Name: Red Velvet Nutella Sweet Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm milk (about 115°F); 2 1/2 teaspoons instant dry yeast (Red Star Platinum Baking Yeast recommended); 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1/2 cup butter (melted); 1 ounce red food coloring; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (divided); 3/4 cup Nutella hazelnut spread; 1/2 cup heavy cream (for pouring over the risen rolls); 6 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1/3 cup butter (softened); 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup Nutella hazelnut spread (for drizzling)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 89 reviews

If you are looking to delight your taste buds with something irresistibly charming and rich, you have got to try this incredible Red Velvet Nutella Sweet Rolls Recipe. These warm, luscious rolls boast a beautiful deep red hue complemented by the heavenly ribbon of creamy Nutella inside, all topped off with a dreamy cream cheese frosting and a Nutella drizzle. Whether you are serving them for a cozy breakfast, a festive brunch, or a sweet treat anytime, these rolls bring together the velvet-softness of red velvet cake and the indulgent flavor of Nutella in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you try this Red Velvet Nutella Sweet Rolls Recipe, it will become a new favorite that you’ll want to come back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal tray filled with fifteen raw cinnamon rolls arranged in three rows of five. Each roll shows tight, visible swirls of dough and cinnamon filling, coated with a light layer of white icing that shines slightly. The dough is smooth and pale, and the cinnamon filling is a deep reddish-brown color, contrasting against the white icing. The tray sits on a white marbled surface that adds a clean, bright background to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are surprisingly simple but each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect Red Velvet Nutella Sweet Rolls Recipe. From the warmth of the milk to activate the yeast, to the cocoa powder and food coloring perfecting the red velvet flavor and color, every ingredient makes an impact.

Warm milk (1 cup): This is key to activating the yeast and creating a tender dough.
Instant dry yeast (2 1/2 teaspoons): Ensures your rolls rise beautifully and get that airy texture.
Large eggs (2): Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
Melted butter (1/2 cup): Provides moisture and a buttery tenderness.
Red food coloring (1 ounce): Gives the iconic, eye-catching red hue that makes these rolls so special.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle chocolate depth essential to red velvet flavor.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the dough just right without overpowering.
All-purpose flour (4 to 4 1/2 cups): Forms the structure of the dough, use extra as needed for kneading.
Nutella hazelnut spread (3/4 cup + 1/3 cup): The star filling and topping — rich, chocolatey, and irresistible.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Poured over the dough before baking to keep rolls moist and tender.
Cream cheese (6 ounces, softened): Creates the luscious, tangy frosting that perfectly complements the sweetness.
Butter (1/3 cup, softened): Combined with cream cheese for a smooth, spreadable frosting.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the frosting and gives it that smooth texture.
Vanilla extract (1/2 tablespoon): Adds warmth and depth to the frosting.

How to Make Red Velvet Nutella Sweet Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Combine Wet Ingredients

Begin by pouring the warm milk into your stand mixer bowl and sprinkling the instant yeast over it. Let it sit for a minute to wake up the yeast. Next, add the eggs, melted butter, cocoa powder, red food coloring, salt, and sugar. This mixture creates the foundation for those tender, fluffy rolls with a beautiful red hue and subtle chocolate punch that defines them.

Step 2: Incorporate the Flour and Let It Rest

Add 4 cups of flour to the bowl and mix gently using your beater blade until the mixture is just combined. Then, allow the dough to rest for 5 minutes — this gives the flour time to properly absorb the liquid and helps with dough development, ensuring your rolls come out soft and delicious.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Remove the beater blade, attach the dough hook, and knead on medium speed. Gradually add up to the remaining 1/2 cup flour if needed until your dough pulls away from the sides but remains slightly tacky. Knead for about 5 to 7 minutes or until the dough turns elastic and smooth. This step is crucial for developing the gluten and that perfect chewy texture.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl with cooking spray and transfer your dough into it. Cover with a towel or wax paper and place it in a warm spot—turning the oven on for a minute then off is a great way to keep it cozy. Let the dough rise until it doubles in size, around 30-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as over-rising can result in rolls that are too airy and fragile.

Step 5: Roll Out and Fill with Nutella

Once your dough has doubled, gently turn it out onto a well-floured surface. Roll it into roughly a 24 by 15-inch rectangle—no need for exact measurements here. Using a rubber spatula, spread 3/4 cup of Nutella evenly across the dough. This luscious layer is what transforms ordinary rolls into the Red Velvet Nutella Sweet Rolls Recipe sensation.

