Welcome to the ultimate indulgence for anyone who adores the rich, chocolate-hazelnut flavor of Nutella combined with the comforting warmth of a freshly baked sweet roll. These aren’t just any rolls; they are a delightful fusion, taking the beloved concept of classic cinnamon rolls and elevating it with an abundance of luscious Nutella. Imagine a roll so incredibly soft and gooey, each swirl brimming with decadent Nutella, crowned with a dreamy Nutella icing that gently melts into every crevice. If you’re a devoted fan of both traditional cinnamon rolls and the irresistible taste of Nutella, prepare to fall head over heels for this extraordinary creation.
Crafting the perfect Nutella roll was a journey driven by a singular vision: to create an exceptionally gooey sweet treat bursting with an undeniable Nutella presence. The result is nothing short of spectacular. Every component of this recipe is designed to maximize that signature Nutella experience, from the generously filled swirls within the dough to the velvety, melt-in-your-mouth Nutella icing that elegantly tops each roll. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavor and texture, promising a truly memorable baking adventure.
For those who can’t get enough of Nutella, our collection of recipes extends beyond these amazing rolls. Be sure to explore other delightful options such as our Nutella Banana Muffins, the incredibly simple yet satisfying Easy Vanilla Nutella Cupcakes, and our wonderfully chewy Peanut Butter Nutella Cookies. Each recipe offers a unique way to enjoy that beloved hazelnut spread.
Why These Homemade Nutella Rolls Will Be Your New Favorite
These Nutella rolls stand out from other sweet treats for several compelling reasons, making them an instant classic in your baking repertoire. We’ve meticulously developed this recipe to ensure every bite delivers maximum flavor and an unforgettable texture.
- Incredibly Soft and Gooey Sweet Rolls: The foundation of these rolls is a dough designed for unparalleled tenderness. By cutting cold butter into the dry ingredients, similar to making pie crust, we create pockets of butter that melt during baking. This innovative technique yields a dough that’s not only incredibly soft but also wonderfully rich and moist, contributing significantly to the desired gooey texture that makes these Nutella rolls so irresistible.
- Rich Nutella Filling for Intense Flavor: The star of the show is, of course, the Nutella filling. We keep it brilliantly simple – pure Nutella – to allow its iconic chocolate-hazelnut flavor to truly shine. This generous layer of spread melts beautifully into the warm dough, creating luscious, chocolatey swirls. For those who love extra texture and flavor, feel free to enhance your filling with additions like finely chopped hazelnuts for an intensified nutty crunch, chopped pecans for a buttery complement, or even chocolate chips or chunks for an extra boost of cocoa goodness.
- Simple yet Decadent Nutella Icing: No sweet roll is complete without a crown of delectable icing, and ours is no exception. This Nutella icing is surprisingly easy to whip up but delivers a profound depth of flavor that perfectly complements the rolls. Its consistency is carefully crafted to melt ever so slightly upon contact with the warm rolls, seeping into every crack and crevice, ensuring an extra layer of gooey sweetness with each bite.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: While these Nutella rolls make an absolutely divine breakfast treat – ideal for a leisurely weekend brunch or a special holiday morning – their versatility extends far beyond. They are equally suited as a decadent dessert after dinner, a delightful afternoon snack, or a show-stopping addition to any gathering. Their comforting sweetness and irresistible charm make them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family and friends alike.
Essential Ingredient Notes for Perfect Nutella Rolls
Understanding the role of each ingredient is key to achieving the best results for your homemade Nutella rolls. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component matters. For a complete list of quantities, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.
- Milk: The type of milk you choose is flexible—whole milk, 2%, or even non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk will work. The crucial factor is its temperature. It must be warmed to precisely 110°F (43°C). If the milk is too hot, it will unfortunately kill the yeast, preventing your dough from rising. Conversely, if it’s too cool, the yeast’s activation process will be significantly slowed, leading to a much longer rise time or a less airy dough. A kitchen thermometer is your best friend here.
- Yeast: This recipe primarily calls for active dry yeast, which requires proofing (activating in warm milk) before being combined with other ingredients. If you opt for instant or fast-rise yeast, you can typically skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients. However, proofing instant yeast in warm milk won’t hurt and can still confirm its activity.
- Eggs: Using large eggs at room temperature is important for several reasons. Room temperature eggs emulsify more easily with other ingredients, creating a smoother, more homogeneous dough. They also incorporate better into the dough, leading to a lighter and more consistent texture in the final baked rolls. Remember to pull them out of the refrigerator at least 2 hours before you plan to start baking.
