Easy & Quick Nutella Cinnamon Rolls: Decadent Homemade Treat in Under an Hour
Experience the joy of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls filled with luscious Nutella and chocolate chips, all ready in under an hour. This simple recipe brings an indulgent breakfast to your table without the wait!
Life moves at an incredible pace, and it often feels like there’s never enough time. Just when you think you might catch a breath, another event or task pops up, filling your days with activity. Whether it’s unexpected car troubles or exciting community initiatives like our recent “Bake It Forward” video, the calendar is always full. Amidst all this hustle, finding moments for simple pleasures becomes even more precious. And what could be more delightful than a truly special breakfast?
For me, those rare, lazy weekend mornings where an over-the-top breakfast is on the menu are pure bliss. While I’m not always a fan of traditional breakfast fare, my heart truly sings for anything rich in carbs and sugar. Think fluffy pancakes, crispy waffles, golden French toast, or, my absolute favorite, warm, sweet cinnamon rolls. The more decadent, the better!
The Irresistible Appeal of Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls hold a special place in my heart. That soft, ooey-gooey center, generously slathered with sweet frosting – what’s not to adore? It’s a classic comfort food that evokes warmth and happiness. But sometimes, you want to elevate that classic experience, adding a layer of indulgence that transforms a good breakfast into an unforgettable one. That’s precisely where these Nutella Cinnamon Rolls come in. Imagine the familiar warmth of cinnamon enhanced by the rich, chocolatey hazelnut spread, studded with mini chocolate chips. It’s a dream come true for chocolate lovers!
One of the biggest challenges with traditional cinnamon roll recipes is the time commitment. Dealing with yeast dough, waiting for it to rise, punching it down, and rising again can take hours. While the results are often worth it, not every morning allows for such a leisurely baking session. When hunger strikes shortly after waking up, patience can be in short supply. That’s why I absolutely love this quick version. These light, fluffy Nutella cinnamon rolls are ready from start to finish in less than an hour, making them perfect for unexpected cravings or busy mornings when you still want something extraordinary.
Why These Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Are a Game-Changer
This recipe isn’t just fast; it delivers on flavor and texture. By skipping the yeast and opting for a simple, quick-mix dough, we achieve a tender, flaky roll that bakes beautifully. The real star, of course, is the Nutella. Its creamy, chocolate-hazelnut goodness melts into the layers of the cinnamon roll, creating pockets of pure bliss in every bite. Combined with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon and the extra joy of mini chocolate chips, these rolls become an explosion of flavor and texture that’s hard to resist.
Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as these bake—the sweet scent of cinnamon mingling with rich chocolate. It’s enough to tempt anyone out of bed! And the best part? You don’t need to be an experienced baker to master these. The instructions are straightforward, designed for efficiency without compromising on taste. So, if you’re looking for a homemade treat that feels special but fits into your fast-paced life, these Nutella Cinnamon Rolls are your answer.
Easy Nutella Cinnamon Rolls
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
Filling
- 3/4 cup Nutella
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 6 Tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
Icing
- 2 Tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220°C). This higher temperature helps the rolls bake quickly and get that lovely golden-brown crust.
-
Lightly spray a 9-inch pie plate or a similar round baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures your delicious cinnamon rolls won’t stick and are easy to remove for serving. Set aside.
-
Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them thoroughly to ensure even distribution. In a separate liquid measuring cup, mix together the buttermilk and 2 tablespoons of melted butter (ensure the butter has cooled slightly so it doesn’t curdle the buttermilk). Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. The dough will appear rough, which is perfectly normal. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently until just smooth, handling it as little as possible to ensure flaky, tender rolls. Over-kneading can make the rolls tough.
-
Using your hands or a rolling pin, press or roll the dough into a 12×9 inch rectangle. This size is ideal for creating the perfect spiral. Spread the Nutella in an even layer over the entire surface of the dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges. This border will help seal the roll. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon and then scatter the mini chocolate chips over the Nutella layer. Using a bench scraper or a thin spatula, carefully loosen the dough from the counter. Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a cylinder. Pinch the seam firmly to seal it. With a sharp knife, cut the cylinder into 8 equal pieces. Gently flatten each piece of dough slightly with your palm; this helps to keep the filling secure during baking. Place one roll in the center of your prepared pie pan and arrange the remaining 7 rolls around it. Brush the tops of the rolls with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
-
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the rolls are cooked through. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the rolls to rest for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling period helps them set before frosting. While they are cooling, prepare the icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the softened butter, milk, and powdered sugar until smooth. You can adjust the amount of milk or powdered sugar to achieve your desired consistency – add more milk for a thinner glaze or more sugar for a thicker, more opaque icing. Drizzle the freshly made icing generously over the warm cinnamon rolls.
