There’s something irresistibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked rolls wafting through your home, especially when they’re swirled with creamy, chocolatey Nutella. These Nutella Rolls transform a simple dough into a decadent treat that’s perfect for weekend brunches, special breakfasts, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Inspired by traditional cinnamon rolls but with a European twist, these pillowy soft rolls feature a generous filling of Nutella that melts slightly during baking, creating pockets of chocolate-hazelnut bliss in every bite. They’re impressive enough for company but simple enough for a family treat any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This
- Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry (plus Nutella, of course!)
- No fancy equipment needed – just basic baking tools
- Versatile recipe that can be prepped ahead and baked fresh in the morning
- Kid-friendly recipe that doubles as a fun weekend baking project
- Perfect balance of soft, pillowy dough and rich, chocolatey filling
Ingredients
- 3½ tablespoons warm water (50g)
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3½ tablespoons milk (50g)
- 2 tablespoons soft butter (30g)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (260g)
- ¼ cup sugar (50g)
- ⅓ cup Nutella (100g)
- ¼ cup chocolate chips (50g)
- Splash of heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (40g)
Instructions
- Mix warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit until foamy, about 10 minutes.
- Whisk together flour and the remaining sugar. If using instant yeast, add it at this step.
- Add milk, egg, butter, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough by hand or using a mixer for 10 to 15 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 90 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Spread Nutella over the surface and sprinkle chocolate chips evenly. Roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Use floss or string to slice the log into 6 rolls.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking pan with a splash of cream at the bottom. Top with mini chocolate chips. Let the rolls rest for an additional 30 minutes.
- Bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 374°F (190°C) for 15 to 17 minutes until golden brown.
- Optionally, brush the rolls with butter. Serve warm and gooey.
Tips & Variations
- Add chopped hazelnuts or mini chocolate chips to the Nutella filling for extra texture and flavor
- For a citrus twist, add orange zest to the dough and a tablespoon of orange juice to the glaze
- Make-ahead option: Prepare the rolls through step 9, then refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking
- For extra richness, brush rolls with heavy cream instead of butter before baking
- Try a cookie butter or peanut butter swirl alongside the Nutella for a flavor variation
- If your kitchen is cool, create a proofing environment by preheating your oven to its lowest setting, then turning it off and placing the covered dough inside
Serving Suggestions
These Nutella Rolls are absolutely divine served warm from the oven when the Nutella is still slightly melted and gooey. Pair them with a strong cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for the perfect balance. For an extra special brunch, serve alongside fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream.
If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, try serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert version, or alongside a cheese board for a European-inspired sweet and savory experience.
Notes
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
- Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore that fresh-baked softness
- Rolls are done when they reach an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C)
- For the softest rolls, avoid overbaking – they should be just golden on top
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! You can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in equal amounts. The advantage is that you can skip the proofing step and add it directly to your dry ingredients.
Can I freeze these Nutella Rolls?
Absolutely! Baked rolls freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes before serving.
My dough isn’t rising. What went wrong?
The most common culprits are yeast that’s too old or milk that’s too hot (which kills the yeast). Make sure your milk is warm (around 110°F) but not hot, and check that your yeast isn’t expired.
Can I make these without a stand mixer?
Definitely! While a stand mixer makes the process easier, you can mix the dough by hand with a wooden spoon and then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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