Hershey’s Chocolate Rolls: A Sweet Legacy

The aroma of these chocolate rolls always transports me back to childhood Sundays spent at my grandma’s. She’d pull a pan of these warm, gooey treats from the oven, the Hershey’s cocoa glaze glistening like melted jewels. The taste was pure comfort – a sweet, doughy embrace that made every day feel like a celebration. While my grandma used a different recipe, these Hershey’s Chocolate Rolls capture that same feeling of home-baked goodness, a taste of nostalgia in every bite. They’re simple, satisfying, and a perfect way to create sweet memories of your own.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes – 2 hours 25 minutes (including cooling time)
• Servings: 12-18 rolls
• Yield: 1 9×13 inch pan of rolls
• Dietary Type: Not specified, contains dairy and gluten

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 6 tablespoons Hershey’s cocoa powder
• 2 cups water

Equipment Needed

• Oven
• Rolling pin
• 9x11x13 inch cake pan
• Deep saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to between 350°F and 375°F. The exact temperature may depend on your oven; watch carefully to avoid burning.

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out your biscuit dough until it is relatively thin. Aim for a rectangular shape that will be easy to roll.

3. Spread 2 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over the surface of the rolled-out dough. Make sure the butter is truly softened to ensure easy spreading.

4. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of sugar over the buttered dough, ensuring an even coating.

5. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract over the butter and sugar mixture.

6. Carefully roll up the dough into a tight log, starting from one edge and working your way across. Once rolled, gently pinch the seam to seal it closed. This helps prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

7. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 2-inch thick rolls.

8. Arrange the cut rolls in a lightly greased 9x11x13 inch cake pan, leaving a small amount of space between each roll. This allows them to expand during baking.

9. Bake in the preheated oven until the rolls are golden brown. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, but check frequently to prevent burning. The internal temperature should reach around 190°F.

10. While the rolls are baking, prepare the chocolate syrup. In a deep saucepan, mix together the remaining 1 1/2 cups of sugar and 6 tablespoons of Hershey’s cocoa powder.

11. Gradually add the 2 cups of water to the sugar and cocoa mixture, whisking constantly until well blended and there are no lumps.

12. Bring the chocolate mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Continue to boil until the syrup thickens to your desired consistency. This may take about 5-10 minutes.

13. Once the rolls are golden brown, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.

14. Generously pour the warm chocolate syrup over the cooled rolls, ensuring they are evenly coated.

15. Allow the chocolate-covered rolls to set for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. This allows the rolls to fully absorb the chocolate syrup, resulting in a moist and flavorful treat.

16. Serve and enjoy! These are especially delicious with a cup of coffee.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For an extra rich flavor, use brown butter instead of regular softened butter in the filling. To make brown butter, cook butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat until the milk solids turn golden brown and the butter has a nutty aroma.
• If the chocolate syrup becomes too thick, add a little more water to thin it out.
• To prevent the rolls from drying out, cover the pan with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
• For a more intense chocolate flavor, add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the chocolate syrup.
• A serrated knife will help you cut the rolls more cleanly and prevent them from getting squished.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Hershey’s Chocolate Rolls warm or at room temperature. They are fantastic on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds, or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. You can also freeze the rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	250 kcal	13%
Total Fat	8g	10%
Saturated Fat	5g	25%
Cholesterol	20mg	7%
Sodium	50mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate	40g	15%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	25g	–
Protein	3g	6%

Variations & Substitutions

• Cinnamon Rolls: For classic cinnamon rolls, omit the Hershey’s cocoa powder from the chocolate syrup and add 1-2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon to the sugar mixture in the filling.
• Nutty Rolls: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the butter and sugar filling for added flavor and texture.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of chocolate syrup, top the cooled rolls with a cream cheese frosting made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract.
• Gluten-Free: While this recipe isn’t inherently gluten-free, you can attempt a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free biscuit dough recipe or a store-bought gluten-free biscuit mix. Be aware that the texture and flavor may differ.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a plant-based milk substitute like almond or soy milk.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-made biscuit dough for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought biscuit dough to save time. Just make sure to roll it out thin before adding the filling.

Q: How do I prevent the rolls from burning on the bottom?
A: Place the cake pan on a higher rack in the oven and check frequently to ensure the bottoms are not browning too quickly. You can also place a baking sheet underneath the cake pan.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them overnight. Let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. You can also prepare the chocolate syrup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

Q: What if my chocolate syrup is too thin?
A: Continue to simmer the chocolate syrup over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Q: Can I freeze these rolls?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked rolls. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Final Thoughts

These Hershey’s Chocolate Rolls are more than just a simple sweet treat; they’re a slice of comfort, a taste of nostalgia, and a way to create new memories with loved ones. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and substitutions to make them your own. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to be transported by the irresistible aroma of warm, chocolatey goodness. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience – and perhaps even pair these delightful rolls with a steaming cup of coffee for the ultimate cozy experience!