If you have a sweet tooth and a love for all things soft and chocolatey, you are absolutely going to adore this Nutella Chocolate Pillowy Rolls Recipe. These rolls are like little clouds filled with luscious Nutella and chocolate chips that melt into every bite. The pillowy texture combined with the rich chocolate flavor makes each roll feel like a special treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dessert to share with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to achieving those perfectly tender and chocolate-studded rolls. Each one is simple, yet essential to crafting that irresistible texture and flavor you’re dreaming of.
- Warm water (3½ tablespoons): Activates the yeast gently without killing it for a great rise.
- Active dry yeast (1 teaspoon): The magic behind the fluffy dough that makes these rolls pillowy.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon + ¼ cup): Balances sweetness and helps yeast ferment happily.
- Large egg (1): Provides richness and structure to the dough.
- Milk (3½ tablespoons): Keeps the dough tender and helps with browning.
- Soft butter (2 tablespoons): Adds a creamy texture and buttery flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the sturdy yet soft base of your rolls.
- Nutella (⅓ cup): The star ingredient for that creamy, chocolate-hazelnut filling.
- Chocolate chips (¼ cup): Sprinkle these inside for extra bursts of melty chocolate.
- Heavy cream (a splash): Keeps the rolls moist while baking in the pan.
- Mini chocolate chips (3 tablespoons): Add a delightful crunchy chocolate topping when baked.
How to Make Nutella Chocolate Pillowy Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing the warm water, active dry yeast, and one tablespoon of sugar. This combination creates the perfect environment for the yeast to wake up and become foamy after about 10 minutes, which ensures that your dough will rise beautifully later.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together your all-purpose flour and the remaining sugar in a large bowl. This step evenly distributes the sugar while preparing your flour for the wet ingredients. If you’re using instant yeast instead of active dry, this is the time to add it directly to the dry mix.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients Into Dry
Add the milk, egg, soft butter, and yeast mixture into the flour and sugar blend. Stir everything together until a rough, shaggy dough starts to form. This is your dough’s first step to becoming soft and stretchy.
Step 4: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic
Knead your dough either by hand or with a stand mixer for 10 to 15 minutes. This process develops gluten, which is essential for that pillowy texture. When your dough is smooth and elastic, you know you’re on the right track.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it to rest. Allow it to rise for about 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This rise is crucial because it lets the yeast work its magic, making the rolls fluffy and light.
Step 6: Roll and Fill the Dough
Once risen, roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thickness. Spread a generous layer of Nutella evenly across the surface, then sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top. The combination of creamy hazelnut spread and melty chocolate gives every bite its indulgent character.
Step 7: Slice the Rolls
Roll the dough tightly into a log shape, then use dental floss or string to slice it into 6 equally sized rolls. This technique helps create clean edges without squishing the air out of the dough.
Step 8: Prepare to Bake
Place the rolls in a greased baking pan with a small splash of heavy cream at the bottom. The cream keeps the rolls wonderfully moist as they bake. Top the rolls with mini chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey crunch. Let them rest for another 30 minutes to puff up before baking.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake your rolls in a preheated oven at 374 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for 15 to 17 minutes. They should come out golden brown and irresistibly aromatic, signaling that they are ready for eating.
Step 10: Brush and Serve Warm
Optionally, brush the hot rolls with a touch of butter right after baking for a glossy, buttery finish. Serve them warm so the Nutella filling is gooey and decadent, creating a truly unforgettable treat.
How to Serve Nutella Chocolate Pillowy Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate makes a pretty, tasty garnish for your Nutella Chocolate Pillowy Rolls Recipe. Fresh berries on the side can add a bright, juicy contrast that complements the richness.
Side Dishes
Serve these rolls alongside a creamy cappuccino or a steaming cup of milk for a cozy brunch or dessert experience. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream also pairs beautifully with the warm, chocolatey rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your rolls into a showstopper by arranging them in a circular pattern on a serving plate, or drizzle caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of sweetness. Wrapping individual rolls in parchment paper tied with twine makes an adorable gift or party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Nutella Chocolate Pillowy Rolls Recipe fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. When stored properly, they maintain their softness and fudgy goodness.
Freezing
These rolls freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months — perfect for prepping in advance for special occasions.
Reheating
To enjoy your rolls later, warm them in the oven at a low temperature (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This will revive their pillowy softness and melty center perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! If you’re using instant yeast, simply add it to the dry ingredients at the beginning, and you can skip the initial water activation step.
What’s the best way to slice the rolls?
Using dental floss or kitchen string gives you neat slices without squashing the dough. It’s cleaner than a knife and preserves the fluffiness.
Can I substitute Nutella with another spread?
Yes, you can try any chocolate hazelnut spread or even peanut butter for a different twist, although Nutella’s creamy texture and iconic flavor work best with this recipe.
Is it okay to add extra chocolate chips?
Definitely! If you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to add more inside or sprinkle on top before baking for that extra indulgence.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
Look for a golden-brown hue on top and a slightly firm texture. Also, the aroma will be rich and inviting. If you’re unsure, a toothpick inserted should come out clean or with melted chocolate but no raw dough.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about creating those soft, gooey Nutella Chocolate Pillowy Rolls Recipe at home. From the first bite to the last crumb, they bring a smile and a little bit of joy to your day. I can’t recommend giving this recipe a try enough — you’ll be delighted by how simple ingredients come together to make something absolutely unforgettable.
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Nutella Chocolate Pillowy Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
- Yield: 6 rolls 1x
Description
These Nutella Chocolate Pillowy Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with rich Nutella and chocolate chips, making them a perfect sweet treat for breakfast or dessert. The dough is enriched with milk and butter, then rolled with creamy Nutella and chunks of chocolate for an irresistible gooey center. Baked to a golden brown, these rolls are sure to delight any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3½ tablespoons warm water (50g)
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3½ tablespoons milk (50g)
- 2 tablespoons soft butter (30g)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (260g)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
Filling and Topping
- ⅓ cup Nutella (100g)
- ¼ cup chocolate chips (50g)
- Splash of heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (40g)
- Optional: butter for brushing after baking
Instructions
- Activate yeast: Mix warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar in a bowl. Let sit for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare dry ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour and remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar. If you are using instant yeast instead, add it here with the dry ingredients.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add milk, egg, softened butter, and the activated yeast mixture to the dry flour mixture. Stir to combine until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead dough: Knead the dough by hand or using a mixer with a dough hook for 10 to 15 minutes until smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 90 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Shape and fill: Roll the risen dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread Nutella evenly over the dough and sprinkle the ¼ cup chocolate chips on top. Roll tightly into a log starting from one edge.
- Cut rolls: Use dental floss or a sharp string to slice the rolled log into 6 equal rolls to maintain their shape.
- Second rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased baking pan. Add a splash of heavy cream at the bottom of the pan and sprinkle the mini chocolate chips over the tops of the rolls. Let the rolls rest and rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 374°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15 to 17 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Optionally brush the warm rolls with melted butter for extra richness. Serve immediately to enjoy the gooey, warm chocolate filling.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best dough texture.
- If you prefer, substitute instant yeast by mixing it with the flour and skip the initial yeast activation step.
- Ensure water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Dental floss works well for cutting rolls without squishing them.
- For extra richness, brush with melted butter after baking.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be warmed up again to revive softness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
