Indulge yourself with these soft, gooey chocolate hazelnut rolls that melt in your mouth, making them the perfect treat for a sweet breakfast or a delightful dessert. Chocolate hazelnut rolls combine the rich flavors of velvety chocolate and toasted hazelnuts wrapped in light, fluffy dough, creating an irresistible pastry that will quickly become your new favorite. Whether you’re baking for guests or craving something comforting, this recipe offers a delectable experience that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Flavor Harmony: The combination of chocolate and hazelnuts results in a perfect balance of rich, nutty, and sweet flavors that satisfy any craving.
- Soft and Gooey Texture: The rolls are irresistibly soft on the inside with a gooey, chocolatey filling that keeps every bite exciting.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These rolls shine as a special breakfast delight, an afternoon snack, or a show-stopping dessert.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to create an impressive bakery-worthy treat at home.
- Customizable and Versatile: Easily adapt the recipe to suit different taste preferences or dietary needs, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a concise list of essential ingredients will make your chocolate hazelnut rolls effortlessly delicious. Every component plays a vital role in bringing the flavors, texture, and aroma together in harmony.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and softness.
- Yeast: Activates the dough, helping it rise to achieve that fluffy texture.
- Milk: Adds richness and moisture, contributing to the tender crumb.
- Unsalted Butter: For a silky dough and luscious flavor that enhances the rolls.
- Sugar: Balances the flavors with just the right touch of sweetness.
- Eggs: Help bind the dough and add a tender chewiness.
- Salt: Highlights the sweetness and balances all flavors perfectly.
- Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: The star ingredient infusing each roll with gooey, nutty chocolate bliss.
- Chopped Hazelnuts: Add a delightful crunch and a boost of fresh nuttiness.
- Powdered Sugar (optional): For a light dusting to finish and add an elegant touch.
Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these chocolate hazelnut rolls your own. This recipe is incredibly flexible and easy to personalize depending on what you love or have on hand.
- Swap the Nuts: Use chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts for a different twist on crunch and flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace milk and butter with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut oil.
- Extra Chocolate: Sprinkle in chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top for a double dose of chocolate goodness.
- Fruit Infusion: Add dried cherries or orange zest to the filling for a bright, fruity contrast.
- Spiced Version: Mix cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom into the dough or filling to add warm, cozy spice notes.
How to Make Chocolate hazelnut rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Warm the milk to about body temperature and dissolve the yeast with a pinch of sugar. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, eggs, melted butter, and yeast mixture. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Roll Out and Fill
Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Generously spread the chocolate hazelnut spread over the entire surface, then sprinkle chopped hazelnuts evenly on top.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them into a greased baking pan, leaving space for the rolls to expand during the second rise.
Step 4: Second Rise
Cover the rolls loosely and let them rise again for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until puffy and almost doubled in size.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let them cool slightly before serving or dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate hazelnut rolls
- Use Fresh Yeast: For the best rise and fluffy texture, always check that your yeast is fresh and active before starting.
- Don’t Overfill: Spread the chocolate hazelnut spread thinly but evenly to avoid rolls bursting or leaking during baking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and milk to room temperature to help the dough rise and knead more smoothly.
- Rest Time Is Key: Give the dough plenty of time to rise for that tender, airy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Light Dusting of Flour: When rolling out the dough, lightly flour the surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking without over-drying the dough.
How to Serve Chocolate hazelnut rolls
Garnishes
Enhance the appeal of your chocolate hazelnut rolls by dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Toasted hazelnuts or a sprinkle of chopped dark chocolate on top adds wonderful texture and visual interest.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a hot cup of coffee, creamy latte, or fresh fruit salad for a breakfast or dessert experience that feels balanced and indulgent. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream transforms them into an elegant dessert option instantly.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the rolls in a spiral or wreath shape on a baking tray before the second rise, creating a stunning centerpiece that’s perfect for celebrations and brunch gatherings. You can also separate individual rolls and place them in cupcake liners as charming single servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover chocolate hazelnut rolls fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them but allow them to come to room temperature or lightly warm before serving.
Freezing
Chocolate hazelnut rolls freeze wonderfully. Wrap each roll or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm the rolls in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Microwave for short intervals if you’re in a hurry, but avoid overdoing it to maintain softness and gooeyness.
FAQs
Can I make chocolate hazelnut rolls without nuts?
Absolutely! You can simply omit the chopped hazelnuts or replace them with seeds or chocolate chips for texture while keeping the delicious flavor.
Is it possible to use store-bought dough instead?
Yes! Using store-bought pizza or bread dough can speed up the process and still yield tasty results, though homemade dough offers the best flavor and texture.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes, refrigerate the dough overnight after kneading. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out and adding the filling for best results.
What type of chocolate hazelnut spread works best?
Choose a high-quality spread with real hazelnuts for richer flavor. Nutella is a popular choice, but any creamy chocolate hazelnut spread will work well.
How can I make these rolls vegan?
Replace dairy milk with a plant-based milk, use vegan butter or coconut oil, and substitute eggs with flax eggs or other egg replacers.
Final Thoughts
These chocolate hazelnut rolls are the ultimate comfort treat that caters to both your sweet tooth and desire for something homemade and heartfelt. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and delicious results, it’s time to bring a little bakery magic into your kitchen. Whip up a batch and watch your family and friends fall in love bite after gooey bite!
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Chocolate hazelnut rolls
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1-2 hours rise time)
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Bakery, European-style
- Diet: Contains Gluten, Not Gluten Free
Description
Soft, gooey chocolate hazelnut rolls that melt in your mouth, perfect for a sweet breakfast or delightful dessert. These rolls combine velvety chocolate spread and toasted hazelnuts wrapped in light, fluffy dough, offering a rich, nutty, and sweet flavor with an irresistibly soft texture.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about body temperature)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 tsp salt
Filling Ingredients
- 3/4 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (such as Nutella)
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted
Optional Garnishes
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate, for sprinkling
- Simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk
- Toasted hazelnuts, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk to about body temperature and dissolve the yeast with a pinch of sugar. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, eggs, melted butter, and yeast mixture. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Roll Out and Fill: Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Generously spread the chocolate hazelnut spread over the entire surface, then sprinkle chopped hazelnuts evenly on top.
- Shape the Rolls: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them into a greased baking pan, leaving space for the rolls to expand during the second rise.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls loosely and let them rise again for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until puffy and almost doubled in size.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let them cool slightly before serving or dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Use fresh yeast for best rise and fluffy texture.
- Don’t overfill; spread the chocolate hazelnut spread thinly but evenly to prevent leaking during baking.
- Bring eggs and milk to room temperature for smoother kneading and better rising.
- Allow sufficient resting and rising time for tender, airy texture.
- Lightly dust flour when rolling out the dough to prevent sticking without drying out the dough.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg