If you’re craving a decadent, comforting treat, this Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Nutella Icing Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Picture fluffy, tender rolls swirled with rich chocolate and cinnamon, all topped with a silky Nutella glaze that’s pure magic.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve tested plenty of cinnamon rolls over the years, but these chocolate cinnamon rolls with Nutella icing hold a special place in my heart (and my kitchen). They combine nostalgic flavors with a decadent twist that’s perfect for weekend breakfasts or cozy dessert indulgences.
- Fluffy Tangzhong Dough: The tangzhong method keeps these rolls unbelievably soft and tender, lasting well beyond day one.
- Rich Chocolate Cinnamon Swirl: The filling isn’t just cinnamon—it’s loaded with chocolate, Nutella, and brown sugar for a luscious, gooey center.
- Decadent Nutella Icing: A quick, dreamy glaze made from powdered sugar and Nutella that perfectly crowns each roll.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: They’re fancy enough for brunch guests but simple enough for weekend comfort food cravings.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Nutella Icing Recipe has a purpose — from creating that tender dough to the rich filling and glossy icing. I always choose reliable basics and fresh dairy for the best results.
- Bread flour: Gives the perfect structure and chewiness that cinnamon rolls need without being too heavy.
- Instant yeast: Reliable for steady rising — no fuss, just rise!
- Tangzhong (flour+water paste): Keeps the dough soft and moist for days.
- Heavy cream and whole milk: Add richness and tenderness to the dough’s crumb.
- Large egg: Adds moisture and a slightly richer dough consistency.
- Unsalted butter: Key for the dough softness and the creamy filling.
- Chocolate hazelnut spread (Nutella): Elevates the chocolate flavor and adds that signature hazelnut twist.
- Brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and moisture to the filling.
- Cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor in the filling.
- Powdered sugar: The base for the silky, smooth Nutella icing.
- Vanilla paste or extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out all the flavors.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Nutella Icing Recipe is how adaptable it is — you can tweak the fillings, dough enrichments, or icing to match your cravings or dietary needs.
- Variation: I sometimes swap in almond paste or toasted chopped nuts into the filling for a delightful crunch and extra flavor layer.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and a plant-based milk to keep the richness without dairy.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough or filling for subtle warmth.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Nutella Icing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tangzhong for Ultimate Softness
The tangzhong is a bread flour and water mixture that you whisk together on the stove until it thickens into a paste. This simple step is a game-changer — it keeps your rolls soft and fresh longer. Stir constantly over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until you see a smooth, thick slurry. Don’t rush it—this is the secret to fluffy rolls!
Step 2: Mix and Knead Your Dough
In your mixer bowl, combine the dry ingredients: bread flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Next, add the heavy cream, milk, egg, vanilla, and that tangzhong you just made. Knead on low speed for a couple of minutes until everything starts coming together in a rough ball.
With the mixer still running on low, incorporate the butter one half tablespoon at a time, making sure each portion is fully blended before adding more. Then, knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is beautifully smooth and elastic—it should bounce back when you poke it gently.
Step 3: First Rise and Prep the Filling
Shape your dough into a smooth ball and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. While it rests, whip up the chocolate filling by mixing butter, brown sugar, Nutella, cocoa powder, and salt until silky smooth. This mixture will melt into the dough, creating those irresistible swirls.
Step 4: Roll, Spread, and Slice
Flour your work surface generously and roll the dough into a 21×15 inch rectangle, keeping the longest side facing you. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the dough, leaving a clean half-inch border on the top edge. Then, with a pizza cutter, slice the dough into 12 strips about 1¾ inches wide.
Roll each strip away from you to form spirals, and transfer them gently into a parchment-lined 9×13 pan.
Step 5: Final Rise and Baking
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and leave the rolls to rise for 1-2 hours until they double in size. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C). Bake the rolls for 25-35 minutes, watching for that light golden top—this is when they’re perfectly baked and smelling like heaven.
Step 6: Make and Drizzle the Nutella Icing
While the rolls cool for 15 minutes, whisk together powdered sugar, Nutella, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and luscious. Pour this icing generously over the warm rolls for a glossy finish that melts into every nook and cranny.
Top Tip
After making these rolls a dozen times, I’ve nailed a few tricks that take the stress out of the process and guarantee a delicious batch every single time.
- Correct Flour Measurement: Use the spoon-and-level method or a kitchen scale to avoid dense dough caused by too much flour.
- Don’t Skip the Tangzhong: It’s the unsung hero here—only a small step, but it makes a huge difference in softness.
- Butter Incorporation: Add butter slowly and knead well so it fully blends in, leaving your dough silky and easy to handle.
- Warm Environment for Rising: Keep your dough covered and in a warm spot for the best rise — I use my oven with the light on as a cozy proofing space.
How to Serve Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Nutella Icing Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing these rolls with a sprinkle of chocolate pearls or shavings—just a tiny crunch that feels so festive. If I’m in the mood, a light dusting of cinnamon or a few crushed toasted hazelnuts add even more texture and aroma.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte. For a special brunch spread, add fresh fruit salad or a simple green smoothie to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or holidays, I’ve arranged these rolls in a circular pan and drizzled extra Nutella icing over the top, then garnished with edible gold dust or chopped roasted nuts for a party-worthy look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft but you’ll want to give them a quick warm-up before enjoying again. Beyond that, refrigeration works well—just bring to room temp and refresh them in the oven.
Freezing
I’ve frozen both the unbaked rolls and the baked ones. When unbaked, freeze the rolled tray before the final rise—then thaw and proof before baking. For baked rolls, tightly wrap in plastic wrap and foil; they reheat beautifully when warmed in the oven.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat rolls in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, loosely covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave them briefly for quick enjoyment but watch closely to avoid toughness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You’ll just knead the dough by hand until it’s smooth and elastic, which might take about 10-15 minutes. Just be patient and use a floured surface to prevent sticking.
Yes! Regular Nutella works perfectly fine here. I sometimes prefer a higher-quality hazelnut spread for a richer flavor, but both bring that wonderful chocolate-hazelnut goodness to the rolls.
The rolls should be puffed up and lightly golden on top. You can gently tap the top or bottom with a spatula — if it sounds hollow, they’re done. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and tender.
Definitely! You can assemble the rolls, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them come to room temperature and finish their rise before baking. It’s a great way to save time in the morning!
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Nutella Icing Recipe have become my go-to when I want to impress without stress. They’re comforting, indulgent, and surprisingly light thanks to the tangzhong. So, whether it’s a special occasion or just a weekend treat, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try—you’ll be rewarded with smiles and maybe even a little happy dance in your kitchen.
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