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Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Cinnamon Twists: Your New Favorite Breakfast Pastry

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked goods to draw everyone to the breakfast table. Imagine waking up to the enticing scent of warm chocolate, sweet hazelnuts, and aromatic cinnamon wafting through your home. These delightful Chocolate Hazelnut Cinnamon Twists are precisely that — an irresistible, easy-to-make breakfast treat that promises to transform your mornings into a moment of pure bliss. Perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a special holiday breakfast, these flaky, sweet pastries are surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring only four basic ingredients.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed for effortless success. We’re taking convenience to a whole new level by starting with refrigerated crescent roll dough, which forms the perfect flaky base for our decadent filling. Each twist is generously filled with a luscious chocolate hazelnut spread, coated in a delightful cinnamon-sugar mix, and then artfully twisted into golden-brown straws of pure deliciousness. They are not just delicious; they are incredibly addicting and guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.

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The Sweet Inspiration Behind These Twists

Every year, as autumn breezes replace summer warmth, the air fills with the promise of pumpkin spice, apple cider, and cozy baking. It’s my absolute favorite time of year, when fall decorations emerge, and the scent of holiday spices starts to perfume the house, often as early as September 1st! Yes, I’m one of those unapologetic holiday enthusiasts, completely enamored with the seasonal spirit.

It was during one of our routine grocery trips, hubs and I on a mission to procure our beloved Pumpkin Pie Spice creamer to fully embrace the fall vibe, that we stumbled upon something truly unexpected and exciting. As we navigated the dairy aisle, a new creamer flavor caught my husband’s eye: “No way, Salted Caramel Mocha creamer? Dibs!” he exclaimed. But my attention was already captured by something even more appealing. “Oh, have it,” I replied, “did you see the Chocolate Hazelnut one? Dibs!”

Chocolate hazelnut spread has held a special place in my heart since childhood. The creamy, nutty, chocolatey goodness is a weakness I happily indulge. Discovering an International Delight creamer that perfectly captures this flavor felt like a personal triumph – as if they crafted it just for me. Now, my morning coffee tastes like pure heaven, elevated by that exquisite chocolate hazelnut creamer, even surpassing my previous autumn favorite, Pumpkin Pie Spice! It was this delightful discovery, combined with the simplicity of crescent roll dough, that sparked the inspiration for these utterly fantastic Chocolate Hazelnut Cinnamon Twists.

These twists aren’t just a recipe; they’re an experience. They embody comfort, simplicity, and pure indulgence, making them ideal for any occasion where you want to share a little sweetness. From hurried weekdays to leisurely weekends, these treats promise to deliver big on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. The combination of flaky pastry, rich chocolate hazelnut, and warm cinnamon sugar creates a symphony of textures and tastes that’s hard to resist. Prepare to be asked for the recipe every time you serve them!

Why These Twists Will Become a Staple

What makes these Chocolate Hazelnut Cinnamon Twists so incredibly special and universally loved? It boils down to a few key factors that make them a standout recipe in any home baker’s repertoire:

Unbeatable Flavor Combination: Chocolate and hazelnut are a match made in culinary heaven. When combined with the comforting warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of sugar, it creates an explosion of flavor that satisfies even the most discerning sweet tooth.
Effortless Preparation: Forget complicated doughs and lengthy proofing times. This recipe cleverly utilizes refrigerated crescent roll dough, cutting down prep time significantly. It’s perfect for busy mornings or when you need a quick, impressive dessert.
Only 4 Ingredients: Simplicity is key! With just crescent roll dough, chocolate hazelnut spread, sugar, and cinnamon, you can create something truly extraordinary. These pantry staples are usually readily available, making it easy to whip up a batch on a whim.
Versatile Treat: While phenomenal for breakfast, these twists are equally fantastic as an afternoon snack, a simple dessert after dinner, or even a delightful addition to a holiday brunch spread. They’re a crowd-pleaser that fits any occasion.
Irresistible Aroma: Baking these twists fills your home with an incredible aroma that no candle can replicate. The smell of warm cinnamon, baking pastry, and chocolate is pure comfort, making your kitchen the most inviting place in the house.
Perfect Texture: Each twist boasts a beautifully flaky exterior from the crescent dough, giving way to a soft, warm interior bursting with chocolate hazelnut goodness. The cinnamon sugar coating adds a delightful textural crunch and extra sweetness.

Chocolate Hazelnut Cinnamon Twists

Irresistible crescent dough pastry filled with chocolate hazelnut spread, coated in cinnamon sugar, and twisted into straws of deliciousness.

