If you have a sweet tooth and love the rich, creamy taste of hazelnut chocolate, this Nutella Rolls Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. These soft, fluffy rolls are swirled with luscious Nutella, giving every bite a heavenly balance of sweet, buttery dough and gooey, chocolate-hazelnut goodness. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime treat, these rolls bring comfort and a little celebration to your kitchen with every batch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Nutella Rolls Recipe lies in its simple but crucial ingredients, each playing a key role. From the tender texture provided by warm milk and eggs to the deep flavor imparted by a touch of sugar and butter, every component builds a foundation for these irresistible rolls.
- Milk (1 cup, warmed to 110°F/44°C): Ensures the yeast activates properly, giving the dough a light and airy texture.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp): The rising agent that makes the rolls fluffy and soft.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature): Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
- All-purpose flour (4 1/2 cups): Provides structure for the dough to rise and hold its shape.
- Salt (1 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup plus 1/2 tbsp): Adds sweetness and feeds the yeast for better fermentation.
- Unsalted butter (10 tbsp, room temperature and cubed): Gives tenderness and creates a soft crumb.
- Nutella (1 1/4 cups): The star ingredient for that rich, chocolate-hazelnut swirl.
- Melted Nutella (1/2 cup, optional): For drizzling on top to add shine and an extra burst of flavor.
How to Make Nutella Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by warming the milk to around 110°F (44°C), which is the perfect temperature to wake up the yeast without killing it. Stir in the yeast along with half a tablespoon of sugar, then let the mixture rest until it becomes foamy and fragrant, about 10 minutes. This step is crucial because it guarantees a light and fluffy dough.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough Base
In a large bowl, sift the flour, then mix in the salt and remaining sugar to evenly distribute. Add the cubed butter, working it into the flour until it looks like tiny peas—this careful process ensures a tender crumb. The butter pieces will melt during baking and create delicate layers in the rolls.
Step 3: Combine and Knead
Lightly beat your eggs and add them to a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, along with the yeast mixture. Begin mixing on low speed until everything starts coming together, then raise the speed to medium and knead the dough for about 5 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it tightly, and set it in a warm place—like an oven turned off but warm—for about an hour. The dough will double in size, becoming soft and puffed, which means it’s ready for the next step.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangular shape about 1/4 inch thick. This thin layer will become the perfect canvas to hold a generous layer of Nutella.
Step 6: Spread the Nutella
Warm the Nutella for around 15 seconds to soften it for easy spreading, then spread it evenly over the entire dough surface with a spatula. Don’t be shy here—this is where all that sweet, chocolatey magic happens.
Step 7: Form the Rolls
Starting from one of the short edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Using a serrated knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal rolls. This technique ensures clean cuts without squishing your beautiful swirls.
Step 8: Second Rise
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan, making sure they have enough space to expand. Cover loosely and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes up to an hour until they look puffy and ready to bake.
Step 9: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for 23 to 27 minutes, until they’re lightly golden on top. The aroma by this point will be absolutely irresistible and the perfect sign they are ready.
Step 10: Add the Finishing Touch
Once out of the oven, keep things decadent by spreading or drizzling the optional melted Nutella over the warm rolls. This extra step adds shine and an even more luscious flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve Nutella Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to elevate your Nutella Rolls Recipe with simple garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar or chopped hazelnuts sprinkled on top. A light swirl of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side also pairs beautifully for an indulgent dessert.
Side Dishes
Nutella rolls are fantastic on their own, but you can complement them with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or raspberries to balance the richness. For breakfast, a cup of rich coffee or creamy hot chocolate perfectly complements these sweet rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Nutella rolls nestled in a beautiful basket lined with a colorful napkin for a cozy morning vibe. Alternatively, cut them into smaller pieces for a party platter or stack them high as part of a festive brunch spread. Each presentation creates a unique experience with the same delicious core.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Nutella rolls can be stored at room temperature, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to two days. This keeps the rolls soft and prevents them from drying out while preserving that luscious Nutella swirl inside.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe zip bag or container. They can be stored for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your Nutella rolls by placing them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwaving briefly for 15-20 seconds. For a fresh-from-the-oven taste, lightly warm them before drizzling with more melted Nutella or a dusting of powdered sugar.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate spread instead of Nutella?
Absolutely! You can substitute Nutella with any chocolate-hazelnut spread you like, or even try peanut butter or almond butter for a different flavor twist in this recipe.
Do I need a stand mixer to make this recipe?
A stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easier, but you can knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
To make vegan Nutella rolls, use plant-based milk and a vegan chocolate spread. Substitute eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, and use vegan butter or margarine for best results.
What’s the best way to warm Nutella for spreading?
Simply microwave Nutella for around 15 seconds or place the jar in a bowl of warm water to soften it slightly for easy spreading without making it too runny.
How do I prevent the rolls from sticking to the pan?
Greasing the baking pan generously with butter or nonstick spray ensures your rolls come out cleanly without sticking, preserving their perfect round shape.
Final Thoughts
This Nutella Rolls Recipe is a delicious crowd-pleaser that brings a smile with every bite. The blend of soft dough and gooey chocolate-hazelnut filling is simply irresistible. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends and family, these rolls promise joy and indulgence in every warm, beautiful swirl. So go ahead, whip up a batch and watch these Nutella rolls disappear in no time!
PrintNutella Rolls Recipe
Delight in these soft, fluffy Nutella Rolls, a perfect sweet treat featuring a tender yeast dough generously filled with creamy Nutella and baked to golden perfection. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls offer a rich, chocolate-hazelnut flavor wrapped in a warm, pillowy texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup milk (warmed to 110°F / 44°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 10 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature and cubed)
Filling
- 1 1/4 cups Nutella
Topping (optional)
- 1/2 cup melted Nutella (extra, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Heat the milk until it reaches 110°F (44°C). Stir in the yeast and 1/2 tablespoon of sugar, then let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and remaining sugar. Add the cubed butter and work it in until the mixture resembles small pea-sized pieces, creating a crumbly texture.
- Mix Dough: Lightly beat the eggs. In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the eggs and yeast mixture with the flour mixture on low speed until the dough begins to form. Increase speed to medium and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm, turned-off oven for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Roll Out Dough: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick, preparing it for filling.
- Spread Nutella: Warm the Nutella for about 15 seconds to make it more spreadable, then spread it evenly over the rolled-out dough, covering the surface completely.
- Form Rolls: Starting from the short side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Using a serrated knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 evenly sized rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, cover, and let them rise again for 30 minutes to 1 hour, allowing them to become puffy.
- Bake: Bake the rolls at 375°F (190°C) for 23 to 27 minutes, or until they turn lightly golden brown on top.
- Add Topping: Once baked and still warm, spread or drizzle the extra melted Nutella over the rolls for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is not too hot when activating the yeast; 110°F (44°C) is optimal to avoid killing the yeast.
- Allow the dough to double in size during both rises for the best texture and fluffiness.
- Warming Nutella slightly makes spreading easier and prevents tearing the dough.
- Use dental floss as an alternative to a knife to get cleaner cuts without squishing the rolls.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat gently to restore softness.
