This irresistible recipe for Nutella cinnamon rolls combines the sweet, creamy hazelnut spread with the warm spice of cinnamon. The soft dough is rolled with a Nutella and cinnamon filling, then baked to perfection. Once drizzled with more Nutella and a cream cheese glaze, these rolls are a heavenly treat that's perfect to serve for breakfast, dessert, or any time you want a sweet indulgence.
All ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in most supermarkets. However, Nutella, a popular hazelnut-chocolate spread, is a key ingredient. It is typically found in the jam and jelly aisle. Instant or 'rapid rise' yeast is another ingredient to note, which is a specific type of yeast that works faster than regular active dry yeast. It is generally found in the baking aisle.
Ingredients for Nutella Cinnamon Rolls
Milk: Used in the dough to add moisture and create a soft texture.
Butter: Adds richness to the dough and the filling. It also helps in browning the rolls.
All-purpose flour: The base of the dough for the rolls, providing structure.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough.
Salt: Enhances the flavors in the dough.
Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise, creating light, fluffy rolls.
Egg: Used in the dough for added richness and to help bind the ingredients together.
Nutella: A creamy, sweet hazelnut-chocolate spread used as the main filling and also for drizzling on top of the baked rolls.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, sweet-spicy flavor to the Nutella filling.
Cream cheese: Used in the glaze to add tanginess and creaminess.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese glaze and helps create a smooth consistency.
Milk: Used in the glaze to thin out to desired consistency.
One reader, Budd Laplante says:
These Nutella cinnamon rolls are absolutely divine! The combination of rich Nutella and warm cinnamon is a match made in heaven. The rolls are soft, gooey, and utterly irresistible. I highly recommend this recipe for anyone with a sweet tooth. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Essential Techniques for Making Nutella Cinnamon Rolls
How to make the dough: Combine warm milk and melted butter, then mix with flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and egg. Knead the dough until it forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
How to roll the dough: Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, spread the Nutella and cinnamon mixture, then tightly roll up the dough and cut it into equal pieces.
How to let the rolls rise: Cover the rolls with a damp towel and leave them in a warm place to rise for 25 minutes.
How to make the icing: Whisk together softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until combined.
How to drizzle with Nutella: Warm the Nutella in the microwave to make it more spreadable, then use a piping bag or fork to drizzle it onto the cinnamon rolls.
How To Make Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Enjoy these wonderfully sweet and tasty cinnamon rolls made even better with a touch of Nutella. Make this dish at home in less than an hour!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Dough:
- 1cupmilk
- ¼cupbutter
- 3½cupsall-purpose flour,divided
- ¼cupgranulated sugar
- ½tspsalt
- 2¼tspinstant or ‘rapid rise’ yeast
- 1egg
For Cinnamon-Nutella Filing:
- ⅔cupNutella
- 2tbspground cinnamon
- ½cupbutter,softened
- 1/4cupcream cheese,softened
- 1½cupspowdered sugar
- 2tbspmilk,if needed
For Nutella Drizzle:
- ⅓cupNutella,Optional
Instructions
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Combine milk and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1 minute, then remove and stir.
-
Continue heating in 20-second intervals, pausing after each to stir, until the butter is melted and the milk is warm to the touch but not hot. If needed, let the milk mixture sit for a few minutes until it is warm but not hot.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups flour, sugar, and salt until combined.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer, add yeast and lukewarm milk mixture and stir by hand to combine. Add the flour mixture and egg, and beat on medium-low speed until combined.
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If the dough is sticking to the sides of the bowl, add the remaining flour, ¼ cup at a time, until the dough begins to form a ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Continue beating for 5 minutes on medium-low speed. Remove the dough hook and cover the dough with a damp towel and let rest for 10 minutes.
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When the dough is ready, turn it out onto a floured work surface. Then use a floured rolling pin to roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 14×9-inch in size.
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Use a knife or spoon to spread the Nutella evenly over the top of the surface, leaving a ¼-inch border at the bottom of the 14-inch edge. Sprinkle the cinnamon evenly on top of the Nutella.
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Beginning at the top 14-inch edge, tightly roll up the dough. Then give the final seam a little pinch so that it seals. Use a piece of dental floss to cut off the two ends of the roll so that they are even.
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Then cut the remaining dough into 11 or 12 equal pieces.
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Place each of the cut cinnamon rolls into a greased pie plate or 9×13-inch baking dish. Then cover again with a damp towel, and leave the dish in a warm place to rise for 25 minutes.
