If you have a sweet tooth and love the idea of combining rich chocolate-hazelnut spread with soft, fluffy bread, then you are going to adore this Braided Nutella Buns: A Decadent and Delicious Treat Recipe. The magic here lies in the tender dough braided beautifully to encase generous swirls of Nutella, topped off with a delightful crunch from chopped hazelnuts. Every bite feels like a warm hug with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, brunch, or a special snack, these buns will quickly become a crowd favorite and a new personal classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these irresistible buns, you’ll only need a handful of simple yet crucial ingredients. Each one plays a starring role—from creating that soft, elastic dough to that luscious Nutella filling that makes this recipe shine.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for creating a soft and pillowy dough that holds the Nutella beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to enhance the dough without overwhelming it.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and strengthens the dough structure.
- Active dry yeast: The magic agent that makes the dough rise, leading to a light and airy texture.
- Milk: Adds moisture and enriches the dough’s softness and flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Enhances richness and tenderness while contributing to a golden crust.
- Egg: Binds the dough, helping with texture and a beautiful golden finish.
- Nutella: The decadent filling that transforms these buns into a chocolate-hazelnut dream come true.
- Chopped hazelnuts: A crunchy topping that adds texture and intensifies that nutty flavor.
How to Make Braided Nutella Buns: A Decadent and Delicious Treat Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Start by mixing 2 cups of flour with the granulated sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. This creates the base for your dough. The yeast will work its magic later, so make sure it’s evenly distributed in the mix.
Step 2: Warm the Milk and Butter
Gently heat the milk and butter together until warm, about 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is key—it wakes up the yeast without killing it, ensuring your buns rise perfectly fluffy.
Step 3: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the warm milk and butter mixture into the dry ingredients, then add the egg. Beat everything together, first on low for 30 seconds and then on high for 3 minutes. This whipping action helps develop the dough’s structure and texture.
Step 4: Mix in Remaining Flour and Knead
Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup flour until a soft dough forms. Transfer it to a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. This kneading step is essential for creating that chewy yet tender crumb.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and set it somewhere warm to rise for about one hour, or until it doubles in size. This resting period lets the yeast work, offering a lightness that makes each bun delightful.
Step 6: Shape the Buns with Nutella Filling
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Punch down the risen dough gently and roll it into a large rectangle. Spread a generous layer of Nutella evenly across the dough, leaving a small edge clear. Then, roll the dough tightly from one end to the other and slice it into 8 equal pieces.
Step 7: Braid and Prepare for Baking
Take your dough pieces and twist or braid them together, forming a stunning visual braid packed with swirls of Nutella in every fold. Place this masterpiece into a greased baking dish, cover it, and let it rise again for 20 to 30 minutes. This second rise ensures a soft, fluffy texture after baking.
Step 8: Bake and Add Hazelnuts
Bake your buns for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Once out of the oven, sprinkle the tops with chopped hazelnuts for a perfect nutty crunch that elevates each bite.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!
Allow the buns to cool slightly before digging in. This cooling step lets the filling set just enough to avoid messiness but keeps the buns warm and enticing.
How to Serve Braided Nutella Buns: A Decadent and Delicious Treat Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar over the warm buns turns them into an elegant dessert or breakfast item. Fresh berries on the side add a refreshing contrast to the rich Nutella flavors, while a drizzle of melted chocolate can satisfy any extra chocolate craving.
Side Dishes
These buns pair beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a latte, making them perfect for morning indulgence. For a cozy afternoon snack, serve alongside a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a dessert experience full of creamy contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your braided buns on a rustic wooden board with some extra chopped hazelnuts sprinkled around for a charming presentation. Alternatively, place individual buns in pretty paper liners for a party or brunch buffet. You could even slice and toast leftover buns to enjoy later as Nutella-topped breakfast toasts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover buns (though they rarely last), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness and softness. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry them out.
Freezing
To keep your delicious Braided Nutella Buns: A Decadent and Delicious Treat Recipe longer, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months, letting you enjoy a sweet surprise anytime.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or stored buns by warming them in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, or briefly in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel. This refreshes their softness and brings back that freshly baked warmth.
FAQs
Can I substitute Nutella with another spread?
Absolutely! While Nutella is classic here, you can use any chocolate-hazelnut spread or even switch it up with almond butter or peanut butter for a different but delicious flavor.
How do I know if the dough has risen enough?
Look for the dough to double in size and feel puffy and airy. A good test is to gently poke it—if the indentation springs back slowly, it’s ready to proceed.
Can I make these buns dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The texture may slightly vary but they’ll still be delicious.
Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?
Yes, the first rise develops the dough structure, while the second rise after shaping the buns ensures a soft, tender crumb that’s light but still nicely chewy.
Can I add chocolate chips inside the buns?
Definitely! Sprinkle some mini chocolate chips over the Nutella before rolling the dough for an extra burst of chocolate in every bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a show-stopping, comforting treat that combines the charm of homemade bread with the indulgence of Nutella, this Braided Nutella Buns: A Decadent and Delicious Treat Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a simple recipe with big rewards that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds). Don’t wait to try baking these at home—you deserve that wonderful smell of fresh-baked happiness filling your kitchen!
Print
Braided Nutella Buns: A Decadent and Delicious Treat Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European, American
Description
These Braided Nutella Buns are a decadent and delicious treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Soft, fluffy dough is filled with creamy Nutella, twisted into a beautiful braid, and topped with crunchy chopped hazelnuts for a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
Filling and Topping:
- 1/2 cup Nutella
- 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and active dry yeast until well combined.
- Heat Milk and Butter: In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk and unsalted butter until warm, reaching about 120-130°F (49-54°C), ensuring the butter melts completely without boiling.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the warm milk and butter mixture along with the egg to the dry ingredients. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds to incorporate, then increase to high speed and beat for 3 minutes to develop the dough’s elasticity.
- Add Remaining Flour: Gradually stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of flour to form a soft dough that is slightly sticky but manageable.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, indicating proper gluten development.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size, which activates the yeast and creates an airy texture.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the risen dough to release trapped air, then roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle shape to prepare for filling.
- Spread Nutella: Evenly spread 1/2 cup of Nutella over the surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent spilling during baking.
- Roll and Slice: Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log starting from one of the long edges. Slice this log into 8 even pieces, which will be the sections to braid.
- Braid the Dough: Twist and braid the sliced dough pieces together and arrange the braid into a greased baking dish, shaping it neatly for even baking.
- Second Rise: Cover the braided dough loosely and let it rise for an additional 20-30 minutes until puffed, ensuring a soft final texture.
- Bake: Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, baking them evenly to achieve a perfect crust and tender crumb.
- Add Hazelnuts and Cool: Remove the buns from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts on top, allowing them to stick slightly to the warm surface. Let the buns cool slightly before serving to enjoy the full flavor and ideal texture.
Notes
- Ensure milk is warm, not hot, when mixing with yeast to avoid killing the yeast culture.
- Use unsalted butter for better control over the dough’s saltiness.
- Watch the baking time closely to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the buns.
- For a glossy finish, you can brush the buns with an egg wash before baking.
- Leftover buns can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
