Brownie Cinnamon Rolls

Brownie cinnamon rolls are what happen when a fudgy pan of brownies meets soft homemade cinnamon rolls—and the result is every bit as rich, gooey, and chocolatey as it sounds. If you love deep cocoa flavor, warm swirls of cinnamon, and those irresistibly soft centers, this recipe delivers all of it in one decadent bake.

Unlike standard chocolate cinnamon rolls, these are designed to have a true brownie batter flavor with an ultra-soft, tender dough and thick layers of fudgy filling baked right into every swirl. After testing different versions, the key was finding the right balance: enough cocoa for bold flavor without drying out the dough, plus a filling that stays rich and gooey instead of melting away.

These rich chocolate rolls bake up with soft edges, gooey cinnamon roll centers, and a deep chocolate flavor that tastes like the best corner piece of a brownie. Finished with a silky chocolate cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for holiday mornings, weekend baking, or anytime you want a bakery-style treat that feels extra special.

If you’ve been looking for unforgettable chocolate breakfast rolls that actually taste as indulgent as they look, this is the recipe to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!)

• Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls – this is the shortcut base that makes the recipe fast and easy while still baking up soft and fluffy.
• Brownie mix – gives these rolls their rich chocolate flavor and fudgy brownie topping.
• Egg – helps bind the brownie batter together for that chewy brownie texture.
• Vegetable oil – keeps the brownie layer moist and rich while helping it bake evenly.
• Chocolate chips – adds extra melted chocolate throughout the rolls for even more gooey goodness.

How to Make Brownie Cinnamon Rolls

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the brownie mix, egg, and vegetable oil until the batter is well blended. It will be thick, which is exactly what you want for rich, fudgy brownie cinnamon rolls.
3. Lightly flour a large piece of parchment paper, then unroll the Pillsbury Grands cinnamon roll dough on top. Try to keep the dough in one long piece so it’s easier to spread, roll, and slice.
4. Carefully spread the brownie batter over the top of the cinnamon roll dough. Go slowly here so the dough doesn’t tear, and leave a small border around the edges to help keep the filling inside when you roll it back up.
5. Roll the dough up around the brownie batter, just like you would with regular cinnamon rolls. Use a sharp knife to slice the cinnamon rolls along the perforations.
6. Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until both the cinnamon roll dough and brownie batter are cooked through.
7. As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, spread the included cinnamon roll icing over the top while they’re still warm. The icing will melt slightly into the rolls and make them extra gooey.
8. Add the chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl and melt them in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the warm brownie cinnamon rolls before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make ahead: Assemble the rolls, place them on the baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before baking.
• Store leftovers: Keep leftover brownie cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze for later: Wrap cooled rolls individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to make them soft and gooey again.
• Freshen them up: Add an extra drizzle of icing or melted chocolate after reheating for the best texture and flavor.

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