If you’re ready to spoil yourself with pure chocolate-hazelnut bliss, these Nutella Cinnamon Rolls are your new best friend. Swirled with creamy Nutella, kissed with a hint of cinnamon, and draped in a luscious glaze, every bite is melt-in-your-mouth magic. Dessert for breakfast? Snack-time treat? Late-night craving? These rolls seriously deliver any time of day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Fluffy Dough: Each roll is impossibly soft and pillowy—rising beautifully thanks to the instant yeast and rich in flavor from the buttery dough.
- Dreamy Chocolate-Hazelnut Filling: Nutella creates the most decadent, gooey swirl that’s perfectly balanced by the brown sugar and spice of cinnamon.
- Showstopping Nutella Glaze: This is not your average icing—the combination of Nutella, powdered sugar, and cream cheese is creamy, tangy, and perfectly sweet.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough and rolls can be prepped in advance, which means you can serve up warm, bakery-level Nutella Cinnamon Rolls even on a busy morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Nutella Cinnamon Rolls is refreshingly simple—no complicated steps, just everyday basics that combine for spectacular flavor and texture. Here’s how each one makes this recipe absolutely unforgettable!
- Warm Milk: The foundation for pillowy-soft dough, warm milk helps activate the yeast and gives a tender crumb.
- Instant Dry Yeast: Speeds up rising and ensures your rolls are extra light and fluffy.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough and feeds the yeast for a perfect rise.
- Salt: Just a teaspoon, yet it rounds out the sweetness and enhances every flavor in your rolls.
- Salted Butter: Softened for both the dough and the creamy Nutella glaze, butter adds richness and depth.
- Egg: Gives the dough structure and a golden hue.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the ideal texture for cinnamon roll dough—soft, yet sturdy enough to hold the gooey filling.
- Nutella: The signature swirl of chocolate and hazelnut makes these cinnamon rolls utterly irresistible!
- Brown Sugar: For that classic cinnamon roll flavor, brown sugar gives a caramel note and added moisture to the filling.
- Ground Cinnamon: The warming spice that complements Nutella’s chocolatey richness and rounds out every bite.
- Cream Cheese: Used in the glaze to add creaminess and a gentle tang that balances the sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar: The secret to a smooth and customizable glaze—making it as thick or as drizzly as you wish.
Variations
One of the joys of Nutella Cinnamon Rolls is just how adaptable they are! Whether you’ve got dietary preferences or want to give this classic a twist, these easy variations mean everyone can enjoy a batch their own way.
- Make It Nut-Free: Swap Nutella with your favorite nut-free chocolate spread or even a chocolate seed butter for an allergy-friendly treat.
- Extra Chocolatey: Toss in a few mini chocolate chips with the filling for pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
- Orange Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough or filling for a bright, citrusy surprise that pairs beautifully with chocolate and cinnamon.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create tender, gluten-free cinnamon rolls everyone can love.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk, butter, and cream cheese for your favorite plant-based alternatives—bonus if you find a vegan chocolate-hazelnut spread!
How to Make Nutella Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Make the Dough
Combine warm milk, instant yeast, sugar, salt, softened butter, and an egg in your stand mixer bowl. Gradually add in the flour and let the dough hook work its magic until everything comes together. Knead until the dough is soft, beautifully smooth, and springs back to the touch. Let it rise in a greased bowl until doubled—about an hour—while you dream of that first gooey bite!
Step 2: Roll Out and Fill
On a lightly floured surface, roll your dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Now comes the fun part: slather the dough with a generous layer of Nutella, making sure to leave a half-inch border along the edges. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle this over the Nutella for a warm, sweet-spicy finish.
Step 3: Shape and Slice
Starting with the long side, roll the dough up tightly into a log—it’s easiest if you go slowly and gently. Using unflavored dental floss or a serrated knife, slice the log into 12 even rolls. This keeps all those gorgeous Nutella Cinnamon Rolls perfectly round and prevents squishing out the filling.
Step 4: Second Rise and Bake
Arrange your rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving just a bit of space between for expansion. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until puffy (about 30–45 min). Bake at 325°F for 18–20 minutes, just until lightly golden—don’t overbake, as you want these to stay soft and gooey inside!
Step 5: Make the Nutella Glaze
While your Nutella Cinnamon Rolls are baking, whip together cream cheese and softened butter until fluffy. Beat in Nutella, then add powdered sugar little by little until you reach your dream glaze consistency—drizzle if you like it light, slather if you want that frosting vibe.
Step 6: Frost and Enjoy
Let the rolls cool for about 5 minutes so the glaze doesn’t melt completely, then spread or drizzle over the tops. Serve while still warm for a gooey, chocolatey, cinnamon-swirled breakfast (or dessert!) experience you’ll want to repeat again and again.
