Name: Fluffy Chocolate Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 3 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup bread flour; 3/4 cup water; 3 2/3 cups bread flour; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons instant yeast; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/3 cup heavy cream, room temperature; 1/3 cup whole milk, room temperature; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract; Tangzhong from above; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cool room temperature; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup chocolate hazelnut spread; 3 tablespoons dark cocoa powder; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup chocolate hazelnut spread; 1/4 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract

There’s something utterly irresistible about soft, pillowy rolls baked with a rich chocolate twist and a decadent Nutella glaze. This Fluffy Chocolate Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe combines all those indulgent flavors into one spectacular treat that’s perfect for breakfast or an anytime dessert.

The image shows a close-up of nine cinnamon rolls in a baking dish, each one covered with a thick, shiny dark chocolate glaze. The rolls are light golden brown with visible spiral layers, tightly rolled and slightly puffed up. The rich chocolate sauce fills the spaces between the rolls, spreading a smooth, glossy dark brown surface that contrasts with the lighter dough. On top of the glaze, small round candy pearls in shades of light brown, milk chocolate brown, and dark brown are scattered evenly, adding texture and color contrast. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Fluffy Chocolate Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Fluffy Chocolate Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Fluffy Chocolate Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely in love with how this recipe turns traditional cinnamon rolls into an extraordinary chocolatey delight, all wrapped up with that irresistible Nutella glaze. Once you try these, you’ll see why I always get requests for seconds!

Unmatched Softness: Thanks to the tangzhong method, these rolls come out fluffy and tender every time.
Chocolate & Nutella Pairing: The rich chocolate filling paired with creamy Nutella glaze makes them incredibly addictive.
Easy to Follow: Step-by-step instructions with tips make baking these rolls approachable for all skill levels.
Versatile & Customizable: You can tweak fillings and toppings to suit your taste or special occasions.

A close-up of four cinnamon rolls on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface, three of the rolls show a spiral pattern of light brown dough with dark brown cinnamon filling, and one roll has a thick, smooth layer of dark chocolate frosting with small chocolate shavings sprinkled on top; one frosted roll is bitten, showing a soft, moist part inside with light and dark swirls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Fluffy Chocolate Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe was chosen to give the perfect texture and flavor. Using bread flour and tangzhong ensures those soft, sturdy rolls that aren’t too dense, while the cocoa and Nutella bring irresistible richness.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with bread flour, a small white ceramic bowl of water, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with dark cocoa powder, an uncracked large brown egg with a clean shell, a few tablespoons of unsalted butter softly melting on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl holding rich chocolate hazelnut spread, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, and a small white ceramic bowl with vanilla paste, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bread Flour: Offers the right amount of gluten to create a sturdy yet soft dough – it’s essential for those fluffy rolls.
Instant Yeast: Speeds up the rise and gives you consistent fluffy results without fuss.
Tangzhong (flour and water paste): Keeps the dough extra moist and tender by locking in hydration.
Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: These fats enrich the dough for a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Unsalted Butter: High quality butter enhances flavor and richness without overpowering the sweetness.
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (Nutella): This dreamy spread marries perfectly with the cocoa for an indulgent filling and glaze.
Cocoa Powder: Adds deep, complex chocolate flavor to the filling.
Brown Sugar: Gives the filling that sweet, caramelized note that balances the chocolate nicely.
Powdered Sugar: For a smooth and creamy glaze that drapes beautifully over the warm rolls.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love giving these cinnamon rolls my signature chocolate flavor, but you can absolutely put your own spin on this classic. Play around with the filling or try swapping out ingredients to suit your needs.

Variation: I’ve swapped the cocoa powder for cinnamon-only filling a few times, and while it changes the flavor profile, that Nutella glaze still turns these into a crowd-pleaser.
Dietary Changes: You can try dairy-free milk and butter alternatives for a vegan twist—just expect a slight change in texture.
Seasonal Flair: Adding a pinch of chili powder or orange zest to the filling gives these rolls a fun holiday vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Fluffy Chocolate Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tangzhong

Start by whisking together the bread flour and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Keep whisking steadily—it thickens into this smooth paste after about 4-5 minutes. Don’t walk away; it can clump or burn if unattended. Once done, scrape into a bowl and let it cool. This little trick keeps your rolls unbelievably soft and fresh.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

In your mixer’s bowl, combine the dry ingredients: bread flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Then add your wet ingredients—room temperature cream, milk, egg, vanilla, and the tangzhong. Knead this mixture on low speed for about 2 minutes until it loosely forms a dough ball. Gradually add softened butter, about half a tablespoon at a time, ensuring it fully incorporates before adding more. After all the butter's in, keep kneading for 10 minutes until your dough feels smooth and elastic, like a soft, breathable pillow.

