Imagine the fragrance of warm, freshly baked Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls drifting through your home on a cozy weekend morning—the kind of scent that gathers everyone at the breakfast table with wide-eyed anticipation. These swirled beauties are tender and fluffy, filled with a rich chocolate hazelnut spread and a sprinkling of toasted hazelnuts for irresistible crunch. Whether you’re sharing them with family or serving them at your next brunch party, Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls are a delightfully decadent treat that’s bound to become a favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe comes together with a distinct purpose: from creating a pillowy, buttery dough to achieving that signature chocolate-nutty swirl. Don’t be intimidated by the list—these are mostly pantry staples, and each one guarantees flavor and texture in every bite.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your rolls—choose a good quality flour for the softest texture.
- Instant yeast: This jumpstarts the dough, making it rise beautifully fluffy without any fuss.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten the dough without overpowering the filling.
- Salt: A hint enhances the flavors and keeps the rolls from tasting flat.
- Warm milk: Brings richness and moisture to the dough—make sure it’s just warm to the touch, not hot.
- Unsalted butter (softened): For that lovely tender crumb and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Large egg: Adds structure and richness to the dough, making it wonderfully soft.
- Vanilla extract: A splash infuses warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- Chocolate hazelnut spread (such as Nutella): The star of the show—ooey, gooey, and utterly irresistible.
- Chopped toasted hazelnuts: For the ultimate crunch and an added punch of nutty flavor.
- Egg (for egg wash): Gives the rolls their shiny, golden finish—impossible to resist.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A delicate dusting for a truly bakery-style touch.
How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls
Step 1: Make and Knead the Dough
Start by combining the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl or stand mixer. Add the warm milk, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract, then mix everything together. Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes, until it feels soft, smooth, and elastic; this ensures those dreamy, fluffy rolls. Once the dough is ready, transfer it to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours—patience here pays off!
Step 2: Roll Out and Fill
After your dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large 16×12-inch rectangle. Now comes the mouthwatering part: spread the chocolate hazelnut spread evenly all over, leaving a small border around the edges so the filling doesn’t spill out. Sprinkle chopped toasted hazelnuts generously across the surface to amp up the crunch and flavor.
Step 3: Shape and Slice
Starting with the long edge closest to you, roll up the dough tightly into a neat log—like making a giant cinnamon roll. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the log into 12 even pieces; this keeps the swirls tight and beautiful. Arrange the slices cut side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them just slightly apart. Cover and let them rest for another 30 to 45 minutes, allowing them to puff up for the second rise.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
While the Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls are puffy, brush the tops generously with beaten egg for a gorgeous, glossy finish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are golden and your kitchen smells like absolute heaven. Let the rolls cool slightly in the pan before dusting with powdered sugar if you fancy a touch of extra sweetness.
How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar can make your Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls look straight from a patisserie, but why stop there? Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a scattering of extra chopped hazelnuts for a delightful finish, or even a swipe of whipped cream if you’re feeling festive.
Side Dishes
These rolls are dreamy with a steaming cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a tall glass of cold milk. For a full brunch spread, serve alongside fresh berries, yogurt parfaits, or a savory egg casserole—the contrast is absolutely divine.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, arrange your Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra hazelnut spread and chopped fruits. If you want to make things extra fun, try serving them as individual “mini-cakes” with personalized flags or toppers for birthdays or brunch parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you live in a warm climate, pop them in the fridge to keep them fresh—you’ll just want to warm them gently before serving.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil, then stash in a resealable freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a treat, let them thaw at room temperature or microwave gently for a quick indulgence.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-baked magic, reheat the rolls in a 300°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or zap in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. A quick warm-up softens the rolls and revives the gooey chocolate filling—truly worth the extra minute.
FAQs
Can I prepare Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls the night before?
Absolutely! After shaping and arranging in your baking dish, simply cover and chill overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed. It’s the ultimate make-ahead brunch treat.
Do I have to use Nutella, or can I try another chocolate hazelnut spread?
Nutella is a classic choice, but any good-quality chocolate hazelnut spread will work beautifully here. Feel free to experiment with your favorite brand or even try a homemade version for a unique flair.
What if I don’t have hazelnuts on hand?
No worries! You can swap the hazelnuts for toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts. If you’re nut-free, try finely chopped chocolate chips or leave out the nuts entirely—the rolls will still be scrumptious.
How can I make these Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls even more indulgent?
Add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips over the filling, a touch of cinnamon for depth, or even a chocolate glaze after baking. For a grown-up twist, a dash of espresso powder in the dough brings out the chocolate flavor.
Can this recipe be doubled or halved?
Yes! Halve the ingredients for a small batch, or double up if you’re baking for a crowd. Just keep an eye on the baking time—smaller batches may need a few minutes less, while larger ones could take a tad longer to bake through.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your breakfast crowd or just treat yourself to something truly comforting, you have to give these Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls a try. They transform even an ordinary morning into a special occasion—so go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy every irresistible swirl!
Print
Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including rising time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls, a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Soft, fluffy dough filled with rich Nutella and crunchy hazelnuts, these rolls are sure to impress.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling:
- 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (such as Nutella)
- 1/3 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts
Additional:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk, butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix and knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic. Cover and let rise in a greased bowl for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the chocolate hazelnut spread evenly over the surface, leaving a small border. Sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts.
- Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into 12 even pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the tops with egg wash and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, add a touch of cinnamon to the filling.
- These rolls can be prepped the night before, chilled, and baked fresh in the morning.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