-
Serve these delicious Nutella Cinnamon Rolls warm directly from the pan. Enjoy every chocolatey, cinnamon-spiced bite!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
Tips for Perfect Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Every Time
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: For light and flaky rolls, mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to tough rolls.
- Even Nutella Layer: Ensure the Nutella is spread evenly across the dough. This guarantees a consistent chocolatey flavor in every bite. A small offset spatula works wonders here.
- Tight Rolling: Roll the dough into a tight cylinder. This creates those beautiful, defined spirals that are so characteristic of cinnamon rolls.
- Sharp Knife for Cutting: Use a very sharp knife, or even unflavored dental floss, to cut the rolls cleanly. This prevents squishing the dough and losing the filling.
- Don’t Forget the Border: Leaving a small border around the edges of the dough before spreading the Nutella helps to seal the roll effectively, keeping all that delicious filling inside.
- Adjust Icing Consistency: The icing is easily customizable. For a thinner glaze that soaks into the warm rolls, add a bit more milk. For a thicker, more opaque frosting, add a touch more powdered sugar.
Variations to Make These Rolls Your Own
While these Nutella Cinnamon Rolls are perfect as is, you can always get creative and customize them to your liking:
- Add Nuts: To enhance the hazelnut flavor, sprinkle some chopped toasted hazelnuts over the Nutella before rolling. Pecans or walnuts would also be delicious.
- Extra Chocolate: Instead of mini chocolate chips, use chopped milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a different twist.
- Fruity Twist: Incorporate finely diced dried cranberries or a thin layer of sliced bananas before rolling for an added layer of flavor.
- Spice it Up: Besides cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can add a warm, complex note to the filling.
- Cream Cheese Icing: For a classic cinnamon roll experience, swap the simple icing for a rich cream cheese frosting.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These Nutella Cinnamon Rolls are best served warm, fresh out of the oven, with the icing still slightly gooey. They make an excellent addition to any breakfast or brunch spread, or even as a decadent dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
If you have any leftovers (which is a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, until warm and soft again. You can also freeze baked, unfrosted rolls for up to a month. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then warm and frost before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Cinnamon Rolls
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Because this is a quick dough that doesn’t use yeast, it’s best to prepare and bake it fresh. However, you can mix the dry ingredients the night before and store them in an airtight container. In the morning, simply add the wet ingredients and proceed with the recipe.
- What if I don’t have buttermilk?
- No buttermilk? No problem! You can easily make a substitute. Add 1 1/4 tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice to a liquid measuring cup, then fill the rest of the way to 1 1/4 cups with regular milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles. This “sour milk” will work similarly to buttermilk in the recipe.
- Can I use a different chocolate spread?
- Absolutely! While Nutella offers a unique hazelnut flavor, any chocolate hazelnut spread or even a plain chocolate spread will work. The key is to use a spreadable consistency.
- How do I prevent the filling from oozing out?
- Ensuring you leave a small border around the edges of the dough before spreading the Nutella, and then rolling the dough tightly and pinching the seam, will help contain the filling. Flattening each cut piece slightly before placing it in the pan also aids in keeping the filling nestled inside.
Making homemade cinnamon rolls doesn’t have to be an all-day affair. With this easy and quick Nutella cinnamon roll recipe, you can enjoy a warm, chocolatey, and utterly delicious treat in under an hour. It’s the perfect way to bring a little extra joy and indulgence into your day, whether it’s for a special occasion or just because you deserve a sweet start. Don’t hesitate to give these a try – your taste buds will thank you!
I am always pinning different recipes on Pinterest, be sure to follow along and get new inspiration! You can find more delicious breakfast and dessert ideas on my Pinterest page.