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 an indulgent snack, these buns combine the rich flavors of chocolate-hazelnut spread and buttery bread in a beautifully braided presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
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 flour, sugar, salt, and active dry yeast, ensuring even distribution of the ingredients.
- Heat Milk and Butter: In a small saucepan, gently warm the milk and unsalted butter until the mixture reaches between 120°F to 130°F, creating the perfect temperature to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the warm milk and butter mixture along with the egg to the bowl of dry ingredients. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds to combine, then increase to high speed and beat for 3 minutes to develop the dough’s structure.
- Add Remaining Flour: Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup flour to form a soft dough that is slightly sticky but manageable.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, indicating sufficient gluten development.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free location for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the buns.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release excess air and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle shape.
- Spread Nutella: Evenly spread the Nutella over the dough rectangle, leaving a small border along the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
- Form Rolls: Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other to create a log, then slice the log into 8 evenly sized pieces.
- Braid the Pieces: Twist and braid the slices together carefully, arranging them into a greased baking dish or loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Allow the braided dough to rise again for 20 to 30 minutes until slightly puffy, enhancing the texture after baking.
- Bake: Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean, indicating they are cooked through.
- Add Topping: Remove the buns from the oven and immediately sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Cool and Serve: Let the buns cool slightly to avoid burning and allow the Nutella filling to set before serving your delightful braided treat.
Notes
- Make sure milk is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast; 120-130°F is ideal.
- You can substitute hazelnuts with chopped almonds or walnuts if preferred.
- For extra shine, brush the buns with an egg wash before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container; they can be reheated gently before serving.
- Use room temperature egg and milk ingredients to help yeast activation.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European, Dessert
