Nutella Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

This Nutella Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll recipe is simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious — perfect for quick weekday breakfasts or a special weekend brunch.

If you love cinnamon rolls and Nutella, these Nutella Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls combine the best of both. Soft Hawaiian rolls are filled with a creamy Nutella-and-cream cheese mixture, brushed with butter, dusted with cinnamon sugar, then baked and finished with a silky cream cheese icing. The result is a decadent treat that’s easy to make but feels indulgent — ideal for holiday mornings, brunch gatherings, or any time you want an elevated pastry without hours of prep.

Why this recipe works

Using pre-made King’s Hawaiian rolls (or another soft dinner roll) keeps the recipe fast and foolproof. Instead of rolling out dough, you simply slice, fill, and bake. The Nutella adds rich hazelnut chocolate flavor while cream cheese brings tang and creaminess, balancing sweetness and yielding an irresistible filling and topping. The cinnamon-sugar and melted butter on top create a classic cinnamon-roll finish with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 12 King’s Hawaiian rolls (or other soft dinner rolls)
• 1/2 cup Nutella (or your favorite hazelnut spread)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for the filling)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the Nutella and 4 oz softened cream cheese until smooth and well blended.
3. Slice each roll about three-quarters of the way through (so the bottom stays intact). Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the Nutella-and-cream-cheese mixture into the center of each roll.
4. Arrange the filled rolls in the prepared baking dish so they sit snugly but not overly compressed.
5. Brush the tops of the rolls with the melted butter.
6. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the buttered rolls.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the rolls are heated through and the filling is warm.
8. While the rolls bake, make the icing: beat together the softened cream cheese, milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Adjust milk or powdered sugar to reach your preferred consistency.
9. Remove the rolls from the oven, uncover, and immediately spoon or drizzle the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• If your Nutella is very thick, warm it briefly (10–15 seconds) in the microwave to make it easier to mix with the cream cheese.
• Swap the Nutella for other chocolate-hazelnut spreads or even peanut butter for a different flavor profile.
• Add chopped toasted hazelnuts or pecans on top of the icing for a crunchy finish.
• For a lighter icing, reduce the powdered sugar slightly and add more milk to taste.
• To make these ahead, assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if chilled.

Serving, Storage, and Reheating

These rolls are best served warm the day they’re made. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes until heated through. If stored without icing, add fresh icing after reheating.

Nutrition Facts (per roll)

These Nutella Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls deliver all the comforting flavors of a bakery favorite with a fraction of the effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd for brunch or treating yourself to a cozy weekend breakfast, they’re a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-follow recipe that’s sure to impress.