Ultimate Nutella Roll Recipe: Soft, Gooey, and Irresistible!

Nutella rolls are the epitome of comfort food. Imagine a warm, soft, and slightly sweet dough swirled with a generous layer of creamy, chocolatey Nutella. Every bite is an explosion of textures and flavors, making it the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring you create perfect Nutella rolls every time.

## Why You’ll Love This Nutella Roll Recipe

* **Incredibly Soft and Fluffy:** The secret lies in the enriched dough, which uses yeast and milk to create a light and airy texture.
* **Gooey Nutella Filling:** A generous layer of Nutella adds a rich, chocolatey flavor that melts in your mouth.
* **Easy to Make:** While it requires some time for rising, the steps are straightforward and easy to follow, even for beginner bakers.
* **Versatile:** You can customize this recipe with different toppings, such as chopped nuts, sprinkles, or a simple glaze.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether it’s a weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or a simple sweet craving, Nutella rolls are always a hit.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Dough:

* **All-Purpose Flour:** 4 cups (about 500g), plus more for dusting. Use good quality all-purpose flour for best results.
* **Instant Yeast:** 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet or 7g). Instant yeast is easy to use and doesn’t require proofing in advance.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1/4 cup (50g). Sugar not only adds sweetness but also feeds the yeast, helping the dough rise.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon. Salt enhances the flavors and controls the yeast activity.
* **Milk:** 1 cup (240ml), lukewarm. Lukewarm milk helps activate the yeast without killing it. Aim for around 105-115°F (40-46°C).
* **Eggs:** 2 large, at room temperature. Eggs add richness and structure to the dough.
* **Unsalted Butter:** 1/4 cup (57g), melted. Melted butter adds flavor and moisture to the dough.

### For the Filling:

* **Nutella:** 1 cup (about 300g), softened. Softening the Nutella makes it easier to spread evenly over the dough. You can warm it slightly in the microwave or let it sit at room temperature.
* **Unsalted Butter:** 2 tablespoons, melted (optional). Melted butter helps the Nutella spread more smoothly, but it’s optional.

### For the Egg Wash:

* **Egg:** 1 large.
* **Milk:** 1 tablespoon.

### For the Optional Glaze:

* **Powdered Sugar:** 1 cup (120g).
* **Milk:** 2-3 tablespoons.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1/2 teaspoon (optional).

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Mixing Bowl or Stand Mixer:** For mixing the dough.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Rolling Pin:** For rolling out the dough.
* **Baking Dish:** A 9×13 inch baking dish works well.
* **Parchment Paper:** To line the baking dish (optional, but recommended for easy cleanup).
* **Pastry Brush:** For applying the egg wash.
* **Wire Rack:** For cooling the rolls.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. **Add Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the lukewarm milk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
3. **Mix the Dough:** If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment to mix on low speed until the dough comes together. If mixing by hand, use a wooden spoon or your hands to combine the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.
4. **Knead the Dough:**
* **Stand Mixer:** Knead the dough on medium speed for 6-8 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl.
* **By Hand:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky, but be careful not to add too much.
5. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

### Step 2: Prepare the Filling and Assemble the Rolls

1. **Punch Down the Dough:** Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air.
2. **Roll Out the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
3. **Spread the Filling:** Spread the softened Nutella evenly over the entire surface of the dough. If using, drizzle the melted butter over the Nutella.
4. **Roll Up the Dough:** Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
5. **Cut the Rolls:** Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal slices. Each slice should be about 1.5 inches thick.
6. **Arrange the Rolls:** Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper (optional). Arrange the rolls in the baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.

### Step 3: Second Rise and Bake

1. **Second Rise:** Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are almost touching each other.
2. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. **Prepare the Egg Wash:** In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
4. **Apply the Egg Wash:** Gently brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top and the centers are cooked through. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a roll; it should come out clean.
6. **Cool:** Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the rolls cool in the dish for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

### Step 4: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
2. **Drizzle the Glaze:** Drizzle the glaze over the cooled rolls.

## Tips for Perfect Nutella Rolls

* **Use Fresh Yeast:** Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise. If you’re unsure, you can test it by adding a teaspoon of yeast to a 1/4 cup of lukewarm water with a teaspoon of sugar. If it foams up in 5-10 minutes, it’s good to use.
* **Don’t Overheat the Milk:** Lukewarm milk is ideal for activating the yeast. If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast.
* **Knead the Dough Well:** Kneading develops the gluten in the flour, which gives the rolls their soft and chewy texture. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
* **Let the Dough Rise Properly:** The rising time can vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen. Be patient and let the dough double in size during the first rise and puff up during the second rise.
* **Soften the Nutella:** Softened Nutella is much easier to spread over the dough. You can warm it slightly in the microwave or let it sit at room temperature.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can make the rolls dry. Bake until they are golden brown and the centers are cooked through.
* **Use Parchment Paper:** Lining the baking dish with parchment paper makes it easier to remove the rolls and prevents them from sticking.
* **Customize the Filling:** Get creative with the filling! You can add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a layer of cream cheese.

## Variations and Add-Ins

* **Chocolate Chips:** Sprinkle chocolate chips over the Nutella filling for an extra chocolatey treat.
* **Chopped Nuts:** Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts to the filling for a nutty flavor and texture.
* **Cinnamon:** Sprinkle a little cinnamon over the Nutella filling for a warm, comforting flavor.
* **Cream Cheese:** Spread a thin layer of cream cheese over the dough before adding the Nutella for a tangy twist.
* **Espresso Powder:** Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough for a coffee flavor that complements the Nutella.
* **Orange Zest:** Grate some orange zest into the dough for a citrusy aroma and flavor.
* **Salted Caramel:** Drizzle salted caramel over the baked rolls for a decadent treat.
* **Sprinkles:** Decorate the glaze with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Warm:** Serve the Nutella rolls warm for the best flavor and texture.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious breakfast or brunch.
* **With Ice Cream:** Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
* **As a Gift:** Package them in a nice box or basket to give as a homemade gift.

## Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the Nutella rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
* **Refrigerator:** Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.
* **Freezer:** Freeze the rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per roll, without glaze)

* Calories: 300-350
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-10g
* Cholesterol: 50-60mg
* Sodium: 150-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-45g
* Sugar: 20-25g
* Protein: 5-7g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Printable Recipe Card

**Nutella Rolls**

**Prep Time:** 30 minutes
**Rise Time:** 2-2.5 hours
**Bake Time:** 20-25 minutes
**Total Time:** 3-3.5 hours

**Yield:** 12 rolls

### Ingredients:

**Dough:**
* 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) instant yeast
* 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (240ml) lukewarm milk
* 2 large eggs, at room temperature
* 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted

**Filling:**
* 1 cup (300g) Nutella, softened
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (optional)

**Egg Wash:**
* 1 large egg
* 1 tablespoon milk

**Glaze (Optional):**
* 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

### Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Dough:** In a large bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
2. **Knead the Dough:** Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface or in a stand mixer for 6-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, turn to coat, cover, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled.
3. **Assemble the Rolls:** Punch down the dough, roll into a 12×18 inch rectangle, and spread with softened Nutella (and melted butter, if using). Roll up tightly from a long edge and pinch to seal. Cut into 12 slices and arrange in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. **Second Rise:** Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes, until puffed up.
5. **Bake:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush rolls with egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
6. **Cool and Glaze (Optional):** Let cool slightly before drizzling with glaze (whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract). Serve warm.

Enjoy your homemade Nutella rolls!

This Nutella roll recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its soft dough, gooey filling, and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be baking up a batch of these irresistible treats in no time. Don’t forget to share your creations with us! Happy baking!