Hazelnut Toast Rollups A Simple Sweet Treat
You know those mornings? The ones where the sun is just peeking through the curtains, the house is still quiet, and you have that undeniable craving for something sweet, something comforting, something that just screams “weekend”? Yeah, me too. And for the longest time, my go-to was a classic batch of French toast. But then, I stumbled upon something magical, something that took that beloved breakfast staple and gave it a decadent, kid-approved (and adult-approved, let’s be honest!) makeover. I’m talking about Nutella French toast rollups. Think of them as little pockets of joy, wrapped in golden-brown, eggy goodness, with that irresistible hazelnut-chocolate swirl inside. They’re not just a breakfast; they’re an experience. And the best part? They’re surprisingly simple to whip up, making them a lifesaver on those mornings when you want to feel fancy without all the fuss. If you’ve ever loved a Nutella-filled crepe or a chocolate-stuffed pastry, you’re going to absolutely adore these. They’re like a warm hug on a plate, and honestly, they disappear in minutes at my house every single time.
What is Nutella French Toast?
So, what exactly are these delightful little morsels? Imagine your favorite slice of bread, but instead of just soaking it in an egg mixture, we’re going to flatten it out, spread a generous layer of creamy Nutella, roll it up like a jelly roll, and *then* dip it into that classic French toast batter. The result? Perfectly portioned, self-contained bites of heaven! It’s essentially deconstructed French toast with a built-in surprise filling. The name itself, “Nutella French toast rollups,” pretty much says it all, doesn’t it? It hints at the beloved flavors of French toast and the iconic taste of Nutella, all rolled into a fun, bite-sized package. They’re not overly complicated, but they feel incredibly special, which is exactly what I look for in a weekend treat or a special breakfast. It’s a simple idea, really, but the execution is pure genius.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin with why this recipe is a game-changer? First off, the FLAVOR. We’re talking about that rich, comforting taste of French toast – the slightly custardy, golden-brown exterior – but with a molten core of pure hazelnut-chocolate bliss. Every single bite is a delightful combination of textures and tastes. It’s sweet, it’s chocolatey, it’s a little bit nutty, and it’s perfectly eggy. Then there’s the SIMPLICITY. Honestly, if you can spread Nutella and roll bread, you can make these. The ingredients are super common, and the process is straightforward, which is a huge win in my book. They’re a lifesaver on busy mornings or when unexpected guests pop over. And let’s talk COST-EFFICIENCY. Bread, eggs, milk, Nutella – these are all pretty budget-friendly staples. You get that gourmet feel without the gourmet price tag, which is always a plus. The VERSATILITY is another big one. While they’re incredible on their own, you can dress them up or down. Serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple elegance, or go all out with fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of more Nutella. I’ve also found that they’re fantastic for packed lunches (yes, they travel well!) or even as a slightly more sophisticated dessert after a casual dinner. What I love most about these Nutella French toast rollups, though, is the sheer joy they bring. Seeing my kids’ faces light up when they bite into that melty Nutella center? Priceless. They’re a step up from basic French toast, and honestly, way easier and more fun than trying to make a fancy pastry from scratch. If you enjoy my Easy Cinnamon Swirl Bread or my Quick Chocolate Chip Scones, you’ll absolutely fall in love with the sweet, comforting flavors packed into these rollups.
How do I make Nutella French Toast Rollups?
Quick Overview
The beauty of these Nutella French toast rollups lies in their straightforward assembly. We’ll take slices of bread, flatten them to make them pliable, spread a luscious layer of Nutella, roll them up snugly, then dip these little log shapes into a classic French toast batter before pan-frying them to a perfect golden brown. It’s a simple three-step process: prep, dip, and cook. What makes this method special is how the bread encases the Nutella, creating a delightful surprise within a familiar comfort food. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these come together, making them perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast or even a fun weeknight dessert.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
4 large eggs: These are the backbone of our French toast batter, providing that custardy richness and helping everything bind together.
1 cup milk (whole milk is best for richness, but 2% or even almond milk works!): The liquid component that softens the bread and creates that signature French toast texture. I tested this with almond milk once and it actually made it even creamier! So don’t be afraid to experiment.
2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Just a touch of sweetness to complement the Nutella.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This is non-negotiable for that classic French toast warmth and aroma. It really makes a difference!
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors and adds a lovely depth.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and makes the other flavors pop.
For the Filling:
1/2 cup creamy Nutella: The star of the show! Make sure it’s smooth and spreadable. If it’s a bit stiff, you can warm it slightly in a bowl over hot water for a few seconds.
