Name: Fluffy Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Nutella Icing 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

Sweet, fluffy, and decadently chocolatey—these Fluffy Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Nutella Icing Recipe bring the best of breakfast and dessert all in one. I love how the tender dough pairs with a rich filling and that irresistible Nutella glaze on top. Trust me, once you taste these, they’ll totally become your new favorite treat.

A close-up of several cinnamon rolls arranged tightly in a white baking dish on a white marbled surface, each roll made of soft light beige dough swirled with dark brown cinnamon layers. The rolls are thickly coated with a shiny dark chocolate sauce that pools in the dish's center and glistens under the light. Small round chocolate and caramel-colored balls are scattered on top of the chocolate layers, adding texture and color contrast. The cinnamon rolls look moist and rich with the chocolate sauce slightly dripping down the sides of the swirled layers 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 Cinnamon Rolls with Nutella Icing Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Fluffy Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Nutella Icing Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Fluffy Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Nutella Icing Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe is pretty close to magic in my kitchen. I’m genuinely excited every time I make these rolls because they’re soft, pillowy, and bursting with that perfect chocolate-cinnamon combo. Plus, the Nutella icing is a delightful finish that’s not just sweet but also creamy and nutty.

Perfect Texture: The tangzhong method produces the fluffiest, softest rolls you can imagine.
Decadent Flavor: Chocolate and cinnamon marry beautifully in the filling, giving each roll a rich, comforting taste.
Nutella Icing: It’s creamy and luscious, turning an ordinary glaze into something you’ll crave again and again.
Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’ve never made rolls before, the step-by-step process and practical tips here will guide you every step of the way.

A close-up view of a white plate holding four cinnamon rolls arranged tightly together; three rolls show a golden-brown dough with a dark brown cinnamon swirl pattern, while the fourth roll is topped with thick, smooth, dark chocolate frosting sprinkled with small chocolate chunks. One roll with frosting at the bottom shows a bite taken out, revealing a soft, moist inside with visible chocolate bits. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with scattered chocolate pieces nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of these Fluffy Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Nutella Icing Recipe lies in how the ingredients come together to create that soft, flavorful dough and luscious filling. Choosing the right flour, good quality Nutella (or a similar spread), and fresh dairy makes a noticeable difference.

Flat lay of a small mound of fine bread flour, a small white bowl of clear water, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small white bowl of whole milk, a smooth large brown egg with uncracked shell, a few small sprigs of vanilla bean pods beside a tiny white bowl of pale vanilla paste, a small white bowl holding softened unsalted butter chunks, a small white bowl of light brown sugar, a small white bowl filled with smooth chocolate hazelnut spread, a small white bowl of dark cocoa powder, and a tiny pile of fine sea salt crystals, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic plate and white ceramic bowls, 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: Gives the rolls enough structure and chewiness while still remaining tender—don’t skimp on this!
Instant Yeast: Helps the dough rise beautifully without long wait times.
Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: Add richness and moisture, creating a dough that melts in your mouth.
Butter: Used in both dough and filling, it’s essential for that melt-in-your-mouth softness and depth of flavor.
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (Nutella): The star of the icing and filling, offering that unmistakable nutty, chocolate punch.
Cocoa Powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor in the filling—don’t swap this for sweetened cocoa!
Granulated & Brown Sugar: Both add sweetness with brown sugar also providing a hint of molasses flavor.
Vanilla Paste or Extract: Brings everything together with a warm, fragrant note.
Egg: Adds structure and richness to the dough.

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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 like to think of these rolls as a fun canvas. Over the years, I’ve experimented and found a few tasty twists you might want to try to make them truly your own. Don’t be afraid to switch things up to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

Variation: I sometimes swap out the Nutella for almond butter mixed with cocoa powder if I want a less sweet, slightly nuttier version—it’s surprisingly delicious!
Dietary Modifications: You can try using plant-based milk and vegan butter to create a dairy-free spin, though the texture may differ slightly.
Seasonal Changes: Adding a pinch of cayenne or a sprinkle of orange zest into the filling can brighten the flavor beautifully around holidays.
Extra Chocolate: Toss in mini chocolate chips before rolling for an extra indulgent bite—I love how they melt into gooey pockets.

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

Step 1: Making the Tangzhong for Incredible Softness

The tangzhong is a simple cooked flour and water mixture that locks moisture into the rolls, giving you that dreamy fluffiness. Start by whisking together bread flour and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Keep whisking—it’ll thicken into a paste in about 4-5 minutes. Once smooth, scrape it into a bowl and let it cool while you prepare the rest. I promise, this extra step is worth the sweetness!