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When the rolls have risen, uncover the dish. Then place on the center rack of the oven and bake at 350 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and cooked through.
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Remove and let cool on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes. Drizzle with your desired icing and Nutella and serve.
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Either in the bowl of an electric stand mixer, whisk softened butter and cream cheese together until combined. Then whisk in powdered sugar until combined.
-
Warm Nutella in the microwave for a few seconds to help make it more spreadable, if desired. Then use either a piping bag to pipe it onto the cinnamon rolls, or use a fork to drizzle it on.
Recipe Notes
- If the icing is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to thin.
Nutrition
- Calories: 494.15kcal
- Fat: 22.26g
- Saturated Fat: 15.87g
- Trans Fat: 0.47g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.92g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.77g
- Carbohydrates: 66.31g
- Fiber: 4.08g
- Sugar: 33.62g
- Protein: 8.35g
- Cholesterol: 51.43mg
- Sodium: 144.36mg
- Calcium: 82.54mg
- Potassium: 228.77mg
- Iron: 3.07mg
- Vitamin A: 131.41µg
- Vitamin C: 0.06mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Nutella Cinnamon Roll Technique
When spreading the Nutella on the dough, it's helpful to warm it slightly first. This will make it easier to spread and prevent the dough from tearing. You can warm the Nutella in the microwave for a few seconds, just be sure to stir it well before spreading to ensure it's evenly heated. This will give your cinnamon rolls a smooth, even layer of Nutella filling.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Cinnamon Rolls with Nutella
Plan ahead: Prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. This will save time on the day of baking.
Use a stand mixer: Let the stand mixer do the work of kneading the dough, which will save time and effort compared to kneading by hand.
Pre-measure ingredients: Before starting the recipe, pre-measure all the ingredients to streamline the process and avoid last-minute measuring.
Bake in batches: If you're making a large batch, consider baking the cinnamon rolls in batches to ensure even baking and save time.
Chill the dough: After rolling out the dough, chill it in the freezer for a few minutes to make it easier to handle and cut into rolls.
Use a pizza cutter: Instead of a knife, use a pizza cutter to easily and quickly slice the rolled dough into individual cinnamon rolls.
Silpat or parchment: Line the baking dish with a Silpat or parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the rolls from sticking to the pan.
Room temperature ingredients: Ensure that the butter, cream cheese, and Nutella are at room temperature to make them easier to work with and incorporate into the recipe.
Substitute Ingredients For Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Nutella - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter has a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor that can work as a delicious alternative to Nutella.
All-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used as a healthier alternative, adding a nuttier flavor and more fiber to the cinnamon rolls.
Granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index compared to granulated sugar.
Butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, adding a hint of coconut flavor to the cinnamon rolls.
Milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a slightly nutty flavor to the dough.
Egg - Substitute with flaxseed egg: A flaxseed egg can be used as a vegan alternative, providing binding properties similar to a regular egg.
Cream cheese - Substitute with vegan cream cheese: Vegan cream cheese can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the filling.
Powdered sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener and glaze for the cinnamon rolls, adding a rich flavor.
Yeast - Substitute with baking powder and lemon juice: Baking powder combined with lemon juice can act as a substitute for yeast, providing the necessary leavening for the dough.
Ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice can be used to add warmth and depth of flavor, similar to ground cinnamon.
Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a healthier alternative, providing a subtle briny flavor to the dough.
How to Beautifully Present Your Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Elevate the plating: When presenting the nutella cinnamon rolls, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a clean, white plate to showcase the golden-brown rolls and allow the nutella drizzle to stand out against the backdrop.
Incorporate fresh elements: Add a touch of vibrancy to the plate by garnishing with fresh mint leaves. The pop of green will not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a subtle hint of freshness to complement the rich flavors of the cinnamon rolls.
Balance the composition: Arrange the cinnamon rolls thoughtfully on the plate, ensuring that each piece is evenly spaced and visually balanced. Consider incorporating varying heights to create a dynamic and visually engaging presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space to allow the cinnamon rolls to take center stage. By strategically leaving areas of the plate bare, you can draw attention to the exquisite details of the dish.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the placement of the nutella drizzle. Whether elegantly drizzled or meticulously piped, ensure that each roll is adorned with a precise and artful touch of the decadent nutella.
Add a touch of sophistication: Consider serving the nutella cinnamon rolls with a side of house-made vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. This addition brings a luxurious element to the presentation, elevating the overall dining experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Nutella Cinnamon Rolls
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing the dough for the cinnamon rolls.
Rolling pin: A rolling pin is used to roll out the dough into a large rectangle for the cinnamon rolls.
