dirty scrolls.

don't let the name fool you. or rather, distract you from what is THE most delicious cinnamon scroll recipe. i've shared grandma's scrolls before and they were like a big warm hug. these bad boys have a hit of caffiene and enough chocolate chips to knock grandma's cookies out of the park. i've been a fan of joy the baker's blog for some time but now i think it's safe to say that her recipes have solidly cemented themselves in my weekend baking schedule. with equal amounts of sass and seduction, this is one of the many recipes you're going to want to go and thank her for. enjoy friends!

QUICK AND DIRTY CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO CINNAMON ROLLS

for the dough

1. 1/2 cup whole milk
2. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3. 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
4. 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
5. 1 1/2 to 2 cups all-purpose flour
6. 1/4 teaspoon salt
7. 1 large egg yolk

for the filling

1. 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
3. 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4. 3/4 teaspoon instant espresso powder
5. 3/4 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
6. pinch of salt
7. 1/3 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

for the glaze

1. 3/4 cup powdered sugar
2. 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder
3. 3 tablespoons heavy cream or enough to make a pourable glaze

method

1. In a small saucepan combine milk, butter, and sugar. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the butter has melted completely. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool from hot to just warm.
2. Place sweet milk and butter mixture in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle yeast over the liquid. Stir to incorporate. Allow mixture to sit for 5 minutes to allow to yeast to activate, foam, and froth.
3. Add 1 1/2 cups flour, salt, and the egg yolk to the milk and yeast mixture. Use a wooden spoon or hand beaters with the dough hook attachment and stir or beat until incorporated. Add more flour, a few tablespoons at a time if the dough feels to wet. Bring the dough together into a ball and knead a few turns with your hands.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
5. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured work surface. Roll into a roughly 9 x 12-inch rectangle.
6. Spread with about 4 tablespoons of butter. In a small bowl stir together sugar, cinnamon, espresso powder, cocoa powder, and salt. Generously sprinkle over the melted butter. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Roll starting at the longer edge into a tight coil.
7. Slice into 6 pieces.
8. Use remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to lightly grease the bottom and sides of an 8x8-inch baking pan. Place rolls in the pan leaving about 1/2 inch of room between them. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for 30 minutes.
9. While the rolls rise, place a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
10. Remove plastic wrap and bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown, puffed, and bubbling.
11. Remove from the oven, allow to cool just slightly.
12. In a small bowl whisk together powdered sugar, espresso powder, and heavy cream. Drizzle over warm rolls and enjoy! Makes 6 delicious scrolls. 

recipe courtesy of joy the baker.