Best Mini Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Gooey Chocolate Hazelnut Delight
Dive into a world of warmth and sweetness with our incredibly easy and utterly delicious Mini Nutella Cinnamon Rolls. These delightful treats are not just warm and gooey; they’re brimming with the rich, irresistible flavor of chocolate hazelnut, perfectly complemented by classic cinnamon spice. Start your day right with a few of these delightful rolls and a steaming cup of coffee – it’s the ultimate morning indulgence that promises pure bliss!
Why These Mini Nutella Cinnamon Rolls Are a Must-Try
Imagine a chilly morning or a lazy weekend when the weather outside is anything but inviting. What’s the perfect antidote? Baking, of course! But not just any baking. We’re talking about an experience that transforms your home into a haven of intoxicating aromas, specifically a chocolate hazelnut and cinnamon-filled explosion. This is where Mini Nutella Cinnamon Rolls shine. They offer a unique twist on a beloved classic, combining the comforting spice of cinnamon with the luxurious richness of Nutella, making every bite a memorable escape.
These rolls are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a mood booster, a comforting embrace on a plate. The miniature size makes them perfect for portion control (if you can resist having just one!), easy to share, and incredibly fun to eat. Whether you’re planning a cozy breakfast in bed, hosting a weekend brunch, or simply craving something sweet to brighten your day, these Nutella-infused cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to hit the spot. They bring together the familiar warmth of homemade baked goods with an exciting, decadent twist that will have everyone asking for more.
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The Battle Against Bad Weather and The Joy of Baking
There’s nothing quite like the prospect of a gloomy weekend forecast to inspire a baking spree. When snow warnings loom and the idea of being “snowed in” becomes a real possibility, my mind immediately goes to comforting recipes. And let me tell you, when you bake with Nutella and cinnamon, your kitchen transforms into a cozy sanctuary, filled with an aroma so delightful, it makes you forget all about shoveling snow or dreading the cold. It’s a mental escape, a delicious distraction that convinces you that perhaps, just perhaps, winter isn’t so bad after all.
Speaking of bad timing, I’m currently crossing every digit possible – fingers, toes, and even eyes – hoping that this weekend’s snow forecast is just a big mistake. I am absolutely done with winter weather, and frankly, I’ve been looking forward to a special event, the Bacon & Beer Classic in Denver, for months! The thought of snow disrupting such a highly anticipated event is simply unthinkable. I’m holding onto hope that it’s just another case of the weather forecasters getting it wrong, and we’ll instead get some much-needed rain. Keep those good vibes coming for me – the potential snow is supposedly setting in tonight. Ah!
Nutella: The Ultimate Game Changer in Your Breakfast Routine
Thankfully, regardless of what the weather decides to do, I have a generous pile of these mini Nutella cinnamon rolls waiting to keep me company. If I do end up snowed in on Sunday, at least I’ll have the best possible comfort food by my side. These aren’t just any cinnamon rolls; they are the cinnamon rolls I plan on making for the foreseeable future. Well, at least until another irresistible recipe captures my attention, which, as many bakers know, is a frequent occurrence! But seriously, Nutella straight from the jar is already one of my favorite indulgences, so incorporating it into my breakfast routine with these rolls feels like reaching a whole new level of delicious addiction.
There are definitely worse ways to spend a chilly day than snuggled up under a warm blanket with warm, gooey, chocolatey, and adorably small cinnamon rolls, right? Add in some snuggles from my furry friend, Kya, and it truly sounds like a perfectly acceptable, even delightful, scenario. Okay, so maybe I could deal with being snowed in under those circumstances. Just, please, not on Saturday, universe? I have plans!
Crafting Perfection: A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Rolls
Making these mini Nutella cinnamon rolls might seem like an elaborate baking project, but it’s surprisingly straightforward and incredibly rewarding. The key to their success lies in a few simple steps, ensuring a tender dough, a generous filling, and a delightful glaze.
The Dough: The Foundation of Flavor
The journey begins with activating your active dry yeast in warm water, sweetened with a touch of agave. This crucial step ensures your rolls rise beautifully, creating that signature fluffy texture. Once the yeast is foamy, you’ll incorporate flour and salt, kneading it into a soft, pliable dough. Don’t rush the kneading process; it’s essential for developing the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure and chewiness. After a short rest, the dough will be ready to roll out, a perfect canvas for our star ingredient.
The Luscious Nutella Filling
This is where the magic truly happens. Once your dough is rolled into a perfect rectangle, it’s time to generously spread it with Nutella. Don’t be shy here; a thick, even layer ensures every bite is packed with chocolate hazelnut goodness. Immediately after, sprinkle a generous amount of ground cinnamon over the Nutella. The combination of chocolate, hazelnut, and cinnamon creates an unparalleled flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. Carefully roll the dough from the long side, ensuring a tight log, and pinch the seam to seal in all that deliciousness. This tight roll is what gives the cinnamon rolls their beautiful spiral shape.
The Divine Glaze
No cinnamon roll is complete without a luscious glaze. While your rolls are baking, a simple mixture of melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, confectioner’s sugar, and milk comes together to form a smooth, sweet topping. The key here is to add the milk gradually, whisking until you reach your desired consistency – thick enough to cling to the warm rolls but pourable enough to drizzle. Drizzling the glaze over the rolls while they are still warm allows it to melt slightly, creating that irresistible gooey finish that defines a perfect cinnamon roll.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
These mini Nutella cinnamon rolls are truly at their best when served warm, fresh out of the oven, with the glaze still slightly melty. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, a soothing tea, or a tall glass of cold milk. For a special brunch, consider serving them alongside fresh fruit or a savory egg dish to create a balanced spread.
If you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To reheat and bring back that fresh-baked warmth, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 5-10 minutes, until warmed through. They also freeze well before baking – simply place the cut rolls in a freezer-safe container, let them thaw and rise overnight in the fridge, and bake as directed the next morning for a fresh batch anytime!
Mini Nutella Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups warm water
- 1 Tbsp active dry yeast
- 2 Tbsp agave
- 3 1/2 cups flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup Nutella
- 1 1/2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 3 Tbsp melted unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 3 to 4 Tbsp milk
Instructions
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1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190°C). Grease two 12-cup muffin pans and set aside.
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2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and agave. Stir gently and let stand for 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes wonderfully foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
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3. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Begin kneading on low speed, gradually increasing speed to medium over 5 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. Remove the dough from the bowl and allow it to rise for 10 minutes on a lightly floured flat surface.
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4. Roll the dough out into a precise 9×15-inch rectangle. Trim the edges as needed to create a perfect rectangle. Evenly spread the entire surface of the dough with a generous layer of Nutella, then sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Tightly roll the long side inward, forming a long log. Pinch the seam thoroughly to ensure a tight seal.
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5. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, carefully cut the log into 24 equal pieces. Place each mini roll into a prepared muffin cup.
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6. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rolls are cooked through and have a beautiful golden-brown color on top.
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7. While the rolls are baking, prepare the irresistible glaze: whisk together the melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, confectioner’s sugar, and milk in a small bowl. Add more milk as necessary, one teaspoon at a time, until your desired drizzling consistency is achieved. Drizzle the warm rolls generously with the glaze immediately after they come out of the oven. Serve warm and enjoy!