Nutella Morning Buns

If I could pick one thing to change about myself, it would definitely be to become a morning person. Don’t get me wrong—I really love mornings, especially the slow, cozy type—but getting out of bed is a real challenge most days. Weekdays feel like a battle with ten alarms, and on weekends I usually sleep until almost noon. So, I’m usually either groggy or out cold when the day starts. But then, every now and then, I wake up early on my own—thanks sometimes to bright sunlight or noisy jackhammers outside—and that’s when I get to enjoy a peaceful morning, starting with making myself a fresh breakfast.Honestly, mixing simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter sometimes feels like the best kind of self-care.

Example number one: Last Saturday morning, I was jolted awake at 6 am—a time I normally dread—but I realized I had a bit of extra time and decided to make Puff Pancakes, a favorite treat from my childhood weekends.

Example number two: The Saturday before that, I whipped up these Nutella Morning Buns after my roommate’s adorable little dog was fussing early in the morning. These buns completely turned my day around because not only did I get to enjoy a sweet treat, but I also had enough to share with eleven friends! Honestly, who can resist a warm pastry swirled with rich Nutella? ❤For a treat that looks this rustic and lovely, Nutella Morning Buns are surprisingly easy and come together in a nicely manageable amount of time. From deciding I want a soft, warm bun smothered in chocolate-hazelnut goodness to dusting them with a snowy layer of confectioners sugar, it takes me around two hours total.The dough itself couldn’t be simpler. You’ve got your basics—flour, a touch of sugar, butter, milk, and an egg. Of course, there’s yeast involved. But I use instant yeast here, which really keeps things straightforward and foolproof. This little shortcut helps make these buns totally approachable whether you’re a beginner or just short on time.

I’m not usually one to wish people well in a formal way, but if I did, I’d say this: “May every yeast dough you make be this easy and forgiving.” Weird? Probably. But hey, I believe in simple joys. 🙂 If anything about these Nutella Morning Buns feels intimidating, it’s probably the shaping part. But don’t worry—it’s really not tricky and honestly pretty fun. After letting your dough rise for about 40 minutes, you punch it down and roll it out into a big rectangle. Then, spread a thin layer of Nutella over the dough, fold it up like you’re folding a letter so the layers alternate between dough and filling, and trim the ends off. Cut into a dozen long strips, then twist and shape each one into a pretty bun.Take one strip at a time, give it a gentle twist, then cross the ends over and tuck them into the little hole you created. Voilà! You’ve got a perfectly shaped bun ready to rise and bake.Do the same with all the strips, then let them have a little more time to puff up. If some ends don’t stay tucked, just gently push them back with your fingers before baking. But honestly, these buns are forgiving—no matter how they look, a brush of melted butter and a sprinkle of powdered sugar will make them look and taste incredible.But seriously, can pastry be ugly when Nutella is involved? I don’t think so. Not a single person during my test batches complained—and those buns vanished within 45 minutes of coming out of the oven. That’s the best compliment a recipe can get.I’m convinced mornings get a whole lot brighter when these buns are part of the scene.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers, store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh them, pop a bun in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm it gently in the oven to regain that soft, freshly-baked feel. Avoid refrigerating because it can dry out the dough and make the buns less tender.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough the night before! After kneading, cover the bowl tightly and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. In the morning, pull it out, give it a little time to come to room temperature, then shape and bake as usual. This is a great time-saver if you want fresh buns without waking up hours early.

Variations

• Swap the filling: Instead of Nutella, try almond butter mixed with a little honey, or a cinnamon sugar mixture for a classic twist.
• Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts or pecans on the Nutella before folding for some crunch.
• Make them vegan: Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat, replace butter with dairy-free margarine, and swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit 5 minutes).

Serving Suggestions

Nutella Morning Buns are perfect on their own with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit or a simple berry compote if you want to add a little brightness. For a special brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or yogurt for a balanced meal the whole family will love.

Recipe FAQs

• Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
  Yes! Just activate it first by dissolving it in warm milk (about 110°F) with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy before mixing it with the dry ingredients.
• My dough feels sticky—what do I do?
  That’s normal, especially in humid kitchens! Sprinkle a little flour on your work surface and hands as needed while kneading, but avoid adding too much flour or the buns may turn out dense.
• Can I make smaller or larger buns?
  Absolutely! Just adjust your strip sizes accordingly. Remember to give them enough space to rise on the baking sheet and adjust baking time by a few minutes—less time for smaller buns, more for bigger ones.
• How do I store leftover buns?
  Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Warm them gently before eating for the best taste.
• What if my buns don’t look perfect?
  Don’t worry! Nutella makes everything taste amazing, and a little butter and powdered sugar can hide many imperfections. The taste is what really counts.