Nutella-Filled Whole Wheat Brioche Rolls Recipe

If there’s one sweet treat that’s sure to impress guests and comfort you from the very first bite, it has to be Nutella Filled Whole Wheat Brioche. Imagine pillowy-soft, golden crescent rolls with a rich, nutty swirl of Nutella at their centers—each bite strikes the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent. This recipe takes classic brioche up a notch by weaving in whole wheat flour for a heartier flavor and irresistible texture, making it just as good for a leisurely brunch as it is for a cozy afternoon snack.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you—each element in this recipe has an important role to play. The blend of flours gives the brioche its unique crumb, while the honey and Nutella provide both sweetness and depth. Here’s how these ingredients work together to create a showstopping Nutella Filled Whole Wheat Brioche.

• White Wheat Flour: Offers a tender crumb and keeps the brioche light without sacrificing wholesome flavor.
• All-purpose Flour: Adds structure, ensuring the dough rises beautifully and bakes up fluffy.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Brings depth and nuttiness, while boosting the nutrition and texture of your brioche.
• Instant Yeast: Gets your dough to rise quickly and efficiently; fresh yeast flavor is key for authentic brioche.
• Vital Wheat Gluten: Helps the dough develop strength and elasticity, for that classic, airy interior.
• Warm Water: Gently activates your yeast and combines everything for a supple dough.
• Melted & Cooled Unsalted Butter: Enriches the dough for unmistakable flavor and softness—let it cool so it blends without cooking the eggs.
• Clover Honey: Sweetens the dough naturally and adds floral undertones that work wonders with Nutella.
• Large Eggs: Lend richness, color, and structure, making the brioche soft and tender.
• Nutella: The star filling—creamy, chocolatey, nutty—absolutely irresistible in every bite.
• 1 Large Egg (for egg wash): Gives your Nutella Filled Whole Wheat Brioche a gorgeous golden finish.
• Coarse Sugar: Adds a sparkling, sweet crunch to the golden crust—optional but highly recommended.

How to Make Nutella Filled Whole Wheat Brioche

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by gathering your dry ingredients—white wheat flour, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, instant yeast, and vital wheat gluten—into a large container with a snug-fitting lid. Give it all a thorough mix. This step ensures the yeast, gluten, and all three flours are well distributed, so your Nutella Filled Whole Wheat Brioche will rise evenly and have perfect texture in every layer.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients and Form Dough

Next, whisk together your warm water, melted but cooled butter, honey, and eggs until everything is beautifully combined. Pour this liquid gold into your dry ingredient mix and reach for a trusty wooden spoon. Stir until the dough just comes together; it will look a little shaggy at first, and that’s exactly what you want. The magic will happen as the dough rests.

Step 3: First Rise

Cover the container with plastic wrap and set it aside at room temperature. Over the next couple of hours, watch your dough rise, puff, and eventually collapse back—an exciting sign that the yeast has done its work. This stage develops that sweet, slightly nutty richness that defines Nutella Filled Whole Wheat Brioche.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Transfer your dough to the fridge in its covered container and let it rest overnight, or for up to five days if you want to bake at your own pace. Chilling makes the dough far easier to shape later on (plus, it deepens the flavors!), and is a secret weapon for busy schedules.

Step 5: Portion and Rest

When you’re ready to bake, dust your hands with a little flour and portion out about 1 1/2 pounds of the dough. Gently roll it into a ball—don’t overwork it. Let it rest, covered, for 30 minutes so it can come to room temperature, which will make rolling it out a dream.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Sheets

While the dough is relaxing, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prevents sticking and helps your Nutella Filled Whole Wheat Brioche bake evenly, so the bottoms don’t brown too quickly.

Step 7: Roll and Shape Dough

Once rested, roll the dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle about 1/8th inch thick. Don’t rush! A thinner rectangle means more delicate, pastry-like layers.

Step 8: Cut and Fill

Slice the dough into 5-inch wide strips, then cut each strip diagonally into triangles. Stretch each triangle gently to elongate it, then place a generous teaspoon of Nutella near the wide end. Rolling from the wide end, tuck and swirl until you have a neat crescent—and a Nutella core in every bite.

Step 9: Second Rise

Place your filled crescents on the prepared baking sheets. Cover loosely with clean kitchen towels and let them rise for 45 minutes to an hour. The anticipation builds as your Nutella Filled Whole Wheat Brioche pastries puff up, readying themselves for the oven.

Step 10: Egg Wash and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Whisk a large egg with a tablespoon of water and gently brush the tops of each brioche. Sprinkle a bit of coarse sugar for a sparkling crust. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until gorgeously golden. Let them cool for at least 15 minutes before serving so the filling sets and the crumb becomes irresistibly tender.

How to Serve Nutella Filled Whole Wheat Brioche

Garnishes

For an unbeatable finishing touch, dust your freshly baked brioches with powdered sugar or add a drizzle of melted chocolate. A few toasted hazelnuts scattered over the top perfectly echo the Nutella within. It’s those extra moments that seal Nutella Filled Whole Wheat Brioche’s place at any feast or brunch table.

Side Dishes

Pair your Nutella Filled Whole Wheat Brioche with a mug of coffee, an espresso, or even a frothy hot chocolate. For something a bit lighter, a side of fresh berries or a citrus salad cuts through the richness, making every bite taste even more special.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your imagination run wild! Stack these golden crescents on a cake stand during brunch, or wrap them in parchment for a sweet on-the-go treat. For celebrations, you can even arrange them in a wreath or serve warm from the oven with tiny bowls of homemade whipped cream or berry jam alongside for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If, by some miracle, you have any Nutella Filled Whole Wheat Brioche left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The texture and flavor will still be outstanding, and a quick warm-up brings them right back to life.

Freezing

These brioches freeze beautifully! Wrap each completely cooled crescent individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them all in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to one month, making it easy to indulge whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

Thaw frozen brioches overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a 300 degree F oven for about 8 minutes until warm and just as soft as freshly baked. If you’re feeling impatient, a quick zap in the microwave works too—but the oven revives that irresistible crust best.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of white wheat flour?

Absolutely! If white wheat flour isn’t on hand, all-purpose works as a substitute. The texture may be slightly lighter and the flavor a touch less nutty, but your Nutella Filled Whole Wheat Brioche will still be delicious.

Is it necessary to chill the dough overnight?

Chilling the dough isn’t technically required, but it is highly recommended. It gives the dough time to develop flavor and makes shaping your brioches much easier. Plus, it lets you split the process over two days for ultimate convenience.

What’s the role of vital wheat gluten?

Vital wheat gluten boosts the elasticity and structure of the dough, helping to create that lofty, tender crumb you want in Nutella Filled Whole Wheat Brioche. It’s especially helpful when working with whole wheat flour, which can sometimes produce denser results on its own.

How can I prevent the Nutella from leaking during baking?

Be sure to seal the dough tightly around the Nutella before shaping into crescents. Stretch the dough gently, keep the filling close to the wide end, and pinch seams as you roll for a neat and delicious result.

Can I make these dairy-free?

You can! Substitute the butter for a plant-based alternative and ensure your Nutella or chocolate-hazelnut spread is dairy-free. The flavor will change slightly, but you’ll still have a soft, delectable treat.

Final Thoughts

Every time you bake Nutella Filled Whole Wheat Brioche, you’re sharing a little bit of joy—whether it’s with family, friends, or just for yourself. These irresistibly soft, golden pastries are guaranteed to win over everyone at the table. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making them again and again!