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Course:
Dessert

Cuisine:
American

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

13 minutes

Total Time:

28 minutes

Servings:
8

Calories:

227
kcal

Author:

Lyuba Brooke

Ingredients

▢

1
can refrigerated crescent rolls dough
grand size
▢

1/2
cup
chocolate hazelnut spread
▢

1/4
cup
white granulated sugar
▢

1
Tbsp
cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a wide, shallow bowl or a pie plate, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Stir well until the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. Set this mixture aside.
Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean, lightly floured surface or directly on parchment paper. It’s crucial not to separate the dough at the diagonal seams that form triangles. Instead, cut the dough only along the vertical and horizontal seams that create four distinct squares. Gently pinch and press together the diagonal seams within each square to seal them firmly, ensuring the chocolate filling stays securely inside during baking.
Take each of the four sealed squares and slice them in half lengthwise, creating eight long, rectangular strips of dough. These will be your pastry canvases ready for filling.
Along the center of each pastry rectangle, spread a generous line of chocolate hazelnut spread. Be mindful not to spread it all the way to the edges; leave a small border (about 1/4 inch) on all sides. This space is essential for sealing the pastry later.
Fold one long edge of the dough over the chocolate filling to meet the other long edge. Press firmly along all edges – top, bottom, and sides – to create a sealed tube. Ensure there are no open seams where the chocolate could leak out during baking. A good seal is key to preventing messy spills.
Carefully roll each filled and sealed pastry tube in the cinnamon-sugar mixture you prepared earlier. Ensure it’s thoroughly coated for that perfect sweet and spicy crust.
With a gentle hand, begin twisting each pastry tube. As you twist, the dough will naturally lengthen, often stretching to about twice its original length. This is perfectly normal and desired! Just be careful not to overstretch it to the point of tearing, and pinch together any areas that might come loose during the twisting process to maintain the seal.
Arrange all eight twisted pastries on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Bake for 10-13 minutes, or until they are puffed up, golden brown, and the filling is warm and gooey.
(Note: If you are using standard-sized crescent roll dough instead of the “grand size” specified, the pastries will be smaller, and the baking time will likely be shorter. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbrowning.)

Nutrition

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Tips for Chocolate Hazelnut Cinnamon Twist Perfection

While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few tips can help ensure your Chocolate Hazelnut Cinnamon Twists turn out absolutely perfect every time:

Don’t Overfill: While tempting, avoid loading too much chocolate hazelnut spread into each pastry. Overfilling can make sealing difficult and lead to leakage during baking. A modest but consistent line down the center is ideal.
Seal Tightly: Pay extra attention when pinching the edges of the dough together. A tight seal is crucial to prevent the delicious filling from oozing out in the oven. If needed, a tiny bit of water on your fingertips can help the dough stick.
Gentle Twisting: The crescent dough is delicate. Twist gently and evenly. If you twist too aggressively, the dough might tear, compromising the structure and allowing filling to escape. Stretching it to twice its length is the goal, but do so gradually.
Even Coating: Roll the filled pastries thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This not only adds flavor but also creates a beautiful golden crust. Don’t be shy with the coating!
Watch Your Oven: Oven temperatures can vary. Keep an eye on your twists during the last few minutes of baking. They should be golden brown and puffed. If they start browning too quickly, you might need to slightly reduce the temperature or move them to a different rack.
Serve Warm: These twists are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. The chocolate hazelnut spread will be perfectly melty and the pastry wonderfully flaky.

Delicious Variations to Try

While the classic chocolate hazelnut combination is divine, don’t hesitate to experiment with different fillings and toppings to customize these twists:

Cream Cheese Delight: Mix cream cheese with a little sugar and vanilla for a tangy-sweet filling.
Fruity Fun: Use your favorite fruit preserves or pie filling (like apple, cherry, or raspberry) for a vibrant, fruity twist.
Nutty Alternative: Swap chocolate hazelnut spread for peanut butter or almond butter for a different nutty flavor profile. You can even add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips!
S’mores Inspired: Fill with chocolate chips and miniature marshmallows for a campfire-favorite flavor.
Savory Surprise: For a savory version, fill with cheese and herbs, or even a mini hot dog for a fun “pigs in a blanket” style snack. Adjust the outer coating to savory spices instead of cinnamon sugar.
Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the sugar mixture for a bright, citrusy note.

Serving Suggestions & Storage

These Chocolate Hazelnut Cinnamon Twists are incredibly versatile. Serve them fresh and warm for breakfast alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. They also make an excellent accompaniment to a brunch spread or a delightful afternoon pick-me-up. For a more decadent dessert, you could even drizzle them with a simple powdered sugar glaze or a little extra melted chocolate.

To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. While best fresh, they can be gently reheated in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy again. This will bring back some of that freshly baked magic!

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More Irresistible Recipes From Our Kitchen:

Sausage and Gravy Pastry

Ham, Egg, and Cheese Pastries

Strawberry Vanilla Crescent Rolls