- Unsalted Butter: Similar to eggs, unsalted butter should be at room temperature and softened, yet still firm enough to be cubed. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the exact amount of salt in your recipe, preventing your rolls from becoming overly salty. Its softened state is crucial for the “cutting in” technique, ensuring it disperses evenly through the flour to create those delicate, gooey pockets during baking.
- Nutella Hazelnut Spread: This recipe utilizes a generous amount of Nutella, typically an entire medium-sized container, to ensure maximum flavor in both the filling and the icing. For the best taste, use high-quality Nutella. If you prefer, other hazelnut chocolate spreads can be substituted, but be aware that the flavor profile may vary slightly.
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): For an icing that is wonderfully smooth and free of any gritty texture, sifting your powdered sugar is an absolute must. Powdered sugar can clump easily, and sifting ensures a fine, even powder that dissolves beautifully into the icing mixture, resulting in a professional-looking and tasting glaze.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Mastering the Dough for Your Nutella Rolls
Creating the perfect dough is the cornerstone of these luscious Nutella rolls. This recipe is designed for ease using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. For those who prefer to mix by hand, detailed instructions will be provided in the recipe notes section for your convenience.
STEP 1: Activating the Yeast with Warm Milk. Begin by gently warming your milk. The ideal temperature is precisely 110°F (43°C). A reliable kitchen thermometer is indispensable here, as milk that is too hot will destroy the yeast, and milk that is too cold will hinder its activation. Pour the warmed milk into a medium bowl, then sprinkle the active dry yeast evenly over the surface. Allow this mixture to rest undisturbed for approximately 10 minutes. During this time, the yeast will “bloom”—you’ll observe it becoming bubbly and foamy on the surface. This effervescence is your clear indication that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic, ensuring a beautifully risen dough.
STEP 2: Preparing the Dry Ingredients and Cutting in the Butter. In a large mixing bowl, combine your sifted all-purpose flour, salt, and white granulated sugar. Sifting the flour beforehand ensures an even, lump-free mixture, which contributes to a smoother dough. Next, add the cubed, room-temperature unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or even your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, with the largest pieces of butter being about the size of a small pea. This “cutting in” method is crucial for creating those tender pockets within the dough that contribute to the rolls’ incredibly soft and gooey texture.
STEP 3: Kneading the Dough for Optimal Texture. Pour the activated milk and yeast mixture, along with the lightly beaten room-temperature eggs, into the flour and butter mixture. Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer and begin mixing on a low speed. Continue mixing until the ingredients just start to come together and form a cohesive dough. Once a rough dough has formed, increase the mixer speed to medium and knead for a full 5 minutes. The dough will feel slightly tacky and a little sticky to the touch – this is perfectly normal and desired. If the dough is excessively sticky and adheres significantly to your hands or the bowl, add a very small amount of extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the correct consistency.
STEP 4: The First Rise for Light and Airy Rolls. To facilitate the dough’s initial rise, preheat your oven to its lowest setting, typically 200°F (93°C), and then immediately turn it off. Lightly spray a large mixing bowl with nonstick spray, then transfer your kneaded dough into it. Cover the bowl securely with a clean kitchen towel. Place the covered bowl into the warm (but turned off) oven, leaving the oven door slightly ajar. Allow the dough to rise for approximately 1 hour. This warm, draft-free environment is ideal for yeast activity. Alternatively, you can place the bowl in any other warm spot in your kitchen, such as near a sunny window or on top of a warm appliance, though rise times may vary.
Assembling Your Decadent Nutella Swirl Rolls
Once your dough has completed its first rise, it’s time for the exciting part: transforming it into beautiful, spiraled Nutella rolls. Follow these steps carefully to ensure perfectly shaped and incredibly flavorful treats.
- STEP 1: Rolling Out the Dough. Lightly flour a clean work surface to prevent sticking. Transfer your risen dough onto it and, using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a large rectangle. Aim for a consistent thickness of about 1/4 inch (approximately 0.6 cm). The goal is to create an even base for your Nutella filling, so take your time to roll it out smoothly.
- STEP 2: Spreading the Nutella Filling. Before spreading, consider gently warming your Nutella in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This makes it significantly easier to spread evenly. Once slightly softened, generously spread the Nutella over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border (about half an inch) along one of the long edges. An offset spatula or the back of a spoon works wonderfully for achieving an even layer.
- STEP 3: Rolling the Dough into a Log. Carefully begin to roll the dough into a tight log, starting from one of the shorter sides of the rectangle. Rolling from the short side ensures that you achieve as many delicious Nutella-filled swirls as possible in each finished roll. Aim for a tight roll, but be gentle enough not to compress the dough excessively. This tight roll helps the rolls maintain their shape and creates those beautiful spirals.
