Nutella Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Easy and Perfect

Posted on August 20, 2025

Introduction

Is there anything better than the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home? What if I told you we could take that classic comfort food up a notch? Enter: Nutella Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls. These rolls are the ultimate treat, combining the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls with the creamy, chocolate-hazelnut magic of Nutella. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these cinnamon rolls are bound to impress.

I first made these on a lazy Sunday morning when I was craving something warm and indulgent with my coffee. Let me tell you, these rolls hit every note—soft, fluffy dough, a swirl of cinnamon-sugar, and that irresistible Nutella center. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and you don’t even need to be a baking expert to get them just right. Ready to give your mornings (or evenings!) a sweet upgrade?

The Story Behind Nutella Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls have been loved for centuries, with their origins tracing back to Northern Europe. Swedish “kanelbullar” are the ancestors of the cinnamon rolls we know and love today. But this recipe gives the traditional version a modern twist by adding Nutella. Honestly, who could resist?

My first experience with Nutella was during a family trip to Italy as a kid. It was everywhere—on toast, in crepes, and even straight out of the jar with a spoon. Years later, I decided to bring that nostalgia into my cinnamon rolls. The result? A decadent, gooey masterpiece that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

These rolls are perfect for the holidays, a weekend brunch, or even as a “just because” treat. They’re also a hit with kids (and let’s be real, adults too). Trust me, once you make these Nutella-stuffed beauties, they’ll become a staple in your home.

Ingredient Discussion

Every ingredient in these Nutella Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls plays a role in creating their heavenly texture and flavor. Let’s break it down:

Flour: Use all-purpose flour for a soft and fluffy dough. If you want a slightly chewier texture, bread flour works too.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough without overpowering the flavor.
Yeast: Active dry yeast or instant yeast will work for this recipe. Just make sure your yeast is fresh—expired yeast means flat dough!
Milk: Whole milk gives the dough richness, but you can substitute 2% or even almond milk if needed.
Eggs: These add structure and help create that tender, pillowy texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal so you can control the salt. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Nutella: The star of the show! Use the classic Nutella brand or any high-quality chocolate-hazelnut spread.
Cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon is best for that warm, spicy kick.
Powdered Sugar: This is for the glaze. It melts beautifully for that picture-perfect drizzle.

Pro tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a unique flavor twist. And if you’re avoiding dairy, vegan butter and plant-based milk work wonderfully as substitutes.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a fancy kitchen to make these rolls, but a few tools will help:

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of sizes for the dough and filling.
Stand Mixer: While you can knead the dough by hand, a stand mixer with a dough hook makes the process easier.
Rolling Pin: Essential for spreading the dough evenly.
Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch dish works perfectly for this recipe.
Plastic Wrap or Damp Towel: For covering the dough while it rises.
Offset Spatula: Ideal for spreading Nutella evenly.

If you don’t have a stand mixer, don’t worry—hand-kneading is therapeutic and works just as well. Just be prepared for a bit of an arm workout!

Preparation Method

Let’s get baking! Here’s the step-by-step process:

In a small saucepan, warm 1 cup (240 ml) of milk until lukewarm (not hot). Stir in 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) of active dry yeast and 1 tbsp of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups (500 g) of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (50 g) of sugar, and 1/2 tsp of salt. Add the yeast mixture, 1 egg, and 1/4 cup (60 g) of softened butter. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes (or 5 minutes in a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Roll out the dough into a 12×18-inch (30×45 cm) rectangle. Spread 1 cup (240 g) of Nutella evenly over the surface, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border.
Sprinkle 1/4 cup (50 g) of brown sugar mixed with 1 tbsp of cinnamon over the Nutella.
Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from the longer edge. Slice into 12 even pieces.
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
While the rolls bake, whisk 1 cup (120 g) of powdered sugar with 2-3 tbsp of milk to make a glaze.
Once the rolls cool slightly, drizzle the glaze on top. Serve warm!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are a few tips to make sure your Nutella stuffed cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly:

Don’t overheat the milk—it should be warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
If the dough feels sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s manageable.
Use dental floss (unflavored!) to slice the rolls cleanly without squishing the dough.
Let the rolls cool for 5-10 minutes before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting completely.
For a deeper flavor, use dark brown sugar in the filling.

Variations & Adaptations

Want to mix it up? Try these variations:

Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a dairy-free chocolate spread.
Seasonal Twist: Add orange zest to the filling for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Nut-Free Option: Replace Nutella with a chocolate spread made from sunflower seeds.
Extra Decadent: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the Nutella before rolling up the dough.

If you’re feeling creative, you can even swap Nutella for almond butter and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a less sweet alternative.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these rolls warm, fresh out of the oven, with a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For an extra treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. You can also freeze unglazed rolls for up to 3 months—just thaw and glaze before serving.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each roll is approximately 280 calories, with 12 grams of fat, 38 grams of carbs, and 5 grams of protein. While these rolls are definitely indulgent, they’re also a source of happiness—and that’s good for the soul!

Nutella contains hazelnuts, which provide healthy fats, while cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar. Just enjoy these in moderation!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive recipe, these Nutella stuffed cinnamon rolls are a winner. They’re warm, gooey, and completely irresistible. Plus, they’re so versatile—you can enjoy them at any time of day.

I hope you love these as much as my family does. If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Better yet, snap a picture and share it on Instagram—don’t forget to tag me!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s get baking!

FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next morning.

What if I don’t have Nutella?

You can substitute with any chocolate spread or even peanut butter for a different flavor.

Can I freeze these rolls?

Absolutely! Freeze unbaked rolls on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Why didn’t my dough rise?

Check your yeast—it might be expired. Also, ensure your milk wasn’t too hot, as that can kill the yeast.

How can I make the glaze thicker?

Simply add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.