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

There’s something simply irresistible about warm, tender rolls oozing with chocolate and cinnamon, and topped with a dreamy Nutella glaze. This Fluffy Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Nutella Icing Recipe brings that comforting bakery magic right into your kitchen — perfect for weekend mornings or cozy afternoons with coffee.

The image shows a close-up of nine cinnamon rolls in a baking dish, each one covered with a thick, shiny dark chocolate glaze. The rolls are light golden brown with visible spiral layers, tightly rolled and slightly puffed up. The rich chocolate sauce fills the spaces between the rolls, spreading a smooth, glossy dark brown surface that contrasts with the lighter dough. On top of the glaze, small round candy pearls in shades of light brown, milk chocolate brown, and dark brown are scattered evenly, adding texture and color contrast. The background is a white marbled texture. 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

Honestly, these rolls have become a weekend ritual in my house — and I’m betting you’ll feel the same once you try them. They’re soft, fluffy, and layered with a rich chocolate-cinnamon filling that's not too sweet but perfectly balanced. Plus, the Nutella icing on top is like the cherry on an already delicious sundae.

Fluffy & Tender Texture: Thanks to a little baking magic called tangzhong, these rolls come out incredibly soft and stay fresh longer.
Chocolate & Cinnamon Harmony: The blend of chocolate hazelnut spread and cocoa powder adds a rich depth to the classic cinnamon roll flavor.
Nutella Icing Triumph: The glaze is creamy, nutty, and smooth—way easier than traditional cream cheese frosting but just as addictive.
Perfect for Sharing: These rolls hold their shape well and look absolutely stunning on a brunch table or dessert spread.

A close-up of four cinnamon rolls on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface, three of the rolls show a spiral pattern of light brown dough with dark brown cinnamon filling, and one roll has a thick, smooth layer of dark chocolate frosting with small chocolate shavings sprinkled on top; one frosted roll is bitten, showing a soft, moist part inside with light and dark swirls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a role in building those luscious layers of flavor and texture. I like to use fresh, room-temperature dairy to make the dough easier to work with and tangzhong to boost softness. A good quality hazelnut spread will really elevate the final icing.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with bread flour, a small white ceramic bowl of water, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with dark cocoa powder, an uncracked large brown egg with a clean shell, a few tablespoons of unsalted butter softly melting on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl holding rich chocolate hazelnut spread, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, and a small white ceramic bowl with vanilla paste, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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 right gluten structure to keep rolls fluffy but sturdy enough to hold the filling.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and works with yeast to help the dough rise nicely.
Instant Yeast: Quick and reliable, helping the dough puff up perfectly without extra fuss.
Sea Salt: A must to balance sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: Provide richness and moisture, making the dough soft and tender.
Egg: Adds structure and a lovely golden color to the dough when baked.
Vanilla Paste or Extract: Infuses the dough with warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
Tangzhong: A cooked flour-water slurry that keeps your rolls soft and fresh longer—trust me, it's a game-changer.
Unsalted Butter: Used both in the dough and filling, it enriches the rolls and brings buttery goodness to every bite.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle molasses flavor in the filling that complements the chocolate.
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: The star of the filling and icing, wildly flavorful and melts into pure indulgence.
Dark Cocoa Powder: Gives the filling a deep chocolate color and an extra layer of chocolate intensity.
Powdered Sugar: For the icing, to get that smooth, sweet consistency that sticks perfectly to the rolls.

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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

One of my favorite parts about this Fluffy Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Nutella Icing Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs. You can swap ingredients or add your own twists without losing that over-the-top softness.

Variation: I’ve tweaked this recipe by adding chopped toasted hazelnuts inside the filling for extra crunch—so good!
Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream and almond milk to keep the rolls rich but vegan-friendly. Just check your hazelnut spread's ingredients.
Less Sweet Option: Cut back slightly on the brown sugar in the filling if you prefer a milder treat.

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

Step 1: Create the Creamy Tangzhong Base

Start by whisking the bread flour and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Keep whisking constantly for about 4-5 minutes until it thickens into a smooth paste. This little batter is the secret behind those fluffy, keep-fresh rolls. Once done, scrape it out into a bowl and let it cool while you prep the dough.

