Twist & Shout Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love a rich, gooey treat that combines the luscious flavors of chocolate and hazelnuts with soft, fluffy rolls, you’re going to adore this Twist & Shout Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of a tender yeasted dough swirled generously with Nutella, cocoa, and brown sugar, then topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting. Whether for a special breakfast, a cozy weekend brunch, or an impressive dessert, these rolls are guaranteed to steal the show and fill your home with an irresistible aroma.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to making the magic happen. Each one plays a specific role, from providing structure and sweetness to enhancing flavor and giving that golden, tender crumb we all crave. Whether it’s the all-important yeast for that perfect rise or the rich Nutella spread that brings decadence, every ingredient counts.

• Milk (¾ cup 2% or whole): Lukewarm milk creates the perfect environment to activate the yeast, ensuring a fluffy dough.
• Active dry yeast (¼ oz): The magical leavening agent that makes these rolls rise beautifully.
• Granulated sugar (2 tbsp): Adds sweetness and helps feed the yeast for better fermentation.
• Unsalted butter (4 tbsp, room temperature): Gives richness and tenderizes the dough.
• Light brown sugar (¼ cup + ⅓ cup): Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness, perfect for the filling and dough.
• Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and gives the dough structure and softness.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• Bread flour (1¾ cups): Provides strength and chewiness for that perfect texture.
• All-purpose flour (1¼ cups): Balances the dough to keep it tender and not too dense.
• Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
• Neutral oil: For greasing the bowl, helping the dough rise without sticking.
• Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread (¼ cup + 1 tbsp for filling, 3 tbsp for frosting): The star ingredient bringing decadent chocolate and hazelnut flavor.
• Cocoa powder (1 tbsp): Adds a rich chocolate punch to the filling.
• Cream cheese (3 tbsp): Creates a creamy, tangy frosting to perfectly complement the sweet rolls.
• Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that perfect glaze.
• Milk (1 tsp for frosting): Adjusts the frosting consistency for smooth spreading.

How to Make Twist & Shout Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by warming the milk until it’s just lukewarm—comfortably warm to the touch but not hot. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it gets frothy and bubbly, signaling that the yeast is alive and eager to make your rolls fluffy and light.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, room temperature butter, light brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Then pour in the activated yeast mixture and stir gently. This combination forms the flavorful, rich base of your dough, setting you up for a soft, tender bite.

Step 3: Add Flours and Salt

Gradually add the bread flour, all-purpose flour, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir them in first, then knead either by hand for 8 to 10 minutes or with a mixer for 5 to 6 minutes until you have a soft, elastic dough. This dough should stretch without tearing, ready to rise and become the foundation of your rolls.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Lightly grease a clean bowl with neutral oil to prevent sticking. Place your dough inside, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm spot. Within 1 to 1½ hours, it should double in size, proofing perfectly to ensure your rolls turn out airy and tender.

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare for Shaping

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once your dough has doubled, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. This lays the groundwork for creating those beautiful swirls filled with chocolate hazelnut goodness.

Step 6: Spread the Filling and Roll

Spread ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon of Nutella evenly over the rolled dough. Then sprinkle the light brown sugar and cocoa powder on top, adding extra sweetness and chocolate intensity. Starting from one side, roll the dough tightly into a log, making sure the filling stays inside to create those gorgeous spirals.

Step 7: Slice and Bake

Cut the log into slices about 1½ inches thick. Arrange these warmly scented rolls snugly in a greased baking dish. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until they’re golden, puffed, and incredibly inviting.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

While your rolls bake, whip together 3 tablespoons of Nutella, 3 tablespoons of cream cheese, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of milk. Beat these until smooth and creamy—it’s the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, making every bite heavenly.

Step 9: Frost the Rolls

Once the rolls are out of the oven, frost them while they’re still warm for a melty glaze effect, or wait until they cool for a thicker, more classic frosting layer. Either way, this final touch elevates your rolls to dessert-level deliciousness.

How to Serve Twist & Shout Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a simple garnish can make your Twist & Shout Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls Recipe feel extra special. A light sprinkle of chopped toasted hazelnuts adds a delightful crunch and enhances that nutty flavor. You can also dust a little cocoa powder or powdered sugar on top for a charming presentation.

Side Dishes

These rolls are rich and satisfying on their own, but pairing them with a fresh bowl of mixed berries or a simple fruit salad can add balance and brightness to your serving. A cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte also complements the chocolate and hazelnut notes perfectly, creating a cozy and complete experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, serve your rolls warm straight from the pan on a rustic wooden board or a bright ceramic platter. Drizzle a little extra Nutella or a homemade chocolate sauce over the top for dramatic effect. You can even create individual servings in small ramekins for a charming, shareable dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your Twist & Shout Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft and fresh. For longer storage, refrigerate them, but be aware the dough might firm up slightly.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully if you want to prepare in advance. After baking and cooling completely, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy your rolls after storage, reheat gently in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This helps revive that fresh-baked softness and melts the frosting again if desired.

FAQs

Can I use a different chocolate spread instead of Nutella?

Absolutely! While Nutella is classic for this recipe, any chocolate hazelnut spread works wonderfully. Just make sure the spread has a similar texture for easy layering and consistent flavor.

Is it possible to make these rolls gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the bread and all-purpose flours with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious.

How long does the dough need to rise before baking?

The dough should rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which usually takes between 1 to 1½ hours. This step is crucial for airy, soft rolls.

Can I prepare the rolls the night before and bake them in the morning?

Definitely! After shaping the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring them to room temperature before baking, then proceed with the baking step as usual.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

You can use mascarpone or even softened butter for the frosting to achieve a creamy texture. Mascarpone will keep the frosting slightly tangy, while butter will make it richer and sweeter.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Twist & Shout Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls Recipe—it takes classic sweet rolls to a decadent new level with its luscious Nutella filling and creamy frosting. The comforting process of making them fills your kitchen with warmth, and the end result is pure joy in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share these irresistible treats with your loved ones—they’re perfect for creating memorable moments and indulging in a little delicious happiness.

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