If there is one recipe that combines the decadence of chocolate with the comforting hug of fresh-baked bread, it has to be the Twist & Shout Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls Recipe. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and laced with creamy Nutella and a hint of cocoa, creating an irresistible swirl of flavors in every bite. Whether you’re surprised by guests or just craving a sweet treat to brighten your morning, these rolls shine with their tender crumb and luscious frosting, making them an instant favorite at any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Trust me when I say this: the magic of the Twist & Shout Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls Recipe hinges on a handful of simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from the warmth and softness of the milk to the rich nuttiness from the Nutella, bringing texture, flavor, and that irresistible aroma.
- ¾ cup 2% or whole milk: Warm milk activates the yeast and enriches the dough’s softness.
- ¼ oz active dry yeast: The key agent that makes your rolls rise beautifully fluffy.
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (24g): Adds just enough sweetness to help fermentation and flavor.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature (57g): Ensures tender, rich dough with a velvety texture.
- ¼ cup light brown sugar (48g): Brings depth and a subtle caramel note to the dough.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder, giving rolls structure and moisture.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Lifts the entire flavor profile with warm, sweet nuances.
- 1¾ cups bread flour (210g): Provides strength to the dough allowing it to rise properly.
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour (150g): Balances softness making the crumb tender but sturdy.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Neutral oil (for greasing bowl): Prevents sticking during dough rise.
- ¼ cup + 1 tbsp Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread (93g): The luscious filling that defines this recipe.
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar (64g): Sprinkled inside to complement Nutella’s sweetness.
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder: Adds a rich chocolate kick to the filling.
- 3 tbsp Nutella (56g) for frosting: Creates a glossy, dreamy topping.
- 3 tbsp cream cheese (45g) for frosting: Adds tangy creaminess balancing the chocolate sweetness.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (60g) for frosting: Sweetens and thickens the glaze.
- 1 tsp milk for frosting: Adjusts frosting texture for drizzling perfection.
How to Make Twist & Shout Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by warming your milk until it’s just lukewarm—warm enough to encourage yeast activity but not so hot that it kills the yeast. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll notice it start to bubble and foam; that’s your signal that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, softened butter, light brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until creamy and well incorporated. Then gently stir in the activated yeast mixture. This blend gives your dough a rich base of flavors and the right moisture to ensure softness.
Step 3: Add Flours and Salt, Knead the Dough
Begin adding the bread flour, all-purpose flour, and salt gradually. Stir to combine, then knead the dough either by hand for about 8 to 10 minutes or with a mixer for 5 to 6 minutes. Your goal is a soft, elastic dough that springs back when poked—a sign it’s perfectly developed for the rolls.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Lightly grease a clean bowl with neutral oil and place your dough inside. Cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours until it doubles in size. This rising time gives your rolls that airy, pillowy structure everyone loves.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once your dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the Nutella generously and evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with the brown sugar and cocoa powder mixture. This combination will produce those irresistible chocolatey ribbons in every bite.
Step 6: Shape and Slice the Rolls
Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice it into 1½-inch pieces. Arrange these spirals spaced evenly in a greased baking dish. This step is where the “twist and shout” comes to life, showcasing the beautiful hazelnut swirl.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and puffed up marvelously. The smell filling your kitchen at this point is simply heavenly—almost impossible to resist.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
While the rolls bake, whisk together Nutella, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and glossy. This luscious frosting will add a perfect sweet-tangy finish that melts beautifully over warm rolls or thickens nicely if you prefer it spread on cooled buns.
Step 9: Frost and Enjoy!
Once out of the oven, frost your rolls while they’re still warm for a melty glaze effect or wait until they cool if you like a creamier topping. Either way, these rolls are ready to be devoured and adored.
