Inspired by the nostalgic snack cake, these Cosmic Brownie Rolls are packed with chocolate in every layer. The soft milk bread dough, decadent brownie filling, and chocolate cream cheese frosting make each bite rich, fudgy, and completely irresistible.
In a small saucepan, whisk together the water and flour. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, for 4–5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens into a smooth paste. Transfer to a bowl and set aside to cool slightly.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, yeast, and salt.
Add the milk, cream, egg, and tangzhong. Using the dough hook, knead on low speed for 2-3 minutes, or until a rough dough forms.
With the mixer running on low speed, add the butter 1/2 tablespoon at a time, allowing each addition to fully incorporate before adding more. Continue kneading for 10–12 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
Cover the bowl and set aside while you prepare the brownie filling.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate chips together, stirring until smooth. Whisk in the cocoa powder. Then, set aside to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, egg yolk, and vanilla until combined.
Slowly whisk in the melted chocolate mixture until smooth.
Fold in the flour and salt just until combined.
Line a metal 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 21×15 rectangle. Use a rubber (not metal) spatula to spread the brownie batter across the entire surface of the dough.
Use a pizza cutter to cut twelve 1 3/4-inch strips. Roll each strip away from you, then place each one into the prepared baking pan.
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Near the end of the rise, preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C).
Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until the center roll reaches 175–185°F on an instant-read thermometer.
While the rolls are baking, make the frosting.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and lump-free.
Add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder and mix on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy.
Mix in the heavy cream, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Spread the frosting over the warm rolls. Garnish with cosmic brownie sprinkles and brownie bites before serving.
Notes
*Measure your dry ingredients properly. This is my #1 baking tip! Never scoop a measuring cup into your flour, as this always leads to using too much flour. Instead, use the spoon-level method. This means fluffing the flour first, then spooning it into your measuring cup/spoon. For the BEST results, use a kitchen scale!*Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.