Step 2: Kneading the Perfect Dough

In your mixer bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Then add heavy cream, milk, egg, vanilla, and that lovely tangzhong you just made. Knead on low for a couple of minutes until a rough dough forms. The trick here is adding the softened butter slowly, half a tablespoon at a time, and letting it fully incorporate. This helps develop a silky, elastic dough that’s easy to work with. I usually knead for about 10 minutes in total until it feels smooth and stretchy.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Cinnamon Filling

While the dough rests, mix softened butter, brown sugar, Nutella, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt into a creamy filling. The balance of sweetness and slight bitterness from the cocoa is what makes this filling unforgettable. Spread this onto your rolled-out dough carefully—leaving a small border at the top helps seal the rolls.

Step 4: Rolling and Cutting the Rolls

Flatten your risen dough on a floured surface to a roughly 21x15 inch rectangle. Gently spread the chocolate filling on top, then use a pizza cutter to slice into 12 even strips. Roll each strip away from you, forming tight spirals. Place them seam-side down in a parchment-lined pan, cover, and let them rise until doubled—usually about 1 to 2 hours. This rise is key for light, airy rolls.

Step 5: Baking and Glazing Magic

Bake the rolls at 325°F (162°C) for about 25–35 minutes until they’re golden but not overbaked. Meanwhile, whip up the icing by mixing powdered sugar, Nutella, milk, and vanilla until glossy and smooth. Once the rolls cool for 15 minutes, drizzle the icing generously—trust me, the warm rolls soaked with Nutella glaze is something you don’t want to miss.

Top Tip

From my experience, the difference between “good” and “wow” rolls comes down to patience and technique. I’ve made these a dozen times, and here’s what I’ve learned that makes all the difference:

Measure Flour Properly: I can’t stress this enough—the spoon-and-level method or a kitchen scale keeps your dough soft rather than dry and tough.
Don’t Rush the Rise: Let the rolls double in size completely. It’s the secret to that fluffy, airy texture you’re aiming for.
Butter Temperature: Use cool room temperature butter to avoid breaking the dough texture but soft enough to mix evenly.
Glaze While Warm: I always wait about 15 minutes before icing—too hot, and it melts completely away; too cold, and it won’t soak in nicely.

How to Serve Fluffy Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Nutella Icing Recipe

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle chocolate pearls or shavings on top—it adds a lovely texture contrast and makes them look extra special. If you’re feeling playful, colored sprinkles or crushed toasted hazelnuts work great, too.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with a simple cup of coffee or your favorite chai tea for a breakfast or brunch that feels indulgent but still cozy. Fresh fruit or a tart berry compote also balances the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holidays, I’ve arranged the rolls in a round bundt pan before baking to create a pull-apart “cake” of chocolate and cinnamon deliciousness. Drizzle extra Nutella glaze and top with edible gold leaf for a show-stopping centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days with great results. After that, I usually pop them in the fridge to keep them fresh up to a week—just let them come to room temperature or warm slightly before eating to bring back that softness.

Freezing

Freeze the rolls before the final rise by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw and let rise before baking. You can also freeze fully baked rolls—just wrap well and thaw overnight. I’ve found the texture stays surprisingly good, and the Nutella icing rejuvenates nicely when reheated.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover a roll with a damp paper towel and microwave it for 15-20 seconds. This keeps the bread moist and soft. If you have time, warming them gently in a low oven (300°F for 5-7 minutes) works wonders, especially if you want to add another drizzle of fresh Nutella icing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

While all-purpose flour can be used in a pinch, bread flour gives these rolls their signature chew and structure. If you substitute all-purpose, your rolls might be a bit softer and less airy, but still delicious!

How long can I keep the rolls after baking?

These rolls taste best fresh but can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Refrigerating extends their freshness to about a week, just remember to warm them before serving to soften.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough and refrigerate it overnight after kneading. Let it come to room temperature and finish the rising before rolling and baking. This method also helps develop more flavor.

What if I don’t have Nutella?

No worries! You can substitute Nutella with any good-quality chocolate hazelnut spread, or try blending melted chocolate with hazelnut butter and a touch of sugar. Adjust sweetness to taste for the icing and filling.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Fluffy Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Nutella Icing Recipe holds a special place in my heart and kitchen. Every bite feels like a warm hug on a lazy morning or a sweet ending to any day. With the detailed steps and tips I’ve shared, I’m confident you’ll nail these and wow your family or guests. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and indulge yourself—you deserve it!