How to Serve Twist & Shout Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls Recipe

Garnishes
For a little extra wow, sprinkle some finely chopped hazelnuts or a light dusting of cocoa powder right before serving. If you want to brighten up the presentation, fresh raspberries or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add a delicious contrast to the rich chocolate flavors.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte, making them a perfect breakfast treat or afternoon pick-me-up. For a more indulgent spread, consider serving them alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your rolls in a circular bundt pan before baking for an elegant pull-apart presentation. Another fun idea is to layer them with pistachio or orange zest accents to create a colorful, festive look. You can even serve individual rolls warm in pretty ramekins with a drizzle of extra hazelnut spread on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover rolls in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and fresh. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry them out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your Twist & Shout Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls Recipe at a later time, freezing is your friend. Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen rolls, thaw them at room temperature and reheat in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 10-15 minutes until soft and fragrant. You can also microwave them briefly with a damp paper towel for a quick warm-up, but watch closely to avoid drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use a different chocolate spread instead of Nutella?
Absolutely! While Nutella is classic, any chocolate hazelnut spread or even a thick chocolate ganache can be substituted. Just choose a creamy version to ensure smooth spreading and the right texture.
How important is the order of ingredients when making the dough?
The order helps optimize yeast activation and dough consistency. Activating the yeast first ensures it’s alive, and gradually adding flours prevents the dough from becoming too stiff or dry.
Can I make the dough in a stand mixer instead of by hand?
Yes, a stand mixer with a dough hook saves time and effort, kneading the dough perfectly within 5 to 6 minutes. Just be careful not to over-knead, which can affect the tenderness.
What’s the best way to get evenly sized rolls?
Rolling the dough firmly into a tight log and using a sharp knife to slice into 1½-inch pieces helps keep the rolls uniform. Measuring with a ruler can add precision for beautiful presentation.
Can I prepare these rolls the night before baking?
Definitely! After shaping the rolls, cover and refrigerate overnight. Take them out to warm up and rise for about 30 minutes before baking the next day—perfect for a fresh morning treat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about creating and sharing this Twist & Shout Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls Recipe. From the first warm bite to the last lingering taste of chocolate and hazelnut, these rolls deliver comfort and joy like no other treat. So go ahead, give this recipe a try—you’ll be twisting, shouting, and smiling in no time!
Print
Twist & Shout Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Twist & Shout Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls are soft, fluffy sweet rolls filled with a luscious chocolate hazelnut spread, brown sugar, and cocoa powder, then baked to golden perfection and topped with a creamy Nutella cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls combine a tender yeast dough with rich, chocolaty filling and a melt-in-your-mouth glaze.
Ingredients
Dough
- ¾ cup 2% or whole milk
- ¼ oz active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (24g)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature (57g)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar (48g)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1¾ cups bread flour (210g)
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour (150g)
- ½ tsp salt
- Neutral oil (for greasing bowl)
Filling
- ¼ cup + 1 tbsp Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread (93g)
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar (64g)
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
Frosting
- 3 tbsp Nutella (56g)
- 3 tbsp cream cheese (45g)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (60g)
- 1 tsp milk
Instructions
- Activate yeast: Warm the milk until lukewarm (about body temperature, 100-110°F/37-43°C). Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk and let it sit undisturbed for 5–10 minutes until foamy and activated.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar, room temperature unsalted butter, light brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir in the activated yeast mixture thoroughly.
- Make dough: Gradually add the bread flour, all-purpose flour, and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing to form a dough. Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes or with a mixer for 5–6 minutes until soft, smooth, and elastic.
- First rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside, turning once to coat with oil. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1½ hours.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the rolls.
- Prepare dough for filling: On a floured surface, roll the dough out into a large rectangular shape evenly.
- Add filling and roll: Spread the Nutella evenly over the dough rectangle. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cocoa powder evenly on top. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
- Slice and arrange: Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 1½-inch thick pieces. Arrange the slices cut side up in a greased baking dish, leaving some space for rising.
- Bake rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown, puffed, and cooked through.
- Make frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together Nutella, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Frost rolls: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Frost warm rolls for a melty glaze or let cool more fully for a thicker frosting layer. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure milk is lukewarm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a slightly lighter dough.
- Kneading by hand will take longer but gives great control over dough texture.
- Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the rolled dough to avoid squeezing the rolls.
- For a richer flavor, use room temperature ingredients to blend evenly.
- Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container and reheated gently before serving.

