Nutella Cinnamon Toast Rolls: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Nutella cinnamon toast rolls: prepare to meet your new favorite breakfast (or dessert!). Imagine biting into a warm, gooey roll, the flaky layers of toasted bread giving way to a molten core of rich Nutella and fragrant cinnamon. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for seconds, guaranteed.

While cinnamon rolls have a long and storied history, tracing back to Scandinavia and evolving through various cultures and baking traditions, this particular twist is a modern marvel. The genius lies in its simplicity and the irresistible combination of two beloved ingredients: Nutella and cinnamon.

What makes these Nutella cinnamon toast rolls so incredibly popular? It’s the perfect marriage of comfort and indulgence. The familiar warmth of cinnamon complements the hazelnutty sweetness of Nutella in a way that’s both comforting and exciting. Plus, using toast as the base makes this recipe surprisingly quick and easy, perfect for busy mornings or a last-minute sweet craving. The crispy, golden-brown exterior gives way to a soft, chewy interior, creating a textural delight that’s simply irresistible. Get ready to experience a taste sensation that will redefine your definition of a quick and delicious treat!

Ingredients:

• 1 package (13.8 ounces) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (like Pillsbury Grands!)
• 1/2 cup Nutella (or your favorite hazelnut spread)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts (optional, for topping)
• Icing from the cinnamon roll package (or homemade cream cheese frosting, recipe follows)

Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream), to adjust consistency

Preparing the Nutella Cinnamon Toast Rolls:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan or a similar sized baking dish. This will prevent the rolls from sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well until evenly distributed. This mixture will give our rolls that classic cinnamon toast flavor.
3. Melt the Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or in a small saucepan over low heat. Make sure it’s completely melted but not browned.
4. Open and Separate the Cinnamon Roll Dough: Open the package of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough. Carefully separate each roll. You should have 8 rolls in a standard package.
5. Flatten Each Roll: On a lightly floured surface (or a clean countertop), use a rolling pin to flatten each cinnamon roll into a thin oval or rectangle, about 4-5 inches long. Don’t worry about making them perfectly shaped; a little rustic charm is perfectly fine! The thinner you roll them, the crispier they will be.
6. Spread with Nutella: Spread each flattened roll with a generous tablespoon of Nutella, leaving a small border around the edges. This will prevent the Nutella from oozing out too much during baking.
7. Sprinkle with Cinnamon-Sugar: Sprinkle the Nutella-covered rolls with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Be generous! This is where the magic happens.
8. Roll Up the Rolls: Carefully roll up each roll tightly, starting from one end. Pinch the seam to seal it closed.
9. Slice the Rolls: Using a sharp knife, slice each rolled-up roll into 4-5 smaller rolls. You should end up with about 32-40 mini rolls.
10. Arrange in the Baking Pan: Arrange the mini rolls cut-side up in the prepared baking pan. They should be packed relatively close together, but not too tightly. This will help them bake evenly and create a soft, gooey center.
11. Brush with Melted Butter: Brush the tops of the rolls with the remaining melted butter. This will help them brown beautifully in the oven.
12. Optional: Sprinkle with Hazelnuts: If you’re using chopped hazelnuts, sprinkle them evenly over the tops of the rolls. This adds a nice nutty flavor and texture.

Baking the Nutella Cinnamon Toast Rolls:

1. Bake in the Preheated Oven: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
2. Check for Doneness: To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the rolls. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they are ready.
3. Cool Slightly: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before frosting. This will prevent the frosting from melting too much.

Preparing the Frosting:

1. If using the included icing: Simply snip the corner of the icing packet and set aside.
2. If making homemade cream cheese frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the frosting too stiff.
4. Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Adjust Consistency: Add milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. It should be smooth, creamy, and easily spreadable.

Frosting and Serving:

1. Frost the Rolls: Frost the warm rolls with the included icing or your homemade cream cheese frosting. Spread it evenly over the tops of the rolls.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the Nutella Cinnamon Toast Rolls warm. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven!

Tips and Variations:

• Use Different Spreads: Instead of Nutella, you can use other hazelnut spreads, peanut butter, almond butter, or even cookie butter.
• Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the Nutella before rolling up the rolls for an extra chocolatey treat.
• Make it Vegan: Use vegan cinnamon roll dough, vegan butter, and a vegan cream cheese frosting alternative.
• Overnight Option: Assemble the rolls in the baking pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a warmer, more complex flavor.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosted rolls for an extra decadent treat.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cinnamon roll dough. Note that the texture might be slightly different.
• Individual Rolls: Instead of baking them in a pan, you can bake the sliced rolls individually on a baking sheet for a crispier texture. Reduce the baking time slightly.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry rolls. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they are golden brown.
• Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Nutella cinnamon toast rolls are truly a game-changer for breakfast, brunch, or even a late-night sweet treat. I know, I know, I might be biased, but trust me on this one – the combination of warm, flaky toast, gooey Nutella, and that comforting cinnamon spice is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds (and thirds!). But why is this recipe a must-try? Well, first and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. We’re talking minimal ingredients and a straightforward process that even the most novice baker can master. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; these rolls come together in a flash, making them perfect for busy mornings or impromptu gatherings. Secondly, the flavor profile is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Who can resist the allure of Nutella? Paired with the warmth of cinnamon and the satisfying crunch of toast, it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. Finally, it’s a fun and creative way to elevate your everyday toast. Say goodbye to boring breakfasts and hello to a delightful, indulgent experience. Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations. While these Nutella cinnamon toast rolls are delicious on their own, there are plenty of ways to customize them to your liking. For a truly decadent experience, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts would also be fantastic additions. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even add a layer of sliced bananas or strawberries before rolling them up. For a slightly different twist, consider using different types of bread. Brioche or challah bread would add an extra layer of richness and flavor. You could also experiment with different spreads. Peanut butter, almond butter, or even cookie butter would be delicious alternatives to Nutella. And don’t forget about the spices! A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom would add a warm and aromatic touch. Another great variation is to make these into mini rolls. Simply cut the bread into smaller squares before spreading the Nutella and cinnamon mixture. These mini rolls are perfect for parties or as a bite-sized snack. You could even arrange them on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces for a fun and interactive dessert. I’m confident that you’ll absolutely love these Nutella cinnamon toast rolls. They’re easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a batch of these irresistible treats. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve them with? Did your family and friends enjoy them as much as I do? Please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to create even better recipes in the future. Happy baking! I can’t wait to see your creations!

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