Nutella Morning Buns

Name: Nutella Morning Buns
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4–3 cups all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup whole milk; 1 large egg, room temperature; 2/3 cup Nutella; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing); 1 tablespoon confectioners sugar (for dusting)

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There’s nothing quite like the warm aroma of freshly baked pastries wafting through your kitchen, especially when Nutella is involved. These Nutella Morning Buns are the perfect combination of flaky, buttery dough and rich chocolate-hazelnut filling — a dreamy treat that makes any morning feel like a special occasion. With a surprisingly simple preparation and a visually stunning result, this Nutella Morning Buns recipe is bound to become your new weekend baking favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Nutella Morning Buns

Nutella Morning Buns offer a delightful twist on traditional breakfast pastries. They’re quick to prepare (for yeasted dough), require no fancy equipment, and the result is bakery-quality buns straight from your oven. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, surprising your family, or simply treating yourself, these swirled beauties bring comfort and indulgence in every bite.

Thanks to instant yeast, the dough comes together easily and rises in under an hour. And the best part? You can enjoy warm, gooey buns in about two hours from start to finish — perfect for spontaneous cravings or early-morning inspiration.

What You’ll Need for Nutella Morning Buns

• All-Purpose Flour: The base structure of the dough; provides softness with a slight chew.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and encourages browning.
• Instant Yeast: Speeds up the rising time, making the dough quicker to prepare.
• Fine Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and creates a tender crumb.
• Whole Milk: Provides moisture and fat for a soft texture.
• Large Egg: Binds the dough and adds richness.
• Nutella: The star of the show — a luscious, chocolate-hazelnut spread that brings flavor and creaminess.
• Confectioners Sugar: Used for a delicate finishing dusting.
• Melted Butter (for brushing): Adds a glossy finish and extra richness.

Ingredient Swaps & Dietary Alternatives

• Nutella Substitute: Try other chocolate-hazelnut spreads or even a thick ganache for a more intense chocolate flavor.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives like almond milk or oat milk.
• Egg-Free: Substitute the egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for similar texture results.
• Low-Sugar Version: Reduce the Nutella or use a lower-sugar spread if desired.

How to Make Nutella Morning Buns

Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. In a saucepan, warm the milk and butter until just warm (95–110°F). In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and gradually add the milk mixture. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then knead on a floured surface for 5–6 minutes until smooth.
First Rise
Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 40 minutes or until doubled in size.
Roll & Fill
Roll dough into an 18×12-inch rectangle. Spread evenly with Nutella, leaving a ½-inch border. Fold the dough like a letter into thirds (short side over center, then other side on top). Tap edges with a rolling pin to seal.
Shape the Buns
Flip the dough so the seam is underneath. Roll gently into a 14×8-inch rectangle. Trim edges, then cut into twelve 1-inch-wide strips. Twist each strip, cross the ends to form a circle, and tuck them into the center hole.
Second Rise
Place buns on parchment-lined baking sheets, cover loosely, and let rise for another 25–30 minutes. They may not puff dramatically, but should spring back slowly when poked.
Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake buns for 10 minutes, rotate pans, and bake for another 7–8 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
Finish & Serve
Brush warm buns with melted butter. Let cool slightly, then dust with confectioners sugar before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Nutella Morning Buns

• Use a sharp knife for clean cuts and even shaping.
• Don’t overfill with Nutella — a thin, even layer prevents leakage.
• Chill the dough briefly before shaping if it becomes too soft.
• Avoid over-proofing the second rise — check by gently poking the dough.
• Serve fresh for best texture and flavor — they’re most irresistible warm from the oven.

Serving Suggestions & Delicious Variations

These Nutella Morning Buns shine on their own but pair beautifully with:

• Fresh fruit or a fruit compote for a balanced brunch plate
• Café au lait or a cappuccino for a European-style breakfast
• Vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence
• Cinnamon-sugar dusting instead of powdered sugar for a warm twist

Make-Ahead Notes

• You can prep the dough and shape the buns the night before. Refrigerate covered and let them sit at room temp for 30 minutes before baking.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day and gently reheated.

The Secret to a Sweet Morning Routine

Nutella Morning Buns prove that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be impressive. With their comforting swirls, rich filling, and pillowy texture, these buns transform any morning into a memorable occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Nutella Morning Buns recipe is one you’ll turn to again and again — because a sweet start is the best kind of start.

The Sweetest Ending: Nutella Morning Buns Wrap-Up

There’s no denying the simple joy that Nutella Morning Buns bring to any day. Whether you’re a morning person or not, these buttery, chocolate-hazelnut swirls will make you look forward to getting out of bed. With minimal prep, easy shaping, and a rewardingly rich flavor, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and ease.

So, the next time you’re craving something cozy, beautiful, and irresistibly chocolatey, bake a batch of Nutella Morning Buns. They’re more than just breakfast — they’re a moment of sweetness in the rush of life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Morning Buns

1. Can I make Nutella Morning Buns ahead of time?

Yes! You can shape the buns the night before, place them on a baking sheet, cover with parchment, and refrigerate. Let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking in the morning.

2. What’s the best way to store leftover Nutella Morning Buns?

Store cooled buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze individually and reheat in a low oven (300°F) for 8–10 minutes.

3. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Absolutely. Just activate 2¼ tsp of active dry yeast in the warm milk (95–105°F) with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it foam for 5–10 minutes before mixing with the rest of the ingredients.

4. How can I make these Nutella Morning Buns more unique?

Try adding crushed hazelnuts or mini chocolate chips over the Nutella layer before shaping. You can also infuse the dough with orange zest or cinnamon for a delicious twist.

More Relevant Recipes

Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry: A perfect companion to Nutella Morning Buns, this flaky cherry Danish is made with puff pastry and sweet fruit filling. Ideal for brunch spreads and lovers of fruity pastries with a tender bite.
Puff Pastry Nutella Twists: Twisted with layers of rich Nutella, these crisp puff pastry treats echo the same chocolate-hazelnut joy as the morning buns but with a crunchier texture and minimal prep time.
Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Knots: For a spiced, plant-based twist on sweet buns, these knots offer cinnamon warmth and pillowy dough, perfect for those seeking a vegan-friendly morning pastry.

Nutella Morning Buns – Easy Recipe

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