Step 6: Shape and Cut the Rolls

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a jelly roll shape. Cut the roll into 15 evenly sized slices. Place them snugly into a greased 10 by 15-inch baking pan, cover, and let them rise for another 25 minutes until they almost double. This final rise ensures your rolls are wonderfully fluffy once baked.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Warm the heavy cream slightly, just until it’s warm to the touch, then pour it gently over the risen rolls, letting it seep in and keep things moist during baking. Bake for about 25 minutes, checking at 17 minutes to prevent over-browning—in case they brown too quickly, simply tent with foil and continue baking until done.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls cool, mix together the softened cream cheese and butter using a hand mixer until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, and beat until fully combined. This frosting is the perfect tangy-sweet partner to the rich red velvet rolls and Nutella filling.

Step 9: Frost and Drizzle

Spread the frosting generously over the cooled rolls. Warm an extra 1/3 cup of Nutella for about 30 seconds in the microwave until soft enough to drizzle. Drizzle this over the top for an extra layer of Nutella goodness. If you want to add a festive touch, sprinkle some colorful holiday sprinkles on top. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

How to Serve Red Velvet Nutella Sweet Rolls Recipe

The image shows several red rolls inside a white baking dish placed on a white marbled surface. Each roll is made of a bright red dough spiraled tightly around a dark filling, creating a swirl pattern. Some rolls have a thick, creamy white layer of frosting spread generously on top, contrasting with the red dough and dark filling. The texture of the dough looks soft and slightly shiny, while the frosting appears smooth and fluffy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or some vibrant sprinkles makes the rolls even more eye-catching and party-ready. You could also toss on some finely chopped toasted hazelnuts for a delightful textural contrast and nutty kick that pairs beautifully with the Nutella.

Side Dishes

These rolls shine perfectly on their own but pairing them with fresh berries or a small bowl of whipped cream can bring a refreshing balance to each bite. For brunch, consider serving alongside simple scrambled eggs or a crisp green salad to offset the sweetness and keep the meal feeling well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these rolls in individual mini casserole dishes or mason jars layered with cream cheese frosting and extra Nutella drizzle. You could even slice the rolls to form tiny cupcakes on a dessert platter. The deep red color and Nutella swirl make them an absolute showstopper wherever they’re served.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover Red Velvet Nutella Sweet Rolls Recipe fresh and soft by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure the container seals tightly to preserve moisture and prevent the rolls from drying out.

Freezing

These rolls freeze wonderfully either baked or unbaked. To freeze, wrap individual rolls or the whole pan tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently before serving.

Reheating

To bring your rolls back to life, reheat them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or microwave an individual roll for 20-30 seconds until warm and gooey. A little extra drizzle of Nutella or a spread of butter after reheating is a delicious finishing touch.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed?

Yes, you can use regular cocoa powder. The flavor will remain rich, though the exact shade of red might differ slightly. Dutch-processed cocoa tends to produce a brighter red velvet color, but either works well in this recipe.

Is it necessary to use red food coloring?

The red food coloring is what gives this recipe its signature vibrant hue that sets it apart as red velvet. While you could skip it, the rolls will end up more like chocolate Nutella rolls without the striking red appearance.

Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix by hand using a sturdy spoon and then knead the dough on a floured surface. It might require a bit more elbow grease but will yield the same delicious results.

What’s the best way to ensure the rolls rise properly?

Make sure your milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast. Also, letting the dough rest in a warm, draft-free spot helps the yeast work its magic. Avoid letting the dough over-rise, as this can make the rolls too airy and fragile.

Can I substitute Nutella with another spread?

Yes, you can use other chocolate-hazelnut spreads or even a classic cinnamon sugar filling, but the unique combination that makes the Red Velvet Nutella Sweet Rolls Recipe so special will be missed. Nutella’s creamy, rich flavor perfectly complements the red velvet base.

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Nutella Sweet Rolls Recipe is one of those magical treats that feels both festive and comforting all at once. The tender dough, the luscious Nutella filling, and that dreamy cream cheese frosting come together to create a culinary experience that’s pure joy in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch it become a cherished favorite in your kitchen too!