Brioche Chocolate Hazelnut Buns – Soft, Buttery, and Decadent

If you love buttery brioche and the rich combination of chocolate and hazelnut, Brioche Chocolate Hazelnut Buns are about to become your new favorite indulgence. These buns bring together the pillowy softness of classic brioche with swirls of chocolate-hazelnut spread, creating a treat that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Golden brown on the outside, tender and airy on the inside, these buns are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a delight to present. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven, served with coffee, or gifted to friends and family, they’re an impressive yet approachable baked creation.

In this article, we’ll explore why these buns are so irresistible, provide a step-by-step guide to baking them, and share tips and variations to customize your batch.

Why You’ll Love Brioche Chocolate Hazelnut Buns

1. Luxuriously Soft Texture: Made with enriched brioche dough, these buns are tender, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

2. Decadent Flavor Combination: Chocolate and hazelnut are a classic duo, perfectly balanced by the buttery brioche base.

3. Versatile Treat: Enjoy as a breakfast indulgence, a dessert centerpiece, or a snack with afternoon tea.

4. Show-Stopping Presentation: Swirled or knotted, these buns look as good as they taste, making them perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Brioche Dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Filling:

• ½ cup chocolate-hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
• ½ cup chopped hazelnuts (optional, for extra crunch)

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon milk

Prep and Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1–2 hours for dough rising)
• Bake Time: 18–22 minutes
• Total Time: 2–3 hours
• Yield: 12 buns

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Add eggs and the yeast mixture, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Gradually add softened butter, kneading until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.

3. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.

4. Shape the Buns
Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Flatten each piece, spread a small amount of chocolate-hazelnut spread in the center, and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts if desired. Roll the dough into a bun, sealing the edges to prevent filling from leaking.

5. Second Rise
Place buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.

6. Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush buns with the egg wash for a shiny, golden finish. Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast or Brunch: Serve warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

Dessert Option: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra indulgence.

Gifting Idea: Cool completely, wrap in parchment, and tie with twine for homemade treats that impress.

Variations and Add-Ins

• Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter instead of hazelnut spread.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Edition: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for gooey pockets.
• Swirl Presentation: Roll dough into a rectangle, spread filling, and slice into swirls before baking for a beautiful pattern.
• Caramel Hazelnut: Drizzle with caramel sauce post-bake for a special twist.

Tips for Perfect Brioche Buns

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Helps the dough rise evenly.
• Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can leak during baking.
• Patience is Key: Allowing the dough to rise fully results in the softest, fluffiest buns.

Why They Belong in Your Recipe Box

Brioche Chocolate Hazelnut Buns are a versatile, crowd-pleasing recipe that combines buttery richness with a decadent chocolate-hazelnut filling. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or special occasions, they are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Soft, fluffy, and irresistibly chocolatey, these buns are a true indulgence that will make any morning or dessert spread extraordinary.

Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these buns are guaranteed to impress — and once you try them, they’re sure to become a staple in your home-baked repertoire.them.