Step 2: Make the Dough & Add Butter Slowly

Mix bread flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in your mixer bowl. Add cream, milk, egg, vanilla, and the tangzhong you just made. Knead on low speed until it forms a rough dough, about 2 minutes. Then, the key is to add softened butter half a tablespoon at a time — don't rush it. Let each bit incorporate fully before adding the next. Knead for 10 more minutes until you have a smooth, elastic dough ball. Trust me, this step is worth the patience.

Step 3: Shape and Prepare the Filling

Roll your dough onto a floured surface into a 21×15 inch rectangle. Spread the chocolate hazelnut butter filling evenly across, leaving a clean border on top so the rolls seal well when you roll them up. I like using an offset spatula for this—it's so much easier than a spoon!

Step 4: Roll, Cut, and Let Rise

Roll the dough tightly, then use a pizza cutter to slice it into 12 even strips. Place each roll cut side down into a parchment-lined 9×13 inch pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size. This is when the magic happens — don’t rush it!

Step 5: Bake and Glaze

Bake at 325°F (162°C) for 25-35 minutes until the tops turn lightly golden. While they bake, whisk together your powdered sugar, Nutella, milk, and vanilla to make that luscious icing. Once the rolls are out and slightly cooled (15 minutes works perfect), pour the glaze over generously.

Top Tip

From many batches and some trial and error, here are the best tips I’ve learned to get your rolls just right every time.

Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method or a kitchen scale to avoid dense dough—this is my #1 secret for fluffy rolls.
Add Butter Gradually: Butter can stall the dough’s development if added too quickly, so go slow and steady for that silky dough texture.
Don’t Skip the Tangzhong: It helps roll softness last longer, especially if you want leftovers that feel fresh the next day.
Let Rolls Rise Fully: Patience here pays off with much taller, fluffier rolls—resist the urge to bake too early!

How to Serve Fluffy Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Nutella Icing Recipe

chocolate cinnamon rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to add a sprinkle of chocolate pearls or delicate chocolate shavings on top after icing. They add a touch of elegance and a little texture that makes these rolls feel like a fancy treat, even if you’re just enjoying breakfast at home.

Side Dishes

Serve these rolls with a cup of rich coffee or a creamy hot chocolate for a cozy combo. Fresh berries or a simple fruit salad can also brighten the plate and cut through the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged them in a round cake pan to bake as a pull-apart wheel of joy. Drizzling extra Nutella and sprinkling toasted nuts on top really steps up the presentation and flavor for brunch guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for a couple of days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate and then bring back to room temperature before eating—that way the texture stays soft without drying out.

Freezing

Freezing these rolls works like a charm! I freeze them after the initial rise but before baking, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready, let them thaw and rise again before baking fresh, just like new.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a roll in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a low oven (300°F) wrapped in foil for 10 minutes. It refreshes their softness wonderfully without melting the icing too much.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is tangzhong and why is it used in this recipe?

Tangzhong is a mixture of flour and water cooked into a paste that helps keep baked goods super soft and fresh for longer. In this recipe, it boosts the tenderness and moisture of the rolls, making them extra fluffy and resilient even after a day or two.

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

You can substitute all-purpose flour, but bread flour has a higher protein content that gives these rolls their perfect chewy yet light structure. Using all-purpose flour may result in slightly less rise and a more tender, less resilient texture.

How do I know when the cinnamon rolls have risen enough before baking?

They should roughly double in size and look puffy to the touch. A good test is to gently press a finger into the dough—if the indentation springs back slowly but still leaves a slight mark, they’re ready to bake. If it springs back immediately, give them more time.

Can I make the dough ahead and bake the rolls the next day?

Absolutely! After shaping the rolls and placing them in the pan, cover and refrigerate overnight. The cold slow-rise actually develops flavor. Remove them from the fridge about an hour before baking to come to room temperature and rise a bit, then bake as directed.

Final Thoughts

This Fluffy Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Nutella Icing Recipe isn’t just another sweet treat; it’s a bit of kitchen magic wrapped up in every warm, gooey bite. I love baking these not only because they impress friends and family, but because the process itself feels like a comforting ritual. Once you try them, I’m sure these rolls will become one of your favorite homemade moments, too. Give it a go, and enjoy every delicious bit!