If you adore the scrumptious combination of flaky pastry and rich, creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread, then these Quick & Easy Nutella Crescent Rolls are about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine tender, golden crescent rolls enveloping luscious melted Nutella, delivering bursts of chocolaty goodness in every bite. Whether you are whipping them up for a special breakfast, a casual brunch with friends, or an effortless dessert, this recipe brings gourmet flair to your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how they each play a pivotal role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and visual appeal in your Nutella Crescent Rolls.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (1 can, 8 oz): The flaky, buttery canvas that puffs beautifully around the Nutella filling.
- Nutella (½ cup): This chocolate-hazelnut spread is the star, bringing creamy richness that melts into the pastry.
- Large egg (1): Used to make an egg wash, ensuring your rolls get a glossy, golden crust.
- Milk (1 tbsp plus optional 1-2 tbsp): Added to the egg for brushing and used in the optional glaze to add smoothness and sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup, optional): For a sweet glaze or dusting, elevating the presentation and flavor.
- Vanilla extract (¼ tsp, optional): A touch of warmth and aroma in the glaze.
- Chopped hazelnuts or other nuts (optional): Adding a delightful crunch and nutty contrast.
- Chocolate sprinkles (optional): For extra chocolatey fun and texture.
- Flaky sea salt (optional): Enhances the chocolate notes by balancing sweetness.
How to Make Quick & Easy Nutella Crescent Rolls
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s lovely and hot for a perfect golden finish. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together one large egg with one tablespoon of milk until fully combined. This egg wash will give your crescent rolls that irresistible glossy, golden hue when baked.
Step 3: Unroll and Separate the Dough
Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough and carefully separate it into eight triangles. This simple step makes filling and rolling the dough quick and easy.
Step 4: Add the Nutella Filling
Spoon about one tablespoon of Nutella onto the wider end of each dough triangle. Spread it out evenly but leave about a quarter to half an inch border clear around the edges—this is key to preventing the Nutella from leaking during baking.
Step 5: Sprinkle Optional Chopped Nuts
If you want to add a delightful crunch, sprinkle a small amount of chopped nuts over the Nutella on each triangle. This step is wholly optional but highly recommended for texture and nutty flavor.
Step 6: Roll the Crescents
Starting from the wide end, gently roll each dough triangle towards the pointed tip to form crescent shapes. Place the rolled crescents on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart so they have room to puff while baking.
Step 7: Brush with Egg Wash
Brush the tops and visible sides of each crescent roll with the egg wash you prepared earlier. This little touch guarantees that perfect golden-brown finish that makes these rolls irresistible.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake the rolls for 10 to 14 minutes or until they are puffy and beautifully golden brown. Keep an eye on them near the end to avoid over-baking, which can dry out the delicate pastries.
Step 9: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Once out of the oven, carefully transfer your Nutella Crescent Rolls onto a wire cooling rack. Let them cool for at least 5 to 10 minutes to allow the Nutella filling to set just right—this makes them easier and less messy to eat.
Step 10: Prepare the Optional Glaze
For an elegant finish, whisk together half a cup of powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream and a quarter teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. This glaze will add sweetness and a lovely sheen to your rolls.
Step 11: Drizzle or Dust
Drizzle the glaze artfully over the warm crescents. If you prefer, simply dust the rolls with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve—either way, your Quick & Easy Nutella Crescent Rolls will look and taste divine.
Step 12: Add Final Touches
Optionally, finish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts, chocolate sprinkles, or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt. These little extras enhance texture and flavor complexity, turning simple rolls into memorable treats.
