If you have a sweet tooth and love a good bakery-style treat to brighten your day, then this recipe is an absolute must-try. The Braided Nutella Buns: A Decadent and Delicious Treat Recipe combines the softest, fluffiest dough with a luscious Nutella filling and a beautiful braided presentation that instantly impresses. Each bite offers that perfect contrast of sweetness and a subtle crunch from toasted hazelnuts, making these buns a showstopper whether for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent afternoon snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these buns just right means starting with simple, reliable ingredients that work beautifully together. Each element plays a crucial role—from the structure of the flour to the richness of butter and the warm sweetness of Nutella.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the perfect balance of gluten for a soft yet structured dough.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough without overpowering the Nutella filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and become airy and light.
- 1/2 cup milk: Warm milk creates a tender crumb and helps activate the yeast.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Gives richness and a slight buttery aroma to the buns.
- 1 large egg: Adds structure and helps bind the dough while lending a soft texture.
- 1/2 cup Nutella: The star of the show, providing that classic hazelnut chocolate flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts: Sprinkled on top for added crunch and an extra layer of hazelnut goodness.
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 yeast in a large bowl. This foundational step ensures the yeast is evenly distributed so your dough rises perfectly. The flour and sugar provide structure and sweetness right from the start.
Step 2: Warm Milk and Butter
Gently heat the milk and butter until warm to 120-130°F. Warming these ingredients activates the yeast and melts the butter just enough to blend smoothly into the dough, resulting in a tender texture.
Step 3: Mix Dough
Add the warm milk mixture and egg to your dry ingredients. Beat everything together on low speed for 30 seconds to combine, then crank up to high for 3 minutes. This process helps develop the gluten, giving your buns a soft yet sturdy body.
Step 4: Add Remaining Flour and Knead
Stir in the last 1/4 cup of flour to bring it all together into a soft dough. Then turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. This kneading step is where all the magic for that perfect texture happens.
Step 5: First Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This first rise develops flavor and makes the dough wonderfully light.
Step 6: Roll and Spread Nutella
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the dough to release excess air and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Evenly spread Nutella over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent leaking while baking.
Step 7: Shape and Braid
Roll the Nutella-covered dough tightly into a log, then slice it into 8 even pieces. Carefully twist and braid the slices together, arranging them in a greased baking dish. This braiding not only looks stunning but ensures every piece has swirls of that rich Nutella.
Step 8: Second Rise and Bake
Allow your braided masterpiece to rise again for about 20 to 30 minutes—this short rest lets the dough puff up and bake to a golden, tender perfection. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the buns have turned a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through.
Step 9: Final Touches
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top for that irresistible crunch and extra nuttiness. Let the buns cool slightly—it’s hard to resist, but this makes them easier to handle and lets the flavors really set.
How to Serve Braided Nutella Buns: A Decadent and Delicious Treat Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate these buns for a festive touch. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios add color and a fresh contrast to complement the Nutella’s richness.
Side Dishes
Serve these buns alongside a frothy cappuccino or a chilled glass of milk for the ultimate cozy pairing. They also make a sweet accompaniment to fresh fruit salad or a yogurt parfait for a balanced brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Braided Nutella Buns on a rustic wooden board with a small bowl of extra Nutella for dipping. For special occasions, arrange individual buns in petite paper liners and tie with twine for a charming homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover buns keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain softness, you can wrap them in foil after the container is sealed.
Freezing
Wrap individual buns tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop your buns in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or microwave briefly on low power. This refreshes their soft texture and intensifies the Nutella flavor.
FAQs
Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but expect a denser texture and slightly different flavor. For best results, try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
Is it possible to make these buns vegan?
Absolutely! Replace milk with any plant-based milk, butter with vegan margarine, and the egg with a flax egg or other egg substitute to keep your buns moist and delicious.
Can I use other nut spreads instead of Nutella?
Yes, almond butter or peanut butter can be used, but Nutella’s unique chocolate and hazelnut blend gives these buns their signature taste and texture that’s hard to beat.
How long does the dough take to rise?
The first rise takes about one hour or until doubled in size. The second rise after shaping takes about 20 to 30 minutes—both are essential for a light and fluffy bun.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it after the first rise. Just bring it back to room temperature before rolling and shaping.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a sweet treat that combines gorgeous presentation with irresistible flavor, these Braided Nutella Buns: A Decadent and Delicious Treat Recipe are your new best friend. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a cozy day in, these buns will bring a smile and a sprinkle of sweetness to any moment. Go ahead, give them a whirl—you won’t be disappointed!
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Braided Nutella Buns: A Decadent and Delicious Treat Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Description
These Braided Nutella Buns are a decadent and delicious treat featuring soft, fluffy dough filled with creamy Nutella and topped with crunchy hazelnuts. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these buns combine the rich hazelnut spread with a tender, slightly sweet bread dough, braided to create an appealing and tasty presentation.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
Filling and Topping
- 1/2 cup Nutella
- 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and active dry yeast. Stir them together until evenly distributed.
- Heat Milk and Butter: In a small saucepan, gently warm the milk and unsalted butter together until warm to the touch, about 120-130°F (49-54°C). Remove from heat.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the warm milk-butter mixture and the large egg to the dry ingredients. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds to combine, then increase to high speed and beat for 3 minutes until smooth and well mixed.
- Incorporate Remaining Flour: Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour gradually to form a soft dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- First Rise: Place the dough into a greased bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
- Spread Nutella: Evenly spread the Nutella over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent leaking during baking.
- Form Buns: Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into 8 equal slices.
- Braid the Dough: Twist and braid the 8 slices together and place the braided buns into a greased baking dish, spreading them slightly apart.
- Second Rise: Cover the baking dish loosely with a towel and let the dough rise again for 20-30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Bake the braided Nutella buns in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Add Hazelnuts: Remove the buns from the oven and immediately sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top to add crunch and flavor.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving to enjoy the warm, gooey Nutella filling and tender bread.
Notes
- You can substitute whole milk with any preferred milk such as almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option, but the texture may vary slightly.
- For an extra glossy finish, brush the buns with an egg wash before baking.
- Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to a month.
- Reheat gently in a microwave or oven to refresh softness before serving.
- Feel free to add cinnamon or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for additional flavor and decoration.
