Name: Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 teaspoons Instant Active yeast (1 packet); 1 1/4 cups Warm milk (105°F); 4 cups all-purpose flour (divided into 2 cups and 2 cups); 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 egg (room temperature); 1 egg yolk (room temperature); 7 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 2/3 cup Nutella; 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar; 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature); 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1/8 teaspoon salt

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If you are a fan of warm, gooey pastries that combine the irresistible richness of Nutella with the comforting spice of cinnamon, then you are in for a real treat. This Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe delivers soft, fluffy rolls swirled generously with Nutella and cinnamon, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that will make your kitchen smell heavenly. Whether it’s for a weekend breakfast, a special brunch, or a cozy dessert, these rolls are sure to become your new favorite indulgence that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A baking tray lined with parchment paper holds twelve raw cinnamon rolls arranged in three rows of four. Each roll has a light beige dough base rolled tightly with a visible spiral of darker brown cinnamon filling in the center, showing smooth and creamy texture. The dough looks soft and slightly puffy, while the cinnamon filling has a glossy surface with uneven, natural swirls. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma of your Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. From the warm milk activating the yeast to give the dough its fluffiness, to the combination of sweet brown sugar and fragrant cinnamon that make each bite irresistible, every component is carefully chosen.

Instant active yeast (2 1/2 teaspoons): This helps the dough rise beautifully, giving you soft and airy rolls.
Warm milk (1 1/4 cups at 105 F): Activates the yeast without killing it, ensuring a good rise.
All-purpose flour (4 cups, divided): The backbone of the dough, provides structure while keeping the rolls soft.
Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds a subtle molasses flavor and moisture.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup melted + 7 tablespoons room temperature): Melted for dough richness, room temperature for the filling to spread easily.
Egg and egg yolk (1 whole egg + 1 yolk at room temperature): Add richness and help bind the dough.
Cinnamon (1 tablespoon, ground): Provides that warm, spicy kick that cinnamon rolls are famous for.
Nutella (2/3 cup): The star ingredient — creamy, chocolatey hazelnut spread that makes these rolls extraordinary.
Powdered sugar (1 1/4 cups): For the sweet, silky frosting that tops off the rolls perfectly.
Cream cheese (8 ounces at room temperature): Gives the frosting a tangy creaminess that balances the sweetness.
Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds depth to the frosting flavor.
Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Just a pinch to enhance the frosting’s flavors.

How to Make Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the yeast

Start by mixing the instant active yeast with warm milk at about 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy — this shows that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on your dough. It’s important the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. This step ensures your rolls will rise beautifully.

Step 2: Make the dough base

Combine 2 cups of flour, brown sugar, salt, melted butter, egg, and egg yolk in a large bowl. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix on medium speed with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment for about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything blends well. This mixture starts the rich, buttery dough that will become your cinnamon rolls.

Step 3: Add remaining flour and knead

Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour — first 1 cup, then the last — mixing after each addition. Continue kneading on medium speed for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes sticky but starts to pull away from the bowl’s edges and forms a smooth ball. If kneading by hand, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead until it’s smooth and elastic. This step develops the gluten that gives your rolls that perfect chewiness.

Step 4: Proof the dough

Test the dough’s elasticity with the “windowpane test”— gently stretch a small piece between your fingers; it should stretch thin and translucent without tearing. Then, place the dough ball into a greased bowl, turning once to coat all sides. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it sit in a warm place, like an oven turned to 200 degrees Fahrenheit then turned off, for about 1 hour until it doubles in size. This rise is crucial for soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls.

Step 5: Roll, fill, and slice

After punching down the dough to release excess air, roll it out on a floured surface into a large 12 by 18-inch rectangle. Spread 7 tablespoons of room temperature butter evenly over the surface, leaving about an inch border around the edges. Sprinkle cinnamon all over, then spread Nutella generously on top, again leaving the border untouched. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge and pinch the seam closed to seal your delicious filling inside. Slice the roll into 12 equal pieces using unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to keep your edges neat.

Step 6: Final rise and bake

Place the sliced rolls in a parchment-lined or greased 9×13-inch pan, spacing them so they don’t touch. Cover with a cloth and let them rise again for about 1 hour until they puff up and nearly double. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown on top. Let cool slightly before adding your frosting.

Step 7: Make the frosting and finish

Mix powdered sugar, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt together using a whisk until the frosting is fluffy and smooth. Spread generously over the warm rolls so it melts into every crevice, creating an irresistible finish. This final touch elevates the entire Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe into a heavenly experience.

How to Serve Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

A soft cinnamon roll with visible thick swirls of brown cinnamon filling spread evenly in two layers inside its light golden dough, topped with a shiny white cream cheese frosting that drips slightly down the sides showing uneven texture. The roll is partly eaten and placed on a white plate against a white marbled surface background, with a silver fork on the left side and a blurred baking pan in the back. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, sprinkle some finely chopped hazelnuts or a dusting of cinnamon powder over the frosting. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add a pop of color and a tart contrast. Mini chocolate chips also work wonders if you want to take the chocolate factor up a notch.

Side Dishes

Serve these cinnamon rolls alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee, rich hot chocolate, or a frothy latte for the ultimate breakfast treat. If you want to make brunch, pair them with some fresh fruit salad or crispy bacon for a sweet-savory balance that impresses every guest.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve your Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe on a beautiful wooden board or tiered cake stand. Wrap individual rolls in parchment paper tied with twine for gifts or party favors. You can also drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel over the top for a stunning finish that’s impossible to resist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them a bit longer, refrigerating is also an option, though it may firm up the frosting slightly.

Freezing

You can freeze these rolls before or after baking. For unbaked rolls, cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw and bake when ready. For baked rolls, wrap individually or as a batch in plastic wrap and foil, freezing up to 2 months. This allows you to enjoy fresh-tasting cinnamon rolls anytime.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or frozen rolls in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm in an oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. This brings back their soft texture and fresh-baked aroma. Add a little extra frosting or a dab of butter for added indulgence.

FAQs

Can I use regular yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can substitute regular active dry yeast. Just dissolve it in warm milk for 5-10 minutes until foamy before adding to your mixture, as regular yeast requires activation.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries! This Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe can be made entirely by hand. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, which will take about 10 minutes. It’s a great way to connect with the dough.

Can I substitute Nutella with another spread?

Absolutely! You could use any chocolate hazelnut spread, chocolate ganache, or even a mix of peanut butter and honey for a different twist. Just keep in mind the texture might vary slightly.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and bubbling slightly with filling. A lightly inserted toothpick in the middle should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no raw dough.

Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?

With some ingredient swaps — like using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative — you can adapt this Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe to suit vegan or dairy-free diets. The process stays the same and the results are still delightful!

Final Thoughts

This Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is truly a slice of heaven that brings warmth, sweetness, and comforting spices together in every bite. Once you try making them at home, with that ooey-gooey Nutella swirl and creamy frosting, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. They’re perfect for sharing with friends, surprising your family, or treating yourself to a special moment. Trust me, these rolls will make your mornings brighter and your taste buds happiest.