Mini Nutella Cinnamon Rolls

Nutella and cinnamon come together in the perfect marriage in these little bites of breakfast heaven. These mini rolls are perfect for a cozy morning or a delightful brunch spread, combining the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls with the irresistible allure of chocolate hazelnut spread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 20 minutes mins

Additional Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 45 minutes mins

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Ingredients for the Dough

Dough

• 1 1/3 cups warm water (about 105-115°F or 40-46°C, crucial for activating yeast)
• 1 Tbsp active dry yeast
• 2 Tbsp agave (can substitute honey or sugar)
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1 tsp salt

Ingredients for the Filling

Filling

• 1 cup Nutella (ensure it’s at room temperature for easy spreading)
• 1 1/2 Tbsp ground cinnamon

Ingredients for the Glaze

Glaze

• 3 Tbsp melted unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (homemade is always best!)
• 3/4 cup confectioner’s sugar (sifted for a smoother glaze)
• 3 to 4 Tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Instructions

• Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C). While the oven heats up, generously grease two standard 12-cup muffin pans. This ensures your mini rolls won’t stick and will come out perfectly golden. Set them aside for now.
• Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with a dough hook attachment, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and agave. Give it a gentle stir. Allow this mixture to sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is active and healthy when it becomes wonderfully foamy and bubbly on the surface. If it doesn’t foam, your water might have been too hot or too cold, or your yeast may be old.
• Form the Dough: To the foamy yeast mixture, add the all-purpose flour and salt. Begin kneading on a low speed to incorporate the ingredients. Gradually increase the speed to medium and continue kneading for a full 5 minutes. This develops the gluten, leading to a soft and elastic dough. Once kneaded, remove the dough from the mixer and place it on a lightly floured surface. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest and rise for 10 minutes. This short rise helps relax the gluten, making the dough easier to roll.
• Fill and Roll: Roll the rested dough out into a roughly 9×15-inch rectangle. Take your time to ensure an even thickness. If necessary, lightly trim the edges to create a perfect rectangle – this will help create uniform rolls. Evenly spread the room-temperature Nutella across the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border on one of the long edges. Then, generously sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the Nutella. Starting from the long side opposite the clean border, tightly roll the dough into a long log. Pinch the seam shut to ensure a tight seal, which will prevent the filling from oozing out during baking.
• Slice and Arrange: Using a sharp knife or even unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 24 equal pieces. Precision here helps with even baking. Carefully place each mini roll into a cup of your prepared muffin pans. They might look small now, but they will puff up beautifully!
• Bake to Golden Perfection: Transfer the muffin pans to your preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rolls are cooked through, delightfully golden brown on top, and fragrant. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
• Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze: While the mini cinnamon rolls are baking, it’s time to whip up the dreamy glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and confectioner’s sugar. Gradually add the milk, starting with 3 tablespoons, and whisk until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, a pinch more confectioner’s sugar. As soon as the golden-brown rolls emerge from the oven, generously drizzle them with the prepared glaze. The warmth of the rolls will help the glaze slightly melt and seep into every nook and cranny. Serve these delightful mini Nutella cinnamon rolls warm for the best experience!

Category: Breakfast

Tips for Fluffy and Flavorful Rolls

Creating perfect cinnamon rolls, even mini ones, involves a few key techniques. Here are some tips to ensure your Mini Nutella Cinnamon Rolls turn out incredibly fluffy and bursting with flavor:

• Yeast Activation: The temperature of your water is critical. Too hot, and it kills the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate. Aim for bathwater warm (105-115°F or 40-46°C). If your yeast doesn’t foam after 5 minutes, discard and start with fresh yeast.
• Kneading is Key: Don’t rush the kneading process. The 5 minutes in the stand mixer (or 8-10 minutes by hand) is essential for developing gluten, which gives your rolls their signature chewy, yet tender, texture. A well-kneaded dough will be smooth and elastic.
• Room Temperature Nutella: Make sure your Nutella is soft and spreadable. If it’s too cold, it will be difficult to spread evenly and may tear the dough. A quick zap in the microwave (10-15 seconds) can help if it’s too firm.
• Tight Roll: When rolling the dough into a log, make sure it’s as tight as possible. This creates those beautiful, distinct spirals in the baked rolls and prevents the layers from separating.
• Sharp Knife for Cutting: A very sharp knife, or even unflavored dental floss, will give you clean cuts without squishing the rolls. If using floss, slide it under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry rolls. Look for a light golden-brown color. They should feel soft to the touch. Remember, they will continue to cook slightly from residual heat once removed from the oven.
• Glaze While Warm: Drizzling the glaze over warm rolls allows it to melt slightly, creating a luscious, slightly absorbed topping that enhances the moisture and flavor.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

These mini Nutella cinnamon rolls are best served warm, fresh from the oven, with the glaze still slightly gooey. They make an excellent addition to any breakfast or brunch spread, pairing wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a tall glass of milk. For an extra treat, consider serving them alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-20 seconds or warm them gently in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 5-10 minutes until soft and warm throughout. The warmth will bring back their fresh-baked goodness.

For longer storage, these rolls freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed above.

Get Creative with Variations

While the classic Nutella and cinnamon combination is undeniably delicious, feel free to experiment and personalize your mini rolls:

• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped toasted hazelnuts or pecans to the Nutella filling for extra texture and flavor.
• Fruit Infusion: Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam or finely chopped dried cranberries before adding the Nutella and cinnamon for a fruity twist.
• Spiced Up: Enhance the cinnamon with a pinch of other warm spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or allspice in the filling.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: For a richer topping, swap the simple milk glaze for a cream cheese frosting. Combine 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
• Chocolate Drizzle: After glazing, add a final drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate for an extra layer of decadence.

Bake Your Way to Happiness

These Mini Nutella Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a breakfast item; they are a delightful invitation to create warmth, comfort, and pure joy in your home. Whether you’re facing a snowy day indoors or simply craving a sweet escape, this recipe promises to deliver a truly satisfying experience. The combination of tender, yeasted dough, rich chocolate hazelnut spread, fragrant cinnamon, and a sweet vanilla glaze is simply magical. So, gather your ingredients, turn on your favorite tunes, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of homemade goodness. Happy baking!