Overnight Double Chocolate Sourdough Sweet Rolls: A Decadent Treat Worth Waiting For!

Imagine waking up to the scent of warm, gooey Overnight Double Chocolate Sourdough Sweet Rolls fresh from the oven. These rolls strike the perfect balance between rich chocolate decadence and the tangy depth of sourdough, making them a must-try for any baking enthusiast! With a soft, pillowy texture and a luscious chocolate filling, they’re pure bliss in every bite. Best of all? The overnight rise means minimal morning effort—just shape, bake, and enjoy!

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer (optional, for kneading)
• Rolling pin
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Sharp knife or dental floss (for slicing rolls)
• Pastry brush (for butter application)

What You Will Need & Substitutions?

For the Dough:

• 1 cup active sourdough starter (Can be substituted with 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast; reduce flour to 3 cups)
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed (Substitute with almond or oat milk for dairy-free version)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (Can use coconut sugar for a healthier option)
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (Substitutable with coconut oil or vegan butter for dairy-free alternative)
• 1 large egg (Replace with flaxseed egg for vegan option: 1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 min)
• 1 tsp salt (Enhances flavor, can be reduced to ½ tsp for low-sodium diet)
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (Use bread flour for chewier texture, or gluten-free blend for GF version)
• ½ cup cocoa powder (Use Dutch-process for deeper flavor, or raw cacao powder for a healthier choice)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (Swap with dark chocolate or dairy-free chips if needed)
• ½ cup brown sugar (Can replace with coconut sugar or maple syrup for natural sweetness)
• 4 tbsp butter, melted (Coconut oil works as a vegan alternative)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar (Use maple syrup + cornstarch for a refined sugar-free version)
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (Swap with coconut cream or almond milk for dairy-free option)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (Adds flavor, can use almond extract for a twist)

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare the Dough (The Night Before)

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm milk, sugar, butter, egg, salt, flour, and cocoa powder.
• Knead until a smooth, slightly tacky dough forms (about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer).
• Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise overnight at room temperature.

Roll Out & Add the Filling

• The next morning, roll out the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
• Brush the surface with melted butter, then evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and chocolate chips.
• Tip: For an extra rich filling, mix the chocolate chips with 2 tbsp of cocoa powder and a pinch of cinnamon.

Shape the Rolls

• Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long side.
• Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice into 12 equal rolls.
• Place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until puffy.
• Tip: To ensure even baking, arrange the rolls with slight gaps between them to allow for expansion.

Bake Until Golden Perfection

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until puffed and cooked through.
• Tip: If the tops start browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil in the last 10 minutes.
• Let cool slightly before adding the glaze.

Prepare the Glaze & Serve

• In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
• Optional: Sprinkle with extra chocolate chips or a dusting of cocoa powder for a gourmet touch.

Expert Tips for the Best Rolls

• Use an active sourdough starter: Your starter should be bubbly and fed within the last 4-6 hours for the best rise.
• Room temperature ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can slow down fermentation and affect texture.
• Don’t rush the rise: A slow, overnight fermentation enhances both texture and flavor.
• For extra decadence, drizzle with melted chocolate before serving!

How to Store & Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until soft and warm.

How to Serve?

• Best Served Warm: These rolls taste best fresh and warm out of the oven, with gooey melted chocolate.
• Pairing Suggestions: Serve with a glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Brunch Ideas: Complement them with fresh berries, yogurt, or a side of crispy bacon for a balanced breakfast spread.

FAQs

These Overnight Double Chocolate Sourdough Sweet Rolls are everything you could want in a homemade treat—soft, chocolatey, and utterly irresistible. Whether for a special occasion or a lazy Sunday morning, they’re guaranteed to impress. So, what are you waiting for? Start prepping your dough tonight and wake up to pure chocolatey bliss!