Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls

Imagine biting into a soft, warm, pillowy roll that’s filled with a rich chocolate and hazelnut spread, with just a hint of sweetness and a delicate crunch from toasted hazelnuts. These Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls are everything you could want in a pastry, combining the buttery goodness of fresh bread with the indulgence of creamy chocolate and toasted hazelnuts. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy weekend morning or impressing guests at a brunch gathering, these rolls are an absolute showstopper.

Trust me, these rolls will make your kitchen smell amazing and leave everyone asking for seconds. They’re like a cross between a cinnamon roll and a chocolate croissant, but with an extra dose of fun. Get ready to indulge in a little piece of heaven that’s a lot easier to make than you’d think!

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls

Decadent and Rich: The combination of chocolate hazelnut spread and toasted hazelnuts creates a flavor-packed filling that’s creamy, nutty, and utterly delicious.

Soft and Fluffy: These rolls bake up soft, warm, and slightly chewy, with the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Every bite is like a little slice of comfort.

Easy to Make: No complicated techniques here—just a simple dough, a rich filling, and a little patience while they rise and bake. The end result is completely worth it.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re baking for a cozy weekend breakfast, an elegant brunch, or a treat to bring to a party, these rolls are perfect for any occasion. They have that “wow” factor that will leave everyone impressed.

Customizable: If you’re a chocolate lover, you can double up the chocolate hazelnut spread. Or if you want a little extra crunch, add more toasted hazelnuts or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for contrast.

Ingredients in Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to make these irresistible rolls. Don’t worry—nothing too fancy, just a few simple ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary!

Dough Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our rolls. It gives them the perfect soft texture.
• Active Dry Yeast: This helps the dough rise and become fluffy and light.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
• Salt: To balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavor of the dough.
• Whole Milk: Adds richness to the dough, helping it become soft and tender.
• Butter: Softened butter makes the dough incredibly smooth and adds a nice richness.
• Eggs: Help with structure and richness in the dough.

Filling Ingredients

• Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: This is the star of the show. Nutella or any other chocolate hazelnut spread will work beautifully.
• Toasted Hazelnuts: These add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.
• Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the nutty and chocolate flavors.

Topping Ingredients (Optional)

• Powdered Sugar: For a sweet, simple glaze that adds a little extra shine and sweetness on top.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: To mix into the powdered sugar for a drizzleable glaze.

Instructions

Let’s walk through the process step by step to create these gooey, chocolate-filled beauties!

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a small saucepan, warm milk over medium heat until it’s just lukewarm—about 100°F (38°C). Sprinkle the yeast and granulated sugar over the milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy. If it doesn’t froth, the yeast may be old, and you’ll need to try again.

Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, along with the butter and egg. Mix everything together until a dough begins to form. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You should be able to stretch it slightly without it tearing. Once ready, shape it into a ball.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours or until it’s doubled in size. While the dough is rising, you can toast the hazelnuts. Just place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re fragrant and golden. Let them cool before chopping them roughly.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread a generous layer of chocolate hazelnut spread over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the toasted hazelnuts and sugar evenly over the spread.

Step 6: Roll and Slice

Starting from the long edge of the rectangle, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice the roll into 12 even pieces using a serrated knife or dental floss (for cleaner cuts). Arrange the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the pan with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they’re puffed up and touching each other.

Step 8: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, place the pan in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top and cooked through.

Step 9: Drizzle with Glaze (Optional)

While the rolls are baking, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and heavy cream or milk until smooth. Once the rolls have finished baking and are slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top for a sweet finishing touch.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Allow the rolls to cool slightly before digging in. Serve them warm, and watch everyone’s faces light up as they take their first bite of these chocolatey, hazelnut-filled delights.

How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls

These rolls are perfect on their own, but if you want to make them even more special, here are a few serving suggestions:

With Coffee or Hot Chocolate: The chocolate and hazelnut flavors pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa. It’s like the ultimate indulgent breakfast or afternoon treat.

As a Dessert: Serve these rolls for dessert after a rich, savory meal. Their sweetness and richness will be the perfect end to the evening.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Try serving a warm roll with a scoop of vanilla or hazelnut ice cream on top for a decadent dessert.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: You can make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. In the morning, simply let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Frozen Rolls: If you have leftover rolls, they freeze wonderfully! Just wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the microwave or oven for a few minutes before serving.

Substitute Nutella: If you prefer a different chocolate hazelnut spread, feel free to use any brand you like. You can even experiment with different nut butters for a unique twist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these rolls without hazelnuts?
A1: Yes, you can! You can skip the hazelnuts altogether or replace them with another nut like almonds or walnuts for a different flavor and texture.

Q2: Can I use a stand mixer for the dough?
A2: Absolutely! If you have a stand mixer, just use the dough hook attachment to knead the dough until smooth and elastic.

Q3: Can I use store-bought dough instead of making it from scratch?
A3: Yes, you can use store-bought pizza or biscuit dough for a quicker version of these rolls. Just make sure to spread the chocolate hazelnut filling and nuts as directed.

Q4: How do I store leftover rolls?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake the rolls in two separate pans, or use a larger pan to accommodate the extra rolls.

Q6: Can I add more chocolate chips?
A6: Absolutely! If you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top of the hazelnut spread before rolling the dough.

Q7: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
A7: Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise. Cover them and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature before baking.

Q8: Can I glaze the rolls before baking?
A8: It’s best to glaze the rolls after baking, as the glaze is delicate and can burn in the oven.

Q9: Can I use a different spread?
A9: Definitely! If you’re not a fan of chocolate hazelnut spread, you can use peanut butter, almond butter, or even a fruit jam for a different twist.

Q10: How can I make these rolls healthier?
A10: You can substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour, use a natural sweetener like honey, and reduce the amount of sugar in the filling for a lighter version.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls are a true indulgence—warm, gooey, and packed with chocolate and nutty goodness. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just because you deserve something sweet, these rolls will be a guaranteed hit. So go ahead, bake them up, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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