Decadent Nutella-Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls with Chai Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in these mouthwatering cinnamon rolls, perfectly crafted with a rich Nutella filling and a delightful touch of chai-spiced cream cheese frosting. The dough is made with French vanilla pudding for an extraordinary softness and flavor, making each bite a heavenly experience. Though the preparation may require some time and patience, the resulting sweet, gooey rolls are absolutely worth the effort. Ideal for brunch, dessert, or any special occasion, these cinnamon rolls will soon become a beloved favorite amongst family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
Melted butter
1/4 cup (melted)
Water
1/4 cup (combined with melted butter)
Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (added to melted mixture)
French vanilla pudding mix
2 ounces (dry)
Warm buttermilk
1 cup (warmed to about 100°F (38°C))
Large egg
1 (beaten)
White sugar
1 tablespoon (granulated)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (fine)
All-purpose flour
4 cups (sifted)
Active dry yeast
1 (1/4 ounce) package (activated)
Soft butter
1/2 cup (spreadable)
Nutella
12 ounces (spreadable)
Brown sugar
3/4 cup (packed)
Ground cinnamon
4 teaspoons (powdered)
Roasted pecans or walnuts
optional (chopped)
Cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Butter
1/2 cup (softened)
Powdered sugar
1-2 cups (sifted to taste)
Chai spice powder
2-3 tablespoons (to taste)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
Milk
2-4 teaspoons (to thin frosting as needed)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, melt the butter and water together over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside to cool slightly.
2
In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (or a bread machine), combine the melted butter mixture with the French vanilla pudding mix.
3
Add the warm buttermilk, egg, sugar, salt, flour, and yeast to the mixing bowl, and mix on medium speed until a smooth dough forms. If using a bread machine, select the dough setting.
4
Once the dough is formed, knead it gently on a lightly floured surface until it becomes pliable and smooth.
5
Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, approximately 1/4-inch thick. Spread the soft butter evenly across the surface of the dough, followed by a generous layer of Nutella.
6
In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar with the cinnamon. If adding roasted pecans or walnuts, combine them in this mixture as well.
7
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the Nutella-covered dough.
8
Starting from the longest edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Slice the log into approximately 14 equal pieces.
9
Place the rolled cinnamon rolls into a greased baking pan, ensuring they are spaced closely together. Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and allow the rolls to rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
10
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
11
Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
12
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, softened butter, and chai powder. Beat together until smooth and creamy.
13
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until you achieve your desired sweetness and consistency. If necessary, add milk one teaspoon at a time to reach your preferred frosting consistency.
14
Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and generously drizzle the chai cream cheese frosting over the top. For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of chocolate or chopped nuts.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the dough for these Nutella-Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls unique?
The dough uses French vanilla pudding mix, which provides an extraordinary softness and a distinct flavor profile.
What is the filling for these cinnamon rolls?
The rolls are stuffed with a rich layer of spreadable Nutella and a mixture of brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
What kind of frosting is used in this recipe?
The recipe features a chai-spiced cream cheese frosting made with cream cheese, butter, chai powder, and powdered sugar.
How long should I let the cinnamon rolls rise?
The rolls should rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until they have doubled in size.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking the rolls.
How long do the Nutella-stuffed rolls need to bake?
Bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?
Yes, you can use a bread machine by selecting the dough setting after combining the ingredients.
What type of yeast is required for this recipe?
This recipe calls for one 1/4 ounce package of active dry yeast.
How should the buttermilk be prepared before adding it to the dough?
The buttermilk should be warmed to approximately 100°F (38°C) before being mixed in.
What should I do if the frosting is too thick?
If the frosting is too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.
Can I add nuts to these cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can optionally add roasted pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar filling.
How thick should the dough be when rolled out?
The dough should be rolled out into a large rectangle approximately 1/4-inch thick.
How many cinnamon rolls does this recipe produce?
The recipe yields approximately 14 equal pieces.
When is the best time to apply the chai cream cheese frosting?
Generously drizzle the frosting over the rolls immediately after removing them from the oven.
What ingredients are needed for the chai cream cheese frosting?
You will need cream cheese, softened butter, chai spice powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a small amount of milk.
How do I prepare the butter and water for the dough?
Melt the butter and water together in a small saucepan over low heat, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Is the French vanilla pudding mix added as a liquid or powder?
The French vanilla pudding mix is added to the dough as a dry powder.
What type of flour is best for these rolls?
All-purpose flour is recommended, and it should be sifted for the best results.
Should the rolls be spaced apart in the baking pan?
No, they should be placed closely together in a greased baking pan to help them rise and stay soft.
What tools do I need to make the dough?
You can use either a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or a bread machine.
How much Nutella is used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of spreadable Nutella.
What kind of sugar is used in the dough?
One tablespoon of granulated white sugar is used in the dough mixture.
Do I need to knead the dough by hand?
After the dough forms in the mixer, you should knead it gently on a lightly floured surface until it is pliable and smooth.
What is the role of the egg in the recipe?
One large beaten egg is added to the dough to provide structure and richness.
Can I use regular vanilla pudding instead of French vanilla?
While French vanilla is suggested for its specific flavor, regular vanilla pudding mix can be used as a substitute.
How do I ensure the cinnamon-sugar mixture sticks to the dough?
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar over the layer of spreadable Nutella, which helps the mixture stay in place.
What occasions are these rolls best for?
They are ideal for brunch, dessert, or any special occasion where a decadent treat is desired.
How much chai powder should I add to the frosting?
Use 2 to 3 tablespoons of chai spice powder, or adjust to your personal taste preference.
Should I cover the rolls while they rise?
Yes, cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap during the rising process.
How much cinnamon is used in the filling?
The recipe uses 4 teaspoons of powdered ground cinnamon.