For Cooking and Glazing:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For frying the rollups to a beautiful golden crisp. Butter adds fantastic flavor!
Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting, maple syrup for dipping, fresh berries, or whipped cream for serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, let’s get your cooking station ready. You’ll need a large, non-stick skillet or griddle. Set your stovetop to medium heat. Once your pan is warm (you can test it by flicking a tiny drop of water in – it should sizzle and evaporate quickly), add the butter. Let it melt and coat the bottom of the pan. We want a nice, even coating of melted butter to prevent sticking and to get that gorgeous golden-brown crust. Don’t let the butter burn – if it starts to smoke, your heat is too high. Just a gentle sizzle is perfect. I always have my spatulas ready to go at this stage so I can flip these quickly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
(Note: For this recipe, the “dry” ingredients are actually part of the wet batter. This step is more about preparing the egg mixture itself.) In a wide, shallow dish or pie plate – something large enough to comfortably dip your rolled bread into – whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk vigorously until everything is well combined and the mixture is a uniform pale yellow color. You want to make sure the sugar is dissolved and there are no streaks of egg white. This is your French toast bath! Ensuring it’s well combined means every bite of your rollups will have that perfect eggy, cinnamony flavor.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
(This step is integrated with Step 2 for the batter.)
Step 4: Combine
(This step is integrated with Step 2 for the batter.)
Step 5: Prepare Filling
Take your slices of bread. Using a rolling pin or even the side of a sturdy glass, flatten each slice of bread. You want to get them nice and thin, almost pliable. This is key to being able to roll them up without them cracking. Once flattened, spread a generous, even layer of Nutella over one side of each bread slice. Don’t go *too* close to the edges, especially on one long side, or the Nutella will ooze out too much when you roll it. Now, starting from the edge opposite the one you might have left clean, tightly roll up each slice of bread, creating a log shape. Tuck in the sides as you go if you can, but don’t worry if it’s not perfect – rustic is charming!
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
(This refers to the Nutella swirl inside the bread, not a batter swirl.)
Step 7: Bake
Now for the fun part! Take your rolled bread pieces and dip them into the egg mixture, turning to coat all sides. Let them soak for about 15-20 seconds per side – you don’t want them to get too soggy, just nicely coated. Carefully place the dipped rollups seam-side down onto your preheated, buttered skillet or griddle. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and the Nutella inside is warm and gooey. You might need to adjust the heat slightly if they’re browning too quickly. I usually turn them with tongs, making sure to get all sides crispy. The smell at this stage is absolutely heavenly!
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once they’re perfectly golden, remove the Nutella French toast rollups from the skillet and place them on a plate or a wire rack. If you’re serving them immediately, a light dusting of powdered sugar is perfect. If you want to add a glaze, you can whisk together a little powdered sugar with a tablespoon or two of milk or even a bit of melted butter until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. Drizzle this over the warm rollups. It adds an extra touch of sweetness and elegance. Honestly, they’re so good, you don’t even need a glaze, but it is a lovely addition.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
While these are fantastic served whole, sometimes slicing them in half can reveal that gorgeous Nutella swirl inside, making them even more appealing, especially for the kids. I like to serve them warm, right off the skillet. They are at their absolute best when the Nutella is still melty and gooey. You can arrange them on a platter, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and serve with your favorite breakfast sides or just enjoy them as is! They’re also delightful served with a small bowl of extra Nutella or some whipped cream for dipping.
