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Chocolate Hazelnut Cinnamon Rolls

Chocolate Hazelnut Cinnamon Rolls

Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls swirled with rich chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts, topped with a sweet glaze. A decadent twist on a classic treat perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rise time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings 12 rolls

Ingredients
  

Dough:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling:

  • 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread like Nutella
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup chopped hazelnuts

Glaze:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 4 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • Warm the milk to body temperature—when dropped on your wrist, it should feel neutral. Pour into a large bowl, sprinkle in the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar, and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  • Melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Mix in the eggs and vanilla.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and butter mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon, then knead by hand when it becomes too thick to stir.
  • Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and springy. If sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
  • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled.
  • While rising, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Slightly warm the Nutella if needed for easy spreading.
  • Punch down the dough and roll it into an 18×24-inch rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
  • Spread Nutella evenly, leaving a 1-inch border along one long edge. Spread the cinnamon-sugar butter mixture on top, then sprinkle chopped hazelnuts.
  • Roll the dough tightly from the filled long edge, then pinch the seam to seal.
  • Cut into 12 equal rolls using dental floss or a sharp knife. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan with space between each roll.
  • Let rise for another 30 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. If browning too fast, tent with foil.
  • Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt for the glaze. It should be thick but pourable.
  • Let rolls cool for 10 minutes before glazing so it settles without completely melting.