- STEP 4: Slicing the Rolls. Now for the delicate task of cutting. You have two excellent options: a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss. If using a serrated knife, employ a light sawing motion to cut the log into 12 even rolls. For the cleanest cuts, it’s highly recommended to wipe the knife clean with a damp cloth after each slice, as the Nutella can be quite messy and cause dragging. Alternatively, slide a piece of dental floss underneath the log, cross it over the top, and pull to create a clean, precise cut.
- STEP 5: The Second Rise. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with nonstick spray. Arrange the cut Nutella rolls evenly in the prepared pan, leaving a small space between each one to allow for expansion. Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise again in a warm place for an additional 25 minutes. This second rise will make your rolls extra fluffy and tender.
- STEP 6: Baking to Golden Perfection. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once preheated, place the pan of risen Nutella rolls into the oven and bake for approximately 23-27 minutes. The rolls are ready when their tops turn a beautiful light golden brown and they feel soft and springy to the touch. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
Crafting and Applying the Perfect Nutella Icing
The final touch for these delectable Nutella rolls is the rich, creamy icing. The timing of when you apply the icing significantly impacts the final texture and taste experience. Through extensive testing, it’s been discovered that icing the rolls while they are still piping hot directly out of the oven yields the most superior results. The warmth of the rolls allows the Nutella icing to gently melt, cascading into all the intricate cracks and swirls, creating an even gooier and more integrated flavor experience.
To prepare your luscious Nutella icing, begin by sifting the powdered sugar into a small mixing bowl. Sifting is a crucial step here to eliminate any lumps, ensuring your icing is silky smooth and free of any grainy texture. Next, add the pre-melted Nutella (gently melt it in the microwave for a few seconds until pourable), pure vanilla extract, and a portion of the heavy cream. Using a whisk, slowly incorporate the ingredients, gradually adding the remaining heavy cream until you achieve your desired consistency. The ideal icing should be thin enough to pour and spread effortlessly over the warm rolls, yet thick enough to cling beautifully to their surface.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Rolls
Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making these delightful Nutella rolls, ensuring your baking process is smooth and successful.
While placing the dough in a warm, turned-off oven with the door slightly ajar creates an ideal environment for rising, it’s not strictly mandatory. Yeast thrives in warmth, so the rolls will rise best in any consistently warm area. If your oven is otherwise occupied or you prefer an alternative, they can certainly rise at room temperature. Just ensure your home isn’t too cold, as colder temperatures will significantly slow down the rising process. A warm kitchen counter or a spot near a heat vent can also work well.
Absolutely! Preparing the dough overnight is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh-baked rolls with minimal morning effort. For the first rise, instead of letting the dough rise at room temperature or in the oven, place the covered bowl of dough directly into the refrigerator overnight (for 8-12 hours). The cold temperature will slow down the yeast activity, allowing for a slow, flavorful rise. The next morning, when you’re ready to assemble and bake, you’ll need to allow the dough to come to room temperature and complete its second rise before baking. This typically takes longer than a standard room-temperature rise, so plan for about 1-2 hours for the dough to warm up and fully rise.
Yes, you can certainly pre-bake these rolls for ultimate convenience! Follow all the instructions for preparing and assembling the rolls, but reduce the initial baking time to just 10 minutes. At this point, the rolls will be lightly set but not fully browned. Remove them from the oven, let them cool completely, and then you can either chill them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days or freeze them. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake the partially cooked rolls for an additional 10-18 minutes (or longer if frozen and thawed), until they are hot, golden brown, and cooked through. This method is perfect for having warm, fresh Nutella rolls on demand without all the upfront work.
Ensuring your yeast is active is crucial for a successful rise. When you sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk (110°F/43°C) and let it sit for 10 minutes, active yeast will react by forming a foamy, bubbly layer on the surface. This is a clear sign that the yeast is alive and ready to leaven your dough. If, after 10 minutes, there are no bubbles or foam, your yeast may be old or inactive, and it’s best to discard it and start with a fresh batch to avoid a flat dough.
Storing and Freezing Your Delicious Nutella Rolls
To enjoy these delightful Nutella rolls for longer, proper storage is key. Following these guidelines will help maintain their freshness and flavor.
Store any leftover Nutella rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. While delicious at room temperature, they are truly at their best when gently reheated. A quick warm-up in the microwave for 15-30 seconds will restore their soft, gooey texture and bring back that freshly baked warmth. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make them tough.
