Indulge in the irresistible combination of soft, fluffy dough and rich, creamy Nutella with these Braided Nutella Buns. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet treat any time of day, these buns offer a delightful balance of textures. The dough is tender and light, while the Nutella filling adds a luscious chocolate-hazelnut flavor that’s impossible to resist. Braiding the dough not only creates an elegant, visually appealing treat but also ensures that each bite is packed with the perfect amount of Nutella and hazelnuts. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving something delicious, these braided buns will surely be a hit!

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. The buns bake up golden brown and are guaranteed to leave everyone reaching for seconds. The delightful aroma that fills your kitchen while these buns bake is just an added bonus. Whether you’re enjoying them warm out of the oven or as an afternoon snack, these Braided Nutella Buns will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Irresistible Nutella Flavor

The rich, creamy Nutella filling combined with chopped hazelnuts creates a truly indulgent treat that’s full of flavor.

2. Soft and Fluffy

The dough is soft, airy, and slightly sweet, making the perfect base for the decadent Nutella and hazelnut filling.

3. Easy to Make

This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced baking skills, making it accessible to beginners while still satisfying for seasoned bakers.

4. Visually Impressive

The braided design of these buns adds a touch of elegance, making them perfect for special occasions, brunches, or holiday gatherings.

5. Versatile

These buns are great for breakfast, a dessert, or an afternoon snack. They’re also easy to adapt with different fillings, like cinnamon sugar or fruit preserves.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Salt
Active dry yeast
Milk
Unsalted butter
Large egg
Nutella
Chopped hazelnuts

Variations

Different Fillings: If you’re not a fan of Nutella, you can substitute it with other spreads like peanut butter, almond butter, or fruit preserves.
Add More Nuts: For extra crunch, you can add chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans in place of or in addition to the hazelnuts.
Cinnamon Sugar: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar on the Nutella before folding and braiding for a warm, spiced twist.
Chocolate Chips: Incorporate chocolate chips for an extra chocolaty flavor inside the buns.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Step 2: Heat the Milk and Butter

In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter until the mixture reaches a temperature between 120-130°F. The milk should be warm to activate the yeast.

Step 3: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the milk-butter mixture and the egg to the dry ingredients. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to high speed and mix for 3 minutes to form a dough.

Step 4: Add the Remaining Flour

Stir in the remaining flour to form a soft dough. The dough should not be sticky, but smooth and slightly tacky.

Step 5: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 6: Rest the Dough

Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.

Step 7: Roll the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll each portion into a 12-inch x 7-inch rectangle.

Step 8: Add the Nutella Filling

Spread Nutella evenly over each rectangle of dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top of the Nutella for added texture and flavor.

Step 9: Form the Braids

Carefully fold the dough into a braid. To do this, cut each rectangle of dough into three long strips and then braid them together, pinching the ends to seal.

Step 10: Bake the Buns

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the braided buns onto a greased baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the buns are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Allow the buns to cool for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, with the Nutella still gooey inside!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Proper Kneading: Make sure to knead the dough long enough to develop the gluten. This will help the buns have a soft, fluffy texture.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your egg and milk are at room temperature before adding them to the dough. This helps the dough rise more effectively.
Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the dough with Nutella, as it can make the braids harder to seal and cause the filling to spill out during baking.
Chill the Nutella: If the Nutella is too runny, you can refrigerate it for a few minutes before spreading it onto the dough, making it easier to work with.

How to Serve

Serve these Braided Nutella Buns as a special breakfast or brunch treat, or enjoy them as a decadent dessert. They are perfect with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. For an extra indulgent experience, you can drizzle a little more Nutella on top before serving, or even dust the buns with powdered sugar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These buns are best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them soft, reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Freezing

If you have any leftover buns, you can freeze them by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply thaw and warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat your buns in the oven or microwave to restore some of their warmth and softness.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out.

2. Can I use a different filling besides Nutella?

Yes, you can use peanut butter, almond butter, or any other spread of your choice.

3. What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?

Ensure the milk is at the correct temperature (120-130°F), as water that’s too hot or cold will prevent the yeast from activating. Also, make sure your yeast is fresh.

4. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after shaping it into braids. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

5. Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?

Yes, you can use a bread machine to make the dough by following the manufacturer’s instructions for dough setting.

6. How do I get the perfect braid?

Ensure that you don’t overfill the dough with Nutella, and pinch the edges tightly to seal them before braiding. This will help prevent the filling from leaking out.

7. Can I add icing to the buns?

Absolutely! Drizzle the buns with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.

8. How do I prevent the buns from becoming dry?

Make sure to knead the dough properly and don’t overbake them. Check them towards the end of the baking time to ensure they stay moist.

9. Can I make these buns gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure to check the baking instructions on the flour package for the best results.

10. How can I make these buns dairy-free?

To make the buns dairy-free, substitute the butter with a non-dairy version and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.

Conclusion

These Braided Nutella Buns are a delicious and visually stunning treat that will impress anyone who tries them. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something sweet, these buns offer the perfect balance of soft, buttery dough, rich Nutella, and crunchy hazelnuts. With their easy preparation and endless customization options, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe in your baking collection.