Chocolate Rolls

In a large bowl, start making your dough by combining the warm milk with the sugar and yeast. Mix well and let sit for 5 minutes or until bubbles form (indication that the yeast is activating).

Add in the butter, eggs, salt and flour and combine. I prefer to get a bit messy and to use my hands to make the dough (perhaps because I was taught to do it this way) but if you have a stand mixer with a dough attachment I am sure that would work brilliantly as well. Kneed the dough until all ingredients are well combined.

Cover the bowl with a kitchen towl and let sit for 30-45 minutes or until the yeast has done it's job and the dough has doubled.

In the meantime, you can prepare the filling and the icing.

In a medium bowl, combine the butter, cocoa powder, both sugars, cinnamon and salt. Mix until you have a smooth chocolate paste. Same thing for the icing, combine the icing sugar, vanilla and water in a bowl. Add more water if you prefer a runnier consistency. Just remember, a little goes a long way when you play with icing sugar, so make sure to add a little bit at a time.

Once the dough has risen, you are ready for assembly.

Preheat your oven to 350F.

Lightly flour your work surface, so that your dough does not stick when you roll it out. With a rolling pin, roll out your dough into a horizontal rectangle roughly 1/2 cm thick (1/4"). Note: your rectangle does not have to be perfect.

Once the dough is evenly rolled out, with the help of a knife or spatula, spread an even layer of chocolate filling all over. Try and get as close to the edges as you can, but not to worry everthing gets rolled up in the end anyway, so you'll be sure to have some chocolaty goodness in every bite.

Now it is time to roll it up into a nice log. Start with the upper edge of your rectangle and roll towards you. Make sure to have a nice snug roll so that the filling stays in place when you cut it into individual rolls. Once rolled up, make sure to pince the edges together (again, just to secure the roll).

Prepare a greased 12 x 18" baking tray. I personally use butter, but a non-stick baking spray will also do the trick nicely. Cut your log into 5cm thick rolls (2") and place flat edge down into your tray. Don't worry if there is a bit of space between each roll, they will puff up nicely during the baking process.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden. Remove from the oven and drizzle with the icing. You don't have to add this step if you prefer not to. I just think it not only adds an extra bit of sweet goodness to the rolls but it also adds an extra layer of visual interest, especially good when you want to impress your guests.

I know this recipe is now a family favorite in my house.

I would love to know if you have tried them and what you think!