Pro Tips for Making Nutella Cinnamon Rolls
- “Soft & Tacky” Dough Secret: Don’t add too much flour—the dough should be slightly sticky but not cling to your hands. This leads to the softest, fluffiest rolls!
- Warm Nutella for Easy Spreading: If Nutella is hard to spread, microwave it for 10–15 seconds for a smooth, creamy layer (and less tearing the dough!).
- Dental Floss Cutting Trick: Slide unflavored dental floss under the rolled-up dough, cross the ends over the top, and pull tight for perfectly round rolls with minimal mess.
- Customize the Glaze: Start with 1 cup of powdered sugar and add more until you hit your personal sweet spot—thin for a drizzle, thick for a spread!
How to Serve Nutella Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
For extra flair, dust your Nutella Cinnamon Rolls with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, shower them with chopped toasted hazelnuts, or crown them with a few chocolate curls. Even a drizzle of warm Nutella on top will make these rolls absolutely irresistible—let your inner pastry artist shine!
Side Dishes
For a cozy morning feast, pair these rolls with a steaming mug of coffee, hot chocolate, or a creamy vanilla latte. They also shine alongside a bowl of fresh berries or tangy Greek yogurt, which balances their sweetness with a bit of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Nutella Cinnamon Rolls into a special brunch centerpiece by serving them on a cake stand with a swirl of Nutella glaze and scattered hazelnuts. For grab-and-go fun, arrange them in individual cupcake wrappers. Or try stacking mini rolls for a playful “pull-apart” bread—no utensils required!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Nutella Cinnamon Rolls soft and dreamy by covering them tightly in plastic wrap or placing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious on your counter for up to 2 days or chilled in the fridge for up to 4 days—though honestly, leftovers rarely last that long!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze baked and cooled rolls (without glaze) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and glaze them fresh before serving—perfect for make-ahead brunches or treating yourself any time a craving hits.
Reheating
Reheat single Nutella Cinnamon Rolls in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for gooey, just-baked softness. To refresh a whole pan, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes—finish with a drizzle of glaze for bakery-level results!
FAQs
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What if I don’t have a stand mixer—can I make the dough by hand?
Absolutely! Simply mix the dough ingredients in a large bowl with a sturdy spoon, then knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 7–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. It’s a little arm workout, but very doable—and you’ll still get amazing Nutella Cinnamon Rolls.
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Can I prep Nutella Cinnamon Rolls ahead for brunch or a special occasion?
Yes! Prepare the rolls all the way up to slicing and arranging in the pan, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise until puffy before baking. You’ll have fresh rolls ready with barely any fuss!
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How do I get my rolls to rise if my kitchen is cold?
If your kitchen is chilly, place your covered dough in the oven (turned off) with just the oven light on, or set a mug of hot water on the rack below. The gentle warmth helps the yeast work faster, giving you extra fluffy Nutella Cinnamon Rolls.
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Is there a way to make these rolls less sweet?
Definitely! You can reduce the amount of Nutella in the filling, leave out the extra brown sugar, or use a lighter glaze—just start with less powdered sugar and avoid drizzling as much on top. The rolls will still be soft and rich, but with a gentler sweetness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving the ultimate comfort treat, these Nutella Cinnamon Rolls are your go-to recipe—warm from the oven, swirled with chocolatey goodness, and finished with a creamy, Nutella-kissed glaze. I hope you’ll fall as in love with them as my family has, and that your kitchen is filled with the smell of fresh, homemade rolls very soon. Happy baking!
Print
Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Nutella Cinnamon Rolls for a sweet breakfast treat or a delightful dessert. Soft, fluffy rolls filled with Nutella and topped with a creamy Nutella glaze, these rolls are a true delight for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (100-110℉)
- 1 tablespoon instant dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- 1 cup Nutella
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Nutella Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup Nutella
- 1–1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- For the Dough – In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, instant dry yeast, granulated sugar, salt, salted butter, and egg. Add all-purpose flour gradually and mix until the dough forms.
- Increase mixer speed and knead until the dough is soft and tacky. Let rise until doubled.
- Shaping and Baking – Roll out the dough, spread Nutella, sugar, and cinnamon. Roll into a log, cut into slices, and arrange in a pan. Let rise and bake.
- Nutella Glaze – Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add Nutella and powdered sugar, mix until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
- You can adjust the thickness of the glaze by varying the amount of powdered sugar and adding milk or cream.
- For a spreadable frosting, wait for the rolls to cool completely before applying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 546 kcal
- Sugar: 47g
- Sodium: 348mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 76g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