Step 3: Shape and Let the Dough Rise

Pull the dough from the bowl, gently folding the sides underneath to create a neat, taut ball. Place it back in the bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let it rise until doubled in size—this usually takes 1-2 hours, depending on your kitchen’s warmth. I like to put mine in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) for a cozy proofing spot.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Filling and Roll Out

While your dough’s rising or once it’s ready, prepare the chocolate filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, Nutella, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Lightly flour your work surface, roll your dough into a 21×15 inch rectangle with the long side facing you. Spread the luscious chocolate filling evenly over the dough, leaving a half-inch clean border at the top. This clean edge helps seal your rolls when you roll them up.

Step 5: Cut, Roll, and Proof Again

Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into 12 strips, each about 1 ¾ inches wide. Roll each strip away from you, then place them seam-side down in a parchment-lined 9×13 baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise again for about 1-2 hours, until they double in size and look fluffy and teary-eyed. This step is key for that melt-in-your-mouth softness.

Step 6: Bake and Glaze

Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C). Bake the rolls for 25-35 minutes until golden but still soft. While they bake, whisk together powdered sugar, Nutella, milk, and vanilla for the glaze. When done, cool the rolls for 15 minutes on a wire rack before drizzling the luscious glaze generously over each roll.

Top Tip

Having baked this Fluffy Chocolate Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned that patience during each rise is what truly elevates the texture. Rushing it means dense rolls, and nobody wants that!

Tangzhong Timing: Make sure your tangzhong is cooled completely before mixing it into the dough. Hot tangzhong can kill the yeast.
Butter Temperature: Softened, not melted butter is crucial to evenly incorporate fat without making the dough greasy.
Even Rolling: When spreading your filling, keep an eye on even coverage but don’t press too hard to avoid squeezing out your filling later.
Don’t Skip Second Proof: The second rise shapes those airy layers and keeps the rolls from getting tough after baking.

How to Serve Fluffy Chocolate Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Chocolate Nutella Cinnamon Rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I keep it simple but special with chocolate shavings or small chocolate pearls sprinkled on top of the glaze. It adds just enough crunch and a bit of sparkle that really makes these rolls pop on a breakfast or dessert table.

Side Dishes

Since these rolls are quite decadent, I like pairing them with fresh fruit or a simple cup of strong coffee or black tea to balance out the sweetness. A fresh green salad also works for a brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I try placing the rolls in a pretty circular pan or a bundt pan for a flowery presentation. Add a drizzle of extra Nutella or a dusting of cocoa powder before serving for that extra wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If I need to keep them longer, I pop them in the fridge wrapped tightly to prevent drying out, then just bring to room temp before enjoying.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling, I wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and then freeze in a ziplock bag. When you want a treat, just thaw overnight and warm them gently the next day.

Reheating

I reheat leftover rolls in a preheated 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, covered lightly with foil to keep them moist. Microwave works for a quick fix but can make rolls a bit chewy, so oven is my go-to.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough by hand without a mixer?

Absolutely! It’ll take more elbow grease, but mix your dough with a wooden spoon until it comes together, then knead by hand on a floured surface for about 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic.

What’s the tangzhong method and why is it used here?

Tangzhong is a cooked flour and water paste that helps the dough retain moisture. It contributes to the fluffy, soft texture that lasts longer than traditional doughs. It’s a game changer for cinnamon rolls!

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

While you can swap all-purpose flour if that’s what you have, bread flour gives better structure due to its higher protein content. If using all-purpose, expect slightly softer rolls that might not rise quite as tall.

How long do these cinnamon rolls stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these rolls stay fresh for up to two days. Refrigeration extends their life to about a week; just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Fluffy Chocolate Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe enough—it’s my go-to when I want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. Once you get comfortable with the method, you’ll see how forgiving and versatile it is. Plus, you get to enjoy fresh, warm rolls filled with chocolatey goodness any time you want. Trust me, your kitchen’s going to smell amazing, and your friends will be begging for your secret!