Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes the beloved cinnamon roll to a new level by swapping cinnamon for chocolate hazelnut spread and adding a luscious Nutella cream cheese frosting. The dough is soft and pillowy, the filling sweet and rich, and the frosting creamy and indulgent. It’s an impressive bake that’s surprisingly easy and perfect for sharing.

ingredients

Dough

¾ cup 2% or whole milk
¼ oz active dry yeast
2 tbsp granulated sugar (24g)
4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature (57g)
¼ cup light brown sugar (48g)
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
1¾ cups bread flour (210g)
1¼ cups all-purpose flour (150g)
½ tsp salt
Neutral oil (for greasing bowl)

Filling

¼ cup + 1 tbsp Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread (93g)
⅓ cup light brown sugar (64g)
1 tbsp cocoa powder

Nutella Cream Cheese Frosting

3 tbsp Nutella (56g)
3 tbsp cream cheese (45g)
½ cup powdered sugar (60g)
1 tsp milk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

directions

Warm milk until lukewarm, sprinkle yeast over it and let sit for 5–10 minutes to activate.
In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar, butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla. Stir in the activated yeast mixture.
Gradually add bread flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Mix and knead until a soft, elastic dough forms (about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes with a mixer).
Lightly oil a clean bowl, place dough inside, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1½ hours.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread Nutella evenly across the surface.
Sprinkle with brown sugar and cocoa powder, then roll the dough tightly into a log.
Slice into even pieces (about 1½ inches wide) and arrange in a greased baking dish.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
While rolls cool slightly, beat Nutella, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and spreadable.
Frost rolls while warm for a melty glaze effect or let cool completely for a thicker layer.

Servings and timing

Yield: 12 rolls
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes rising time)

Variations

Substitute 2 tbsp milk with heavy cream for a richer dough.
Assemble rolls ahead and refrigerate overnight; bring to room temp and let rise before baking.
Use parchment paper in the baking dish for easy cleanup.
Add chopped toasted hazelnuts inside the filling for extra crunch and flavor.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm briefly in the microwave or oven before serving for fresh-from-the-oven softness.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour only?

Yes, but bread flour improves the texture and chewiness.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

It should roughly double in size and feel puffy to the touch.

Can I freeze these rolls?

Freeze unbaked rolls for up to 1 month. Thaw and bake when ready.

Can I make frosting ahead of time?

Yes, keep refrigerated and bring to room temperature before spreading.

What if I don’t have Nutella?

Use any chocolate-hazelnut spread or even chocolate spread of your choice.

How do I prevent soggy bottoms?

Use a well-greased pan or parchment paper and avoid overcrowding rolls.

Can I use a stand mixer?

Yes, a stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easier.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger pan or bake in batches.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, it contains no meat products.

How to get the frosting smooth and creamy?

Beat cream cheese until soft before adding other ingredients for a smooth finish.

Conclusion

Twist & Shout Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls offer a decadent twist on a beloved classic. With their soft dough, rich Nutella filling, and luscious cream cheese frosting, they make an irresistible breakfast or dessert. Perfect for special occasions or indulgent weekends, these rolls are sure to delight family and friends.

Twist & Shout Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Chef Sara
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including rising time)
Yield: 12 rolls
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Soft, fluffy chocolate hazelnut rolls filled with Nutella and brown sugar, topped with a creamy Nutella cream cheese frosting. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or a comforting treat.

Instructions

Warm milk until lukewarm, sprinkle yeast over it and let sit for 5–10 minutes to activate.
In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar, butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla. Stir in the activated yeast mixture.
Gradually add bread flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Mix and knead until a soft, elastic dough forms (8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes with mixer).
Lightly oil a clean bowl, place dough inside, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (1 to 1½ hours).
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll dough out on floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread Nutella evenly across.
Sprinkle with brown sugar and cocoa powder, then roll tightly into a log.
Slice into 1½-inch pieces and arrange in greased baking dish.
Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and puffed.
Beat Nutella, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth for frosting.
Frost rolls warm for melty glaze or cool for thicker layer.

Notes

Substitute 2 tbsp milk with heavy cream for richer dough.

Assemble rolls ahead and refrigerate overnight; bring to room temp and let rise before baking.

Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Add chopped toasted hazelnuts inside filling for crunch.

Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days.

Reheat briefly in microwave or oven to refresh softness.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: Approx. 320-360 kcal
Sugar: Approx. 22-25g
Sodium: Approx. 180-210mg
Fat: Approx. 15-18g
Saturated Fat: Approx. 8-10g
Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 5-7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: Approx. 38-42g
Fiber: Approx. 2g
Protein: Approx. 5-6g
Cholesterol: Approx. 50-60mg