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CinnamonRollsRecipe.com

Chocolate Glaze

A glossy, pourable cocoa glaze that sets to a soft shine over cinnamon rolls for a fudgy chocolate finish.

A chocolate-swirled bake with a rich cocoa glaze.
Sweetness
high
Tanginess
none
Consistency
pourable
Prep time
8 min
Makes
~0.75 cups

The quick answer

Whisk powdered sugar and cocoa powder with melted butter, warm milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable, then drizzle over warm rolls and let it set to a soft shine.

Sometimes cinnamon rolls want to go a little decadent, and this is how. Cocoa powder and powdered sugar whisk together with a splash of warm milk and melted butter into a smooth, pourable chocolate glaze that dries to a soft, fudgy sheen. It's deeper and less sugary than a plain icing, with real cocoa bitterness that plays beautifully against warm cinnamon and brown sugar. Whisk it in one bowl in about five minutes and pour it straight over the rolls while everything's still warm.

Not sure which icing to use? See the complete cinnamon roll icing guide — the simple base recipe, the sugar-to-liquid ratio, and how to choose between glaze, cream cheese, maple, and dairy-free.

Ingredients

  • powdered sugar1 cup (120 g)
  • unsweetened cocoa powder3 tbsp (18 g)
  • unsalted butter, melted2 tbsp (28 g)
  • warm milk3 tbsp (45 g)
  • vanilla extract0.5 tsp
  • fine saltpinch

Instructions

  1. 1Sift the powdered sugar and cocoa powder together into a bowl to remove any lumps.
  2. 2Whisk in the melted butter, then the warm milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until completely smooth and glossy.
  3. 3Check the consistency — it should pour in a slow ribbon. Add milk a teaspoon at a time to thin, or more powdered sugar to thicken.
  4. 4Pour or drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls and let it set for several minutes to a soft, fudgy shine.

Apply, adjust & store

Best applied when
rolls are warm so the glaze stays fluid long enough to coat before setting to a soft shine
Storage
Best used fresh while pourable. Leftover glaze keeps covered in the fridge up to 4 days; gently rewarm and whisk in a splash of milk to loosen before using.
Consistency adjustments
For a thicker, more spreadable chocolate frosting, add powdered sugar 2 tablespoons at a time. For a thin pourable glaze, whisk in warm milk a teaspoon at a time.

Food safety: this frosting contains dairy. Refrigerate leftover frosting, and refrigerate frosted rolls after a couple of hours at room temperature. Bring back to room temperature before serving.

Cinnamon rolls to pair