The moment you bite into a Nutella French Toast Roll, you get a warm, sugary crunch giving way to a soft, cinnamon kissed interior and a gooey chocolatey center that oozes just a little bit
This is the kind of dish that makes a lazy weekend morning feel special, and honestly it tastes best with a cup of strong coffee and a glass of cold milk
SaveI finally made these on a sleepy Saturday, watched the syrup bubble at the edges of the pan, and honestly, the house smelled like a bakery by the time they were done
Nutella French Toast Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
The Rolls
Filling and Toasting
Instructions
- Activate the yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water, 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 to 10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix the dough
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead and first rise
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 6 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling
In a medium bowl, stir Nutella with softened butter until smooth. Spread a thin layer over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle evenly with the sugar cinnamon mixture, then top with breadcrumbs.
- Shape the rolls
Gently roll the dough into a tight log, then cut into 8 equal pieces. Pinch the ends of each piece to seal and place them seam side down on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Chill the rolls
Cover the shaped rolls and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally up to 4 hours, to help them hold their shape when cooked.
- Make the custard mixture
In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla until well blended.
- Coat and chill
Dip the top of each chilled roll into the custard, letting excess drip off, then roll in the shredded coconut. Place back on the sheet and chill for another 15 minutes.
- Pan fry the rolls
Heat a thin layer of melted butter in a large skillet over medium low heat. Working in batches, cook the rolls for 3 to 4 minutes per side, brushing with butter and sugar while they cook, until deep golden brown.
- Serve warm
Transfer to a plate and drizzle with extra Nutella if desired. These are best enjoyed right away while the center is warm and melty.
Substitutions and variations
- Use milk in place of whole milk for a lighter option
- Swap Nutella for peanut butter or another chocolate spread
- Make the recipe gluten free by using a gluten free flour blend and gluten free breadcrumbs
- Use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar in the filling if you prefer
- Replace shredded coconut with crushed graham crackers for a different crunch
Chloe's tips
- Keep the kitchen cool and work quickly when frying; the filling can melt fast
- Do not skip the chill time or the rolls may spread too much in the pan
- If the custard seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk
- For extra crunch, toast the coconut lightly before using it
How to store it
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
- Reheat gently in a warm skillet or low oven to revive the crisp coating
- Keep the Nutella separate if you prefer it warmer and extra melty
Serving suggestions
Serve these Nutella French Toast Rolls with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of extra Nutella for a show stopping presentation.
- Fresh berries on the side
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar
- A warm caramel or chocolate drizzle
- A dollop of whipped cream
Frequently asked questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can fully assemble the rolls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying. Add a few extra minutes to the cook time if they come straight from the fridge.
Why are my rolls spreading in the pan?
This usually happens if the dough is too warm or the chill time was skipped. Keep the shaped rolls cold and work quickly when frying.
Can I freeze the cooked rolls?
You can freeze them after they cool, then reheat in a low oven or air fryer to refresh the crust. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Let's get cooking!
Making Nutella French Toast Rolls at home is easier than you think and so rewarding when you taste that warm, chocolatey center. I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your kitchen, and I would love to hear how your batch turned out.