What to Serve It With
These Nutella French toast rollups are so versatile, you can enjoy them in so many ways! For a simple, delicious **Breakfast**, a hot cup of coffee and a dusting of powdered sugar is all you really need. They’re a step up from your everyday cereal and feel wonderfully indulgent to start the day. For a more elaborate **Brunch**, I love plating them up with a side of fresh berries – raspberries or strawberries pair beautifully with the chocolatey hazelnut flavor. A dollop of whipped cream on top and perhaps a glass of mimosa or sparkling cider makes it feel extra special. If you’re looking for a quick and easy **Dessert**, these are a winner. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They’re surprisingly decadent and much easier than baking a cake! And for those **Cozy Snacks** moments, when you just need something sweet and comforting, these are perfect. I’ll often make a batch just for myself with a mug of hot chocolate. My kids ask for these all the time when they want a treat after school, and they disappear in minutes! My family also loves them with a side of crispy bacon for that perfect sweet and salty combination. Honestly, they’re a crowd-pleaser no matter how you serve them.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Nutella French Toast Rollups
I’ve made these Nutella French toast rollups more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really help ensure they turn out perfectly every single time. First, regarding the bread: use a sturdy white bread, like a Pullman loaf or a good quality sandwich bread. It flattens well without tearing. If your bread is too fresh, it might be a bit too soft and gummy; day-old bread is often ideal. When you’re flattening the bread, don’t be afraid to really get in there with the rolling pin. You want it thin enough to roll tightly. My tip is to trim off the crusts *before* flattening. It makes for a neater roll and no crusts to get in the way. For the Nutella filling, make sure you spread it evenly, but don’t overdo it, or it will squish out everywhere during cooking, making a mess and potentially burning. I’ve learned this the hard way! And if your Nutella is very firm, warming it slightly can make it much easier to spread. When it comes to dipping the rollups in the egg mixture, a quick dip is key. You want the bread to absorb some of the custard but not become saturated. Too long, and they’ll fall apart on the griddle. I usually aim for about 15-20 seconds per side. The cooking temperature is also super important. Medium heat is your friend here. Too high, and the outside will burn before the Nutella inside gets warm and gooey. Too low, and they’ll be pale and possibly oily. Keep an eye on them and adjust the heat as needed. Trust me on this one, patience yields perfection! If you’re looking for swirl customization, try swirling the Nutella with a tiny bit of peanut butter or even a fruit preserve before spreading it on the bread. It adds another layer of flavor and visual interest. And for ingredient swaps, if you don’t have cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg or even a touch of cardamom can be lovely in the batter. For the milk, I’ve experimented with different types, and while whole milk gives the richest result, I’ve used oat milk and soy milk with good success, though the texture might be slightly different. The most important thing is to have fun with it! These are meant to be a treat, so don’t stress too much about perfection; just enjoy the process.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Okay, so you’ve made a batch of these glorious Nutella French toast rollups and miraculously, there are some leftovers! Storing them properly is key to enjoying them later. If you plan on eating them within a day or two, storing them at **Room Temperature** in an airtight container is a good option. Just make sure they’ve cooled completely before sealing them up. They’ll maintain their best texture this way for about 24 hours. For longer storage, **Refrigerator Storage** is your best bet. Place them in an airtight container, perhaps with a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The texture might soften slightly over time, but they’re still delicious. If you want to freeze them for later, **Freezer Instructions** are quite simple. Wrap each individual rollup tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. For **Glaze Timing Advice**, I always recommend adding any glaze or dusting of powdered sugar *after* reheating. Glazes can become sticky or melt away during reheating, and a fresh dusting looks much more appealing. When reheating, I find the best method is to pop them in a toaster oven or a regular oven at around 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. This helps crisp them up again. You can also reheat them gently in a skillet over low heat with a tiny bit of butter. Microwaving is an option for a quick warm-up, but it can sometimes make the texture a little soft, so I tend to reserve that for when I’m really in a pinch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
There you have it – Nutella French toast rollups! I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that brings a little bit of magic to the ordinary, turning a simple breakfast into a memorable moment. The combination of fluffy, golden French toast and that gooey, rich Nutella center is just pure comfort and joy, and the fact that they’re so easy to make makes them a winner in my book. They’re perfect for lazy weekend mornings, special brunches, or even as a fun dessert when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want the fuss of a whole cake. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my other sweet breakfast treats, like my Lemon Ricotta Pancakes or my Easy Berry Crumble. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Please leave a comment below and let me know your favorite way to enjoy them, or any fun variations you come up with. And don’t forget to share your culinary creations with me – I love seeing them!
Nutella French Toast Roll-Ups
Ingredients
Method
- Make the custard. In a medium bowl whisk together the milk, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla. Set aside.
- Prepare the bread slices. Cut the crust from the bread. Flatten the bread slices with a rolling pin; make them as flat as possible.
- Roll them up. Spread Nutella on each bread slice and roll up the bread, lightly pinching the seam to secure.
- Cook. Place 2 tablespoons butter in a frying pan and melt over medium heat. Dip the rollups in the egg mixture, and place in the frying pan. Cook until golden brown, about two minutes; flip to the other side and cook for another minute or so. You will most likely have to do this in batches. Add the rest of the butter, and continue to cook until all rollups are done.
- Roll in sugar. If you have vanilla sugar, put it in a shallow dish, and once the rollups are done cooking, roll them in the sugar until covered. If you do not have vanilla sugar, dust the rollups with powdered sugar instead. Serve immediately.