Microwave-safe bowl: This is used to heat the milk and butter for the dough in the microwave.
Knife or spoon: These are used to spread the nutella and cinnamon evenly on the dough.
Dental floss: Dental floss is used to easily and cleanly cut the rolled dough into individual cinnamon rolls.
Pie plate or 9x13-inch baking dish: This is used to place the cut cinnamon rolls for baking.
Wire rack: A wire rack is used to cool the baked cinnamon rolls before serving.
Electric stand mixer: An electric stand mixer is used to mix and knead the dough for the cinnamon rolls.
Piping bag: A piping bag can be used to pipe the icing and nutella onto the cinnamon rolls for a decorative finish.
How To Store and Freeze Homemade Nutella Cinnamon Rolls
Here are the detailed storing and freezing guidelines for Nutella cinnamon rolls:
- Let the cinnamon rolls cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent them from becoming soggy or sticky.
- To store, place the rolls in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the cinnamon rolls. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- To reheat frozen rolls, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Then, warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
- If you want to freeze unbaked cinnamon rolls, follow the recipe up until the point where you cut and place the rolls in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, let the rolls thaw and rise in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
- To keep the Nutella drizzle from hardening, store it separately in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds until spreadable before drizzling over the reheated cinnamon rolls.
How To Reheat Leftover Cinnamon Rolls
The best way to reheat leftover nutella cinnamon rolls is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and the nutella is gooey and warm.
Another option is to use the microwave. Place the cinnamon rolls on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 15-second intervals until they are warm and the nutella is melted. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the dough to become tough and chewy.
If you want to reheat a large batch of nutella cinnamon rolls, you can use a slow cooker. Place the rolls in the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cover and let them warm for 30-45 minutes, or until they are heated through and the nutella is melted.
For a crispy exterior, you can reheat the cinnamon rolls in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the rolls in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through and the outside is crispy.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your reheated nutella cinnamon rolls, you can brush them with a little melted butter or drizzle them with extra nutella before reheating. This will give them a richer, more indulgent flavor.
Interesting Trivia About Cinnamon Rolls
Nutella was created during World War II, when an Italian pastry maker mixed hazelnuts into chocolate to extend his chocolate ration. This resulted in the creation of the spread we know today.
Is Making Nutella Cinnamon Rolls at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this Nutella Cinnamon Rolls recipe is moderate. The ingredients, including flour, sugar, butter, and nutella, can be found at reasonable prices. However, the use of cream cheese and powdered sugar for the icing may slightly increase the overall cost. Considering the yield and the satisfaction it brings, this recipe is worth a try. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate it an 8 for its taste and indulgence. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a reasonable treat for a special occasion.
Are Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Healthy or Unhealthy?
The Nutella cinnamon rolls recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, and Nutella - are high in calories, saturated fat, and refined carbohydrates. Consuming excessive amounts of these ingredients can lead to weight gain, increased risk of heart disease, and blood sugar imbalances.
However, there are several ways to make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste:
- Swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free alternative like almond flour to increase fiber content and reduce refined carbohydrates
- Reduce the amount of sugar and Nutella used in the filling, or replace them with healthier alternatives like mashed bananas, date paste, or nut butter
- Use low-fat milk and cream cheese to decrease the overall fat content
- Incorporate more nutritious ingredients into the dough, such as ground flaxseed, chia seeds, or grated zucchini, to boost the fiber and nutrient profile
- Serve the cinnamon rolls with fresh fruit or a side of Greek yogurt to add more vitamins, minerals, and protein to the meal
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Nutella Cinnamon Roll Recipe
This Nutella cinnamon rolls recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The combination of the rich Nutella filling and the warm, aromatic cinnamon creates a truly indulgent treat. The dough is beautifully soft and fluffy, and the addition of the cream cheese and Nutella drizzle adds a luscious finishing touch. The recipe is well-structured and easy to follow, making it accessible for both experienced bakers and novices alike. Overall, these Nutella cinnamon rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect addition to any brunch or dessert spread.
Enhance Your Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Nutella Cinnamon Rolls
Ideal Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with Cinnamon Rolls
Why trust this Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe:
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, as it combines the irresistible flavors of nutella and cinnamon in a delightful cinnamon roll. The dough is made from scratch, ensuring freshness and quality. The use of cream cheese in the icing adds a rich and creamy element, while the nutella drizzle provides an extra layer of decadence. Trust the combination of warm, aromatic cinnamon and the indulgent sweetness of nutella to create a truly unforgettable treat.
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