Name: Easy Nutella Rolls - Delicious Chocolate Swirls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Yield: 8-10 rolls
Ingredients: 3½ tablespoons warm water; 1 teaspoon active dry yeast; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 3½ tablespoons milk; 2 tablespoons soft butter; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup sugar; ⅓ cup Nutella; ¼ cup chocolate chips; Splash of heavy cream; 3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

Nutella Rolls – that decadent swirl of chocolate hazelnut goodness encased in a pillowy soft dough – are more than just a treat; they’re a universally adored indulgence that brings smiles to faces young and old. What is it about these delightful pastries that sparks such joy? Perhaps it’s the irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake, a promise of the sweet, creamy filling waiting within. Or maybe it’s the perfect balance of rich Nutella and tender, slightly sweet bread, creating a flavor combination that’s simply divine. We love Nutella Rolls because they offer a moment of pure bliss, a comforting hug in edible form, perfect for a special breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or simply when you need a little something extra to brighten your day. This recipe aims to capture that magic, providing you with the steps to create these iconic Nutella Rolls right in your own home, ensuring every bite is an explosion of pure happiness.

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)

Making the Dough

Let’s start by getting our yeast activated. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Give it a gentle stir. It’s important that the water is warm, not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is alive and kicking when it becomes foamy and bubbly on the surface. This indicates that it’s ready to do its magic and make our Nutella Rolls wonderfully soft and airy.

While the yeast is blooming, let’s prepare the wet ingredients. In a larger mixing bowl, whisk together the large egg and the milk. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the bowl with the egg and milk. Now, add the soft butter. Make sure your butter is truly soft, not melted, so it can easily incorporate into the dough. Mix everything together until well combined.

Next, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Gradually add the 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Start by mixing with a wooden spoon or a spatula until a shaggy dough begins to form. Once it’s too stiff to stir easily, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Begin kneading the dough. This is where we develop the gluten, which gives our Nutella Rolls their lovely structure. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, pushing, folding, and turning the dough. It should become smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. If it’s too sticky, you can add a tiny bit more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as this can result in dry rolls.

Once your dough is beautifully smooth and elastic, place it back into the lightly oiled mixing bowl. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Find a warm spot in your kitchen for the dough to rise. Let it rise for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is the proofing stage, where the yeast works its wonders to create those airy pockets.

Assembling the Nutella Rolls

Now for the fun part! Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangle. Aim for a rectangle that is roughly 12×18 inches. Don’t worry about perfect measurements, just try to get a relatively even thickness, about ¼ inch thick.

Time to add our star filling! Spread the ⅓ cup of Nutella evenly over the rolled-out dough. Leave a small border (about ½ inch) along one of the long edges. This will help seal the roll later. Make sure to spread it relatively thinly; a thick layer might ooze out too much during baking. If your Nutella is very stiff, you can warm it slightly for a few seconds in the microwave to make it more spreadable. After spreading the Nutella, sprinkle the ¼ cup of chocolate chips evenly over the Nutella. This adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness to our Nutella Rolls.

Starting from the long edge that has the Nutella spread all the way to the edge, begin to tightly roll up the dough. Use gentle but firm pressure to ensure a compact roll. As you roll, try to keep the seam side down. Once you have rolled the entire dough log, pinch the seam to seal it completely. This is crucial to prevent the Nutella from escaping during baking.

Now, let’s cut our log into individual Nutella Rolls. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the log into 8-10 equal pieces. For cleaner cuts, you can lightly dust your knife with flour or even use a piece of unflavored dental floss to slice them. To use floss, slide it under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice. Place the cut Nutella Rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. They should be placed cut-side up, and you can arrange them snugly. Leave a little space between them, as they will expand more during their second rise.

Baking and Finishing Touches

Cover the baking pan loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the Nutella Rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes. They should puff up and fill out the pan. While they are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Once the Nutella Rolls have had their second rise and the oven is preheated, it’s time to bake! Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and the centers are cooked through. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be heavenly!

While the Nutella Rolls are still warm, we’ll add a final touch of decadence. In a small bowl, whisk together the splash of heavy cream and the 3 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips. This creates a quick and easy chocolate ganache or glaze. Drizzle this warm mixture over the baked Nutella Rolls. The warmth will melt the mini chocolate chips slightly, creating a luscious, glossy topping. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These Nutella Rolls are best enjoyed warm!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Your very own batch of delicious, homemade Nutella Rolls is ready to be devoured. We’ve walked through each step, from kneading the dough to that satisfying swirl of Nutella, and finally, the golden bake. These Nutella Rolls are more than just a treat; they’re a perfect way to brighten any morning, a comforting addition to an afternoon coffee break, or even a crowd-pleasing dessert. Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, so don’t hesitate to experiment!

I love serving these warm, straight from the oven, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra chocolate ganache for an indulgent touch. For an even richer experience, try adding a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts to the Nutella filling. They are also fantastic slightly cooled, making them a great portable snack. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try. The aroma alone as they bake is worth it, and the taste is simply divine.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Nutella Rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can. You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and even assemble the rolls. Then, cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. For baked rolls, they are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave if desired.

What if I don’t have Nutella? Can I substitute it?

Absolutely! While Nutella is our star ingredient for these Nutella Rolls, you can easily substitute it with other chocolate-hazelnut spreads. Alternatively, you could use a good quality chocolate ganache, a thick dulce de leche, or even a mixture of softened butter and cocoa powder with sugar for a different flavor profile.