Step 13: Serve Warm
Serve your crescent rolls warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience. Fresh from the oven is when Nutella is at its gooey, dreamy best.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Nutella Crescent Rolls
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like chopped toasted hazelnuts, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a few chocolate sprinkles not only adds visual appeal but also introduces delightful textural and flavor contrasts to your Nutella Crescent Rolls.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a cup of your favorite coffee, a frothy cappuccino, or a glass of cold milk to complement the richness of Nutella. Fresh berries or a light fruit salad also make a refreshing side that balances the indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch or dessert table, arrange your rolls in a circular pattern on a platter with extra drizzle and garnishes in the center. Serve alongside small bowls of fresh fruit or whipped cream to create an interactive, inviting spread that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the Quick & Easy Nutella Crescent Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft while preventing the Nutella from becoming too firm or dry.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked crescent rolls after assembling them with Nutella by placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat your crescent rolls briefly in a toaster oven or microwave to revive their flakiness and warm the Nutella filling. Just 20 to 30 seconds in the microwave or 5 minutes in a toaster oven typically does the trick without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use homemade crescent dough instead of refrigerated dough?
Absolutely! Homemade crescent dough will work wonderfully and give you even more control over ingredients and flavor. Just ensure your dough is chilled and easy to roll for the best results.
Is there a substitute for Nutella?
Yes, you can substitute Nutella with any chocolate-hazelnut spread or even peanut butter for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the texture and sweetness might vary slightly.
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Nutella Crescent Rolls, use a gluten-free crescent roll dough or puff pastry substitute. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How do I prevent the Nutella from leaking during baking?
Leaving a clear border around the edges when spreading Nutella and rolling the dough tightly helps prevent leaks. Also, avoid overfilling each triangle to keep the filling contained.
Can I add other fillings along with Nutella?
Definitely! Feel free to add sliced bananas, chopped strawberries, or even a bit of cream cheese alongside Nutella for extra flavor and interest.
Final Thoughts
Making these Quick & Easy Nutella Crescent Rolls is a little moment of joy you can gift yourself anytime. They are simple enough for a weekday treat but elegant enough to impress company, marrying buttery, flaky dough with irresistibly creamy chocolate-hazelnut goodness. I encourage you to dive in and bake a batch today—your taste buds will thank you with every warm, gooey bite.
PrintQuick & Easy Nutella Crescent Rolls
Quick & Easy Nutella Crescent Rolls are a deliciously flaky pastry filled with warm, gooey chocolate-hazelnut spread. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a simple dessert, these crescent rolls combine ease and elegance to delight your taste buds with minimal preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 14 Minutes
- Total Time: 29 Minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- ½ cup Nutella
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp milk
Optional Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped hazelnuts or nuts
- Chocolate sprinkles
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the rolls.
- Prepare egg wash: Whisk together 1 large egg and 1 tbsp milk in a small bowl until well combined, to brush on rolls later for a golden color.
- Prepare dough: Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate into 8 individual triangles for filling.
- Add Nutella: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of Nutella onto the wider end of each dough triangle, spreading it evenly but leaving a ¼ to ½ inch border free of filling to prevent leaking.
- Add nuts (optional): Sprinkle a small amount of chopped nuts over the Nutella for added crunch if desired.
- Roll crescents: Starting at the wide end, gently roll each dough triangle toward the pointed tip, forming crescent shapes. Place them on the baking sheet with some space to allow for expansion.
- Brush with egg wash: Lightly brush the tops and visible sides of the crescent rolls with the prepared egg wash to achieve a beautiful golden sheen when baked.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 10-14 minutes in the preheated oven until they are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool: Carefully transfer the baked crescent rolls to a wire rack and let them cool for 5-10 minutes to allow the Nutella filling to set slightly.
- Prepare glaze (optional): In a small bowl, whisk ½ cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tbsp milk or heavy cream and ¼ tsp vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Add glaze or powdered sugar: Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls or, if skipping the glaze, lightly dust them with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve.
- Garnish (optional): Sprinkle chopped nuts, chocolate sprinkles, or a pinch of flaky sea salt over the glaze to enhance texture and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Nutella Crescent Rolls warm for the best taste and texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days and reheat briefly before serving.
Notes
- Be careful not to overfill the dough with Nutella to avoid leakage during baking.
- The glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweetness and presentation finish.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking while baking.
- Store leftovers properly to maintain freshness and reheat gently to avoid melting the Nutella completely.
- Chilling the rolls briefly before baking isn’t necessary but may help with easier handling of the dough.