I’m thrilled that so many of you enjoyed the Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls that I posted last week. While they are still traditional cinnamon rolls (yeast, rising dough, all that good stuff), I find them to be pretty simple to make and the results are outstanding. When I was making them, all I could think was “hmm, what would these be like with a chocolate cake mix?”. A reader posed the same question and that was all the motivation I needed to make some and find out.
Yeah, pretty darn delicious. The only changes I made to previous recipe were using chocolate cake mix in place of white or vanilla, I added in 2/3 cup cocoa (I went with dark cocoa) and I cut back the flour to 4 1/2 cups instead of 5 cups. Aside from that the directions are identical. I went with a straight vanilla frosting on these, but it would be fun to try other flavors out as well.
I will admit, for whatever reason I am not a huge fan of combining cinnamon and chocolate. I don’t know why, I love them both on their own, but together they aren’t my favorite. I still loved these, but I really want to try them and break out of the “cinnamon” roll thing, and use something in place of, or just omit, the cinnamon. I mean chocolate rolls on their own sound just fine to me.
If you are a bit hesitant to try and make cinnamon rolls (as I was for MANY years – I’d see the word “yeast” in a recipe and run the other way), I really encourage you to try these – in the regular or chocolate version. For a true cinnamon roll these are as simple as I have found. Simple enough that I won’t mind making them myself on Mother’s Day.
What are you making or hoping to have made for you this Mother’s Day? My husband is a big waffle maker, and I’m thinking we may need to try the cake mix waffles in a chocolate version. Oh my heck that sounds good. Yum yum yum.
You wouldn’t have to ask me twice
I would be your taste tester!
Since you don’t like cinnamon and chocolate, what about using Nutella or something like that instead of the cinnamon mixture? Add a little sprinkle of instant cappuccino mix and you could have a hazelnut mocha cappuccino roll. Oooor a chocolate peanut butter one if you used peanut butter!
I agree, cinnamon and chocolate is not my favorite flavor combination. How about trying something like raspberry jam, or peanut butter chips for the filling instead?
These look amazing! I tried this recipe with a lemon cake mix and raspberry filling with a cream cheese icing. Holy WOW Batman!
The chocolate ones sound delish! I was thinking raspberry preserves or caramel sauce as an alternative for the cinnamon. I’m with you, not a lover of chocolate and cinnamon together.
Christi, every post just gets better and better. Whoa that looks soooo good!
This sounds so freaking awesome!! Love it!
Wow. these look and sound AWESOME – thanks for sharing
p.s. you weren’t the only one w/ the yeast issue. I used to think the same!
I’m still scared of yeast! i think it’s time I grow up and give it a whirl. Your cake mix cinnamon rolls look too good to pass up Christi!
anything chocolate, thank you
Chocolate and cinnamon are one of my favored combos. Love this recipe. Bookmarked!
Chanced upon your blog today. You have a wonderful blog. I seem to want to try almost every recipe I see here.
Oh. My. God. You’re a genius!
Such a fun chocolate treat!
Best recipe EVER! I tried Pioneer Woman’s rolls, and (sacrilege!) I wasn’t impressed. Made these and they were delicious! I made the chocolate dough, and used nutella instead of the cinnamon-sugar mix. Definitely my new go-to recipe for scrolls. Can’t wait to try some different flavour combos. I’m thinking a carrot cake mix with cream cheese frosting…!
Im sorry i just can not find the recipe anywhere..what is the recipe and or where on this page will I find it
I’m sorry I just cant find the recipe for this? where is it? please help
Amber, this is the original recipe I based it off of that’s linked up in the post… http://www.lovefromtheoven.com/2012/04/27/cake-mix-cinnamon-rolls-a-great-mothers-day-breakfast-idea/ but my “alterations” are all listed in this post. Hope that helps!
They are super yummy!
To use Nutella instead of cinnamon, do I need to use the butter and sugar?
Beth, you know, I honestly don’t know. I’m thinking not. Maybe a sprinkling of sugar (I always like that bit of crunch that sugar gets in cinnamon roll filing). If you try it will you please let me know! I would love to make it, but cinnamon rolls being my daughter’s most favorite things + her nut allergy means it’s one of those things I pass up – most things she doesn’t mind, but if I make a “favorite” she can’t have, that I hear about!