Braided Nutella Buns: A Decadent and Delicious Treat Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your friends with a sweet and stunning homemade treat, then you’ve just hit the jackpot with the Braided Nutella Buns: A Decadent and Delicious Treat Recipe. This recipe blends the comforting softness of freshly baked buns with the rich, creamy indulgence of Nutella, all wrapped up in an elegant braid that looks as amazing as it tastes. Whether you want to impress at brunch, delight the kids after school, or simply treat yourself to a decadent snack, these buns are a delicious celebration of chocolate hazelnut goodness in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each playing a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and presentation. From enriching the dough to delivering the luscious Nutella filling, every item contributes to making these buns truly unforgettable.

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft and elastic dough.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the sweetness.
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: The magic that makes the dough rise beautifully.
• 1/2 cup milk: Provides moisture and tenderness to the dough.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb.
• 1 large egg: Binds the dough and gives a lovely golden color.
• 1/2 cup Nutella: The signature creamy hazelnut chocolate filling that makes this treat irresistible.
• 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts: Adds delightful crunch and complements the Nutella flavor perfectly.

How to Make Braided Nutella Buns: A Decadent and Delicious Treat Recipe

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by mixing 2 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. This combination lays the groundwork for a perfectly textured dough and ensures that the yeast has just the right environment to work its magic.

Step 2: Warm Milk and Butter

Gently heat the milk and butter in a small saucepan until the temperature reaches between 120 and 130°F. This warming step is crucial to activate the yeast without killing it, and it makes your dough wonderfully tender.

Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the warm milk and butter mixture along with the egg to your dry ingredients. Using a mixer, beat on low speed for 30 seconds to combine, then increase to high speed and beat for 3 minutes. This ensures a smooth, elastic dough start.

Step 4: Add Remaining Flour and Form Dough

Stir in the last 1/4 cup of flour until the dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky — this balance is key for kneading and shaping.

Step 5: Knead the Dough

Turn out your dough onto a floured surface and knead it until smooth and elastic. This usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes by hand and helps develop the gluten for a light, airy texture.

Step 6: First Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size — this step gives your buns their fluffiness.

Step 7: Prepare the Dough for Filling

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles, then roll it out on a floured surface into a neat rectangle. This creates the perfect canvas for the Nutella filling.

Step 8: Spread Nutella

Generously spread Nutella evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking. This luscious layer will melt slightly and become wonderfully gooey inside your buns.

Step 9: Roll and Slice

Roll the dough tightly from one edge to the other, forming a log. Slice the log into 8 even pieces, ensuring each bun has an equal portion of the delicious filling.

Step 10: Braid the Dough

Take the dough pieces and gently twist and braid them together. Place your braided creation into a greased baking dish, where it will maintain its shape beautifully while baking.

Step 11: Second Rise

Let the dough rise again for 20 to 30 minutes. This final rise is important to ensure the buns bake up light and fluffy while increasing their volume.

Step 12: Bake

Bake your buns for 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked through. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is pure heaven!

Step 13: Add Hazelnuts

Remove the buns from the oven and immediately sprinkle chopped hazelnuts over the top. These add a crunchy counterpoint to the soft, rich buns.

Step 14: Cool and Enjoy

Allow your Braided Nutella Buns a few minutes to cool slightly before indulging. This lets the filling set a bit while keeping everything wonderfully soft and warm.

How to Serve Braided Nutella Buns: A Decadent and Delicious Treat Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra-special presentation, dust your buns lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream make beautiful, fresh accents that enhance the indulgence.

Side Dishes

Pair these buns with a cozy cup of coffee, rich hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk for a perfect sweet snack combination. A side of fresh fruit balances the richness beautifully and adds color to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your braided buns into a centerpiece by serving them on a pretty wooden board or vintage cake stand. You could even separate the buns slightly after baking, allowing guests to pull them apart easily—ideal for sharing and savoring the moment with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft. For longer storage, refrigerate them; just be aware that refrigeration can slightly dry out baked goods.

Freezing

You can freeze these buns before baking for up to a month. Simply shape and braid the dough, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and allow to rise before baking as usual.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes. This revives their fresh-baked fluffiness like magic!

FAQs

Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose?

Yes, but keep in mind that whole wheat flour will make the buns denser and give them a nuttier flavor. You might want to use half whole wheat and half all-purpose to maintain softness.

What if I don’t have Nutella?

You can use any chocolate-hazelnut spread or even chocolate chips mixed with a little hazelnut butter to mimic that delicious flavor.

How important is the temperature of the milk for the yeast?

The milk should be warm but not hot, ideally around 120-130°F, to activate the yeast without killing it. Too hot can ruin your dough rise, so be gentle here.

Can I make these buns dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter to keep them just as tasty and fluffy.

How long do these buns keep fresh?

For best taste and texture, enjoy within two days. They’re so good you might find they won’t last that long anyway!

Final Thoughts

This Braided Nutella Buns: A Decadent and Delicious Treat Recipe is truly one of those treasures worth making again and again. It’s a wonderful way to add a little extra joy to your day with its irresistible combination of soft, warm dough and rich Nutella filling. I can’t wait for you to bake it, share it, and most importantly, savor every delightful bite.

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