Freezing Nutella Rolls for Future Indulgence
These Nutella rolls are incredibly freezer-friendly, allowing you to prepare them in advance and enjoy them whenever a craving strikes. There are two convenient ways to freeze them:
- Freezing Unbaked Rolls: After cutting the rolled dough into individual rolls and placing them in your baking pan (before the second rise), cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze them for up to 30 days. When you’re ready to bake, remove them from the freezer, unwrap, and let them thaw and complete their second rise at room temperature until doubled in size (this may take 2-4 hours). While they may not rise quite as much as fresh dough, they will still yield wonderfully soft and flavorful rolls. Bake as directed.
- Freezing Already Baked and Iced Rolls: Once your Nutella rolls are baked and completely cooled (and ideally iced), you can freeze them for later enjoyment. Place the rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen rolls to an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 30 days. To serve, thaw the rolls at room temperature for about 1 hour, then reheat gently in the microwave or a low oven until warm and soft. This method is perfect for quick individual servings.
Discover More Irresistible Sweet Roll Recipes
If you found this Nutella roll recipe delightful, we encourage you to explore our other fantastic sweet roll creations! Don’t forget to leave a STAR REVIEW if you loved baking and tasting these rolls. Share your creations by tagging me on Instagram @stephaniesweettreats. For endless baking inspiration and more delicious ideas, make sure to follow me on Pinterest.
Nutella Rolls
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Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup Milk, warmed to 110°F
- 2 1/4 tsp Active dry yeast, 1 packet or 11 grams
- 2 Large eggs, room temperature
- 4 1/2 cups All-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/4 cup White granulated sugar
- 10 TBSP Unsalted butter, room temperature and cubed
Filling
- 1 1/4 cup Nutella
Nutella Icing
- 1 1/2 cups Powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 TBSP Nutella, melted
- 1/2 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup Heavy cream
Instructions
Dough
- This recipe is for a stand mixer with a dough hook. Mix by hand instructions are in recipe notes. Heat the milk in the microwave for 1 minute until it is warmed to 110°F. Pour in the yeast and let it sit for 10 minutes.1 cup Milk, 2 1/4 tsp Active dry yeast
- In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour. Add the salt and sugar. Add in the cubed room temperature butter. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to cut the butter into the flour until the butter is the size of a pea.4 1/2 cups All-purpose flour, 1 tsp Salt, 1/4 cup White granulated sugar, 10 TBSP Unsalted butter
- Mix the eggs together slightly, pour in eggs and milk mixture. Use a mixer with a dough hook and mix on low until a dough starts to form. Turn the mixer to medium speed and knead for 5 minutes.2 Large eggs
- Preheat the oven to 200°F. Spray a large bowl with nonstick spray. Place the dough into the bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Place in the oven, turn off the oven, and crack open the door. Let it rise for 1 hour.
- Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface using a rolling pin. Roll into a large rectangle until the dough is a 1/4 inch thick. Place the Nutella in a bowl and heat in the microwave for 15 seconds, so it is slightly melty.1 1/4 cup Nutella
- Spread the Nutella evenly on top of the dough. Roll the dough starting on the short side into a log.
- Cut the rolls into 12 rolls (use a tape measurer or ruler). Cut with a serrated knife using light saw motions or use unflavored dental floss.
- Spray a 9X13-inch pan with baking nonstick spray. Place the rolls in the pan. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise for 25 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake for 23-27 minutes until the top of the rolls are lightly golden brown.
Nutella Icing
- Make the icing right before the rolls are done baking. In a medium bowl, sift the powdered sugar. Add the melted Nutella, vanilla, and heavy cream. Whisk until combined. It should be thin enough to pour on top of the rolls.1 1/2 cups Powdered sugar, 2 TBSP Nutella, 1/2 tsp Pure vanilla extract, 1/3 cup Heavy cream
- Spread the icing right away on the rolls. When it is hot, it will melt the icing in all of the cracks. Cool slightly on a cooling rack.
Notes
High altitude baking: Add an extra 3 TBSP of flour to compensate for lower atmospheric pressure.
Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, pull out dairy ingredients (milk, eggs, butter) 2 hours before baking to ensure they are at room temperature.
Making by hand (no stand mixer):
Mix the wet ingredients into the dry by using a rubber spatula initially. Once combined, switch to using your hands to mix until a cohesive dough starts to form.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead continuously using your hands for 5-8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
The dough is properly kneaded when it passes the “windowpane test.” To perform this, take a small piece of dough and gently stretch it apart thinly using your fingers. If you can stretch it thin enough to see light through it without tearing, then it’s done.