Nutella Crescent Rolls

I stumbled on this recipe last month when I had unexpected weekend guests and needed something quick but impressive for breakfast. These Nutella crescent rolls hit that perfect sweet spot between effortless and indulgent. The store-bought dough does all the heavy lifting while the Nutella transforms them into something that feels special enough for company.

I served these to my sister's family during their recent visit, and her normally picky 7-year-old requested them every morning afterward. My brother-in-law, who claims he "doesn't do sweets for breakfast," ate three while standing over the kitchen sink. Some recipes just have that kind of power.

Master Your Ingredients

• Refrigerated crescent rolls: The unsung hero of quick baking. Keep them cold until the last minute for easier handling.
• Nutella: That distinctive chocolate-hazelnut spread creates the perfect gooey center. Store-bought works perfectly, but homemade adds bragging rights.
• Optional toppings: Chopped hazelnuts add delightful crunch, powdered sugar creates that bakery-fresh look, and melted chocolate drizzle takes them into dessert territory.
• Parchment paper: Don't skip this! It prevents the inevitable Nutella leakage from creating a sticky mess on your baking sheet.

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Creating Your Perfect Nutella Crescent Rolls

Oven Preparation:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This temperature is perfect for getting that golden exterior while allowing enough time for the dough to cook through without burning the Nutella.

Dough Separation:

Pop open that crescent roll can (I still jump every time despite knowing it's coming) and unroll the dough onto your work surface. Gently separate along the perforated lines to create eight triangles.

Positioning Strategy:

Arrange the triangles on your parchment-lined baking sheet. This gives you room to add filling and roll them up without creating a mess or having to transfer them after filling.

Nutella Application:

Spoon about two teaspoons of Nutella onto each triangle. Resist the urge to overfill—it will just leak out during baking. Spread the Nutella, leaving about a quarter-inch border around the edges.

Rolling Technique:

Starting from the wider end of each triangle, gently roll the dough toward the pointed end. Slightly curve the ends inward to create that classic crescent shape.

Baking Process:

Slide them into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 12 minutes. You're looking for a golden brown color and slightly puffed appearance.

Finishing Touch:

If desired, add your chosen garnishes while still warm. A dusting of powdered sugar, drizzle of melted chocolate, or sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts elevates these from simple to special.

My first attempt at these was actually a late-night craving experiment. I had Nutella, I had crescent rolls, and it just seemed logical to combine them. I've since made them dozens of times, sometimes adding sliced bananas or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the filling. My personal favorite variation involves a thin layer of peanut butter under the Nutella—that sweet-salty combination is absolutely worth trying.

Creative Variations

While the classic version is hard to beat, these rolls are endlessly customizable. Try adding sliced strawberries or banana slices before rolling up. Orange zest mixed into the Nutella brightens the flavor considerably. For a more sophisticated twist, add a small sprinkle of sea salt on top after baking to create that trendy sweet-salty contrast. During holiday seasons, I sometimes mix crushed candy canes into the Nutella for a chocolate-mint variation that disappears in minutes.

Storage Solutions

These little beauties will stay fresh in a covered container at room temperature for about two days, though honestly, they rarely last that long in my house. To refresh them, 10 seconds in the microwave brings back that just-baked texture. While they don't need refrigeration, I wouldn't recommend making them too far ahead—the magic is really in that freshly baked quality.

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I've brought these Nutella crescent rolls to morning meetings, served them at casual brunches, and made them as afternoon treats for my kids and their friends. There's something deeply satisfying about creating something so universally loved with just two ingredients and about 15 minutes of effort. The look of delight when someone bites into that warm, chocolate-filled pastry makes me feel like a kitchen genius, even though my secret is literally just opening two packages. Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that bring the most joy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade chocolate hazelnut spread instead of Nutella?

Absolutely! Homemade chocolate hazelnut spread works perfectly in this recipe and allows you to control the ingredients. Just make sure it's at a spreadable consistency similar to store-bought Nutella.

→ What other fillings can I use instead of Nutella?

The possibilities are endless! Try cookie butter, peanut butter, jam, cream cheese, or even savory options like cheese or pizza toppings. You can also combine Nutella with other ingredients like banana slices, strawberries, or marshmallows.

→ Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! To make these in an air fryer, prepare as directed, then cook at 320°F for about 5-6 minutes until golden and flaky. You may need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size.

→ How long do these stay fresh?

These Nutella crescent rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They're best enjoyed warm, so you can reheat them briefly in the microwave (10-15 seconds) or in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time and bake later?

You can assemble these up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, they may need an extra minute or two in the oven since they'll be cold.