Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nutella Knots are a fun and indulgent twist on traditional sweet pastries. The light, fluffy dough pairs perfectly with the creamy Nutella filling, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The knotting technique not only looks impressive but also ensures that every bite is filled with Nutella goodness. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, enjoying them with a cup of coffee, or satisfying a sweet craving, these Nutella Knots are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make and can be customized with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra Nutella on top.

Ingredients

For the dough:

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg

For the filling:

1/2 cup Nutella (or more, depending on your preference)

For brushing:

1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for a golden finish)
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the softened butter, egg, and yeast mixture to the flour and stir until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Roll out the dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
Add the Nutella filling:
- Spread a generous layer of Nutella evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Once spread, cut the dough into strips (about 1-1.5 inches wide).
Form the knots:
- Take each strip of dough and tie it into a knot, tucking the ends underneath. Place the knots on the prepared baking sheet.
- Continue with the remaining strips, placing each knot on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
Bake the knots:
- Brush the tops of the knots with the melted butter for a golden finish (optional).
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the knots are golden brown and cooked through.
Serve and enjoy:
- Let the Nutella Knots cool for a few minutes before serving. For an extra indulgent touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a bit more Nutella over the top.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10-12 knots
Prep time: 20 minutes
Rise time: 1-1.5 hours
Cook time: 15-20 minutes

Variations

Nut filling alternatives: You can replace Nutella with almond butter, peanut butter, or any nut spread of your choice for a different flavor.
Filling options: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder to the Nutella for a more flavorful twist.
Toppings: After baking, top the knots with chopped hazelnuts, crushed Oreos, or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra texture and flavor.
Vegan option: For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter, almond milk, and a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) instead of the egg.

Storage/Reheating

These Nutella Knots are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 1 week. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven for 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After the first rise, punch it down, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.

2. Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough or croissant dough. Just follow the rest of the recipe for the Nutella filling and knotting process.

3. Can I freeze these Nutella Knots?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked knots. After shaping them into knots, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and bake directly from frozen when ready to enjoy. Increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.

4. Can I use something other than Nutella for the filling?

Yes, you can substitute Nutella with any other spread like peanut butter, almond butter, or even fruit preserves for a different flavor.

5. How do I know when the Nutella Knots are done?

The knots should be golden brown on top and cooked through. If you tap the bottom of a knot, it should sound hollow. You can also insert a toothpick to check for doneness.

6. Can I make these knots smaller or larger?

Yes, you can adjust the size of the knots. Just keep in mind that smaller knots will bake faster, while larger knots may need more time.

7. How do I prevent the Nutella from spilling out?

Make sure to leave a small border around the edges of the dough when spreading the Nutella. This will help keep it inside the knot while baking.

8. Can I add more toppings to these knots?

Absolutely! You can add extra toppings like powdered sugar, chocolate drizzle, or crushed nuts to add texture and flavor to the knots.

9. How do I make these Nutella Knots extra indulgent?

For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some melted chocolate over the baked knots or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

10. Can I make these knots gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dough gluten-free. However, the texture may be slightly different than traditional dough.

Conclusion

Nutella Knots are the ultimate sweet pastry treat that combines rich, creamy Nutella with soft, fluffy dough. Perfect for any occasion, from casual brunches to special desserts, these knots are a crowd-pleaser. With a golden, flaky texture and the irresistible Nutella filling, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Easy to make and fully customizable, these Nutella Knots are the perfect indulgence for any sweet tooth!