocolate Rolls. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with luscious chocolate ribbons that will delight any chocolate lover. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy brunches, they can be prepared ahead of time and offer a homemade sweetness that’s hard to resist. Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked rolls or treating your loved ones to this scrumptious surprise after dinner. Enjoy each bite of these warm, comforting treats!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Baked Goods
Ingredients
- 200 g whole milk
- 100 g active sourdough starter
- 70 g cane sugar
- 1 large room-temperature egg
- 430 g bread flour
- 5 g sea salt
- 8 tbs unsalted butter (113g), room temperature
- For the filling: 5 tbs unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup cane sugar
- 2 tbs cocoa powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- For the syrup: 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Warm the whole milk in a bowl and combine it with the sourdough starter and cane sugar. Beat in the egg until mixed.
- In another bowl, whisk together bread flour and sea salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for approximately 4-6 hours until doubled in size.
- For the filling, mix soft butter, cane sugar, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips until smooth.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread the filling evenly before rolling it up tightly. Slice into even pieces.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish; cover and let rise for another hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown.
- For the syrup, mix whole milk, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and vanilla over low heat until smooth; drizzle over warm rolls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (85g)
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 195mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
