If you’re looking for a delightful, quick treat that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make, you will absolutely love this Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls (Made Without Yeast) Recipe. These rolls come together without the fuss of yeast rising times, delivering fluffy, tender dough wrapped around rich chocolate hazelnut spread and crunchy hazelnuts. Each bite bursts with creamy, nutty goodness, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or simply whenever you crave something special. This recipe is a total game changer, especially when you want homemade feel without the wait.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity: these ingredients are everyday pantry staples, yet each delivers a crucial element to texture, flavor, or that irresistible golden color you want from perfect rolls. Whether it’s the tang of baking powder or the creamy richness of butter, every component plays its part wonderfully.
- 2 1/4 cups all purpose white flour: This creates the soft base of the dough, holding everything together with just the right chewiness.
- 2 tablespoons cane sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the nuts and chocolate perfectly.
- 4 heaping teaspoons baking powder: The trusty leavening agent that gives these rolls a fluffy lift without needing yeast.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, cutting through the sweetness for depth.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Cooling butter chopped into the mix ensures tiny flaky pockets in the dough.
- 1 cup dairy milk: Provides moisture and richness, making the dough supple and tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a delicate, warm aroma that complements the chocolate hazelnut spread.
- 3/4 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (such as Nutella): The star ingredient, giving creamy, luscious filling inside every bite.
- 1 cup natural whole hazelnuts (crushed): Adds a toasty crunch that’s unmistakably delightful.
- 1/2 cup dulce de leche: A decadent, caramel-like drizzle that crowns the rolls beautifully.
How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls (Made Without Yeast) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Greasing either an 8×11 inch oval baking dish or a 10-inch round one ensures your rolls won’t stick, giving you perfect presentation and easy removal once baked.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a food processor, toss in the flour, cane sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pulse these a few times just to blend their flavors — this step makes sure every chew carries consistent taste and texture.
Step 3: Add Butter and Create a Crumbly Mixture
Drop the cold, cubed butter into the dry mixture and pulse until you achieve a crumbly texture with small bits of butter floating around. This technique is key for delicate, flaky layers inside the rolls.
Step 4: Mix in Wet Ingredients to Form Dough
Next, stir vanilla into the milk and slowly add this to the flour-butter combo while the food processor runs. You’ll notice a sticky dough forming — this is the perfect consistency to roll and knead.
Step 5: Knead and Roll Out the Dough
Transfer the dough to a well-floured surface. Gently knead it by folding it over a few times to incorporate more flour and firm it up slightly. Then, roll it out into a rectangle approximately 15 inches long and 10 inches wide, dusting flour as needed to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Add the Filling and Shape the Rolls
Spread the chocolate hazelnut spread evenly across the dough’s surface, then sprinkle most of the crushed hazelnuts on top, saving some for later. Starting along the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log, folding the ends under to keep that luscious filling enclosed.
Step 7: Cut and Arrange Rolls for Baking
Slice the log into twelve even pieces and place them side-by-side in your greased baking dish. This is where the magic of bakery-style rolls happens in your own kitchen!
Step 8: Bake and Add the Finishing Touches
Bake the rolls for about 20-22 minutes, watching for a lovely golden-brown top. As soon as they come out, drizzle the dulce de leche over them and sprinkle the reserved hazelnuts on top for a gorgeous, decadent finish.
How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls (Made Without Yeast) Recipe
Garnishes
For an irresistible look and extra texture, try dusting the rolls lightly with powdered sugar or adding a few fresh hazelnuts on top. A small dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side elevates these rolls into a party-worthy dessert.
Side Dishes
Since these rolls are rich and sweet, pairing them with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a simple green salad dressed with citrus can balance out your plate beautifully, offering a refreshing contrast without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving these rolls in mini muffin tins for single-serve portions, or stack several up on a tiered cake stand for a show-stopping brunch centerpiece. Wrapping them lightly in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming gift, too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, no worries — store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They stay pleasantly soft and flavorful, ready to brighten up any snack time.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the baked rolls in a sealed container or frozen bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, then warm gently to bring back their fresh-baked charm.
Reheating
To revive the rolls, pop them in a warm oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave briefly until warm but not soggy. The dulce de leche topping will soften and become extra indulgent on warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut instead of hazelnuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans would work wonderfully, offering a similar crunch and toasty flavor that complements the chocolate spread.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, you can achieve a great texture. Just be sure your baking powder is gluten-free and monitor the dough consistency closely.
Can I substitute dairy milk with a non-dairy alternative?
Definitely. Almond, oat, or soy milk are all great options that won’t compromise the moistness or flavor of these rolls.
Why does this recipe not use yeast?
We skip yeast to cut down on prep time and complexity. Instead, baking powder gives a quick rise and tender crumb without needing hours to proof.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
You can mix and shape the dough, then cover and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out and baking for best results.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making chocolate hazelnut rolls from scratch, especially when you don’t have to wait around for yeast to do its thing. This Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls (Made Without Yeast) Recipe is perfect for anyone craving homemade warmth and sweetness in under an hour. Give it a try, and I promise these rolls will quickly become one of your favorite go-to indulgences to share with family and friends.
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Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls (Made Without Yeast) Recipe
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
These Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls are a delightful, yeast-free pastry perfect for a quick homemade treat. With a tender, buttery dough filled with rich chocolate hazelnut spread and crunchy hazelnuts, then topped with sweet dulce de leche and more hazelnuts, these rolls offer irresistible flavor and texture. Ready in just 40 minutes, they’re an easy and crowd-pleasing dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/4 cups all purpose white flour (plus 3–5 tablespoons for work surface)
- 2 tablespoons cane sugar
- 4 heaping teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1 cup dairy milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling & Topping
- 3/4 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (such as Nutella)
- 1 cup natural whole hazelnuts (crushed)
- 1/2 cup dulce de leche
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease an 8×11 inch oval baking dish or a 10-inch round dish to prevent sticking.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a food processor, add the flour, cane sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. Pulse a few times to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Add cold butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the food processor and pulse until the mixture becomes crumbly and includes pea-sized butter pieces.
- Incorporate liquids: Stir the vanilla extract into the milk. With the processor running, slowly pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients, processing until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a well-floured work surface. Fold and knead the dough several times to incorporate extra flour, making it firmer and less sticky. Add more flour if needed.
- Roll out the dough: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangle about 15 inches long and 10 inches wide. Use flour on the surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
- Add filling and shape: Spread the chocolate hazelnut spread evenly over the dough’s surface, then sprinkle most of the crushed hazelnuts on top, reserving some for garnish. Roll the dough lengthwise into a log, making sure to tuck in the ends to keep the filling secure.
- Slice and arrange: Cut the dough log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange these rolls in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the rolls: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
- Add finishing touches: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately drizzle the dulce de leche over them. Sprinkle the reserved crushed hazelnuts on top to garnish.
Notes
- The dough can be sticky; adding extra flour while kneading helps achieve the right consistency.
- If you don’t have a food processor, you can mix the dough by hand using a pastry cutter to combine the butter and dry ingredients.
- You can substitute dairy milk with any plant-based milk to make it lactose-free.
- For extra crunch, toast hazelnuts lightly before crushing.
- Serve the rolls warm for the best flavor experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
