Nutella Pull-Apart Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup Nutella
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for about 5 minutes.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Combine Ingredients: While the dough is rising, mix the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, soften the Nutella by microwaving it for about 20-30 seconds, making it easier to spread.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the softened butter over the dough, followed by a generous layer of Nutella. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the Nutella.
- Cut and Stack: Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips, about 2 inches wide. Stack the strips on top of each other, creating a layered effect.
- Shape the Rolls: Cut the stacked strips into 2-inch pieces. Place each piece in a greased baking dish, with the cut sides facing up, to create a pull-apart effect.
- Second Rise: Cover the assembled rolls with a damp cloth and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until they have puffed up.
Step 4: Bake
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. The kitchen should smell heavenly by this point!
Step 5: Glaze the Rolls
- Make the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the glaze over the top.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the Nutella pull-apart cinnamon rolls warm. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat at any time of the day. The gooey Nutella center combined with the cinnamon and sugar creates a delightful flavor explosion with each bite.
Tips for Success
- Temperature Control: Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly. If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly.
- Proper Kneading: Kneading the dough well is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives the rolls their soft and chewy texture. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour, but be careful not to add too much, or the rolls will be dense.
- Layering: When stacking the dough strips, make sure they are aligned well. This helps in achieving even layers, resulting in beautiful pull-apart rolls.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the rolls as they bake. Overbaking can make them dry. They should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch but still soft inside.
- Variations: For a twist, you can add crushed nuts or dried fruits to the filling. A dusting of cocoa powder can also add an extra chocolatey flavor.
Nutella pull-apart cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that combines the richness of Nutella with the warm spice of cinnamon. The pull-apart style makes them fun to eat and share. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household!