
I found this amazing breakfast trick when some friends showed up unannounced and I needed a quick morning treat. These Nutella-filled crescents balance minimal effort with maximum yum. The ready-made dough handles the hard part while the chocolate-hazelnut spread turns them into something guests will think you spent hours making.
When my sister's family visited last week, her super-fussy 7-year-old begged for these every single morning. My brother-in-law, who always says "breakfast sweets aren't my thing," secretly wolfed down three standing right at my kitchen sink. Some treats just have that magic effect on people.
Know Your Components
- Refrigerated crescent rolls: These humble tubes are a quick-cooking lifesaver. Keep them in the fridge until you're ready to use for easier handling.
- Nutella: This famous chocolate-hazelnut blend creates the perfect gooey filling. The jar from the store works great, but making your own earns you extra points.
- Optional toppings: Crushed hazelnuts give a nice crunch, a dusting of powdered sugar makes them look fancy, and some melted chocolate on top turns them into real treats.
- Parchment paper: This is a must-have! It saves your baking tray from sticky Nutella that will definitely leak out.

Delightful Nutella Crescent Rolls Method
- Heat Settings:
- First get your oven hot at 350°F. This temp gives you that nice golden outside while making sure the dough cooks through without burning the chocolate filling.
- Opening The Package:
- Open your crescent roll tube carefully and unroll the dough onto your counter. Pull apart along the marked lines to make eight triangles.
- Layout Planning:
- Put the triangles on your parchment-covered baking sheet. This gives you plenty of space to add the filling and roll them up without making a mess.
- Nutella Spreading:
- Put about two teaspoons of Nutella on each triangle. Don't go overboard or it'll just ooze out when baking. Spread it around but leave a small border at the edges.
- Proper Rolling:
- Start from the wider end of the triangle and roll toward the pointy end. Bend the sides slightly to get that moon shape everyone loves.
- Cooking Time:
- Put them in your hot oven and let them cook for around 12 minutes. Look for a nice golden color and slightly puffy appearance.
- Final Touches:
- If you want, add your favorite toppings while they're still warm. A little powdered sugar, some melted chocolate drizzle, or crushed hazelnuts can make them extra special.
I actually created these during a midnight snack hunt. I spotted Nutella and crescent rolls in my kitchen and thought they'd be great together. Since then, I've made them countless times, sometimes adding sliced bananas or a dash of cinnamon. My favorite twist is putting a thin layer of peanut butter under the Nutella—that mix of salty and sweet is totally worth trying.
Tasty Twist Ideas
The basic version is fantastic, but you can switch things up easily. Try adding thin banana slices or strawberry pieces before rolling. A bit of orange zest mixed with the Nutella gives a bright flavor kick. For something a bit fancier, sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt on top after they come out of the oven to get that popular sweet-and-salty combo. During Christmas, I mix in crushed candy canes with the Nutella for a chocolate-mint version that vanishes immediately.
Keeping Them Fresh
These treats will stay good in a sealed container on your counter for about two days, though they rarely hang around that long at my place. A quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings back their just-baked softness. You don't need to keep them in the fridge, but I wouldn't make them too far ahead of time—they're really best enjoyed fresh from the oven.

I've taken these Nutella crescents to work meetings, weekend get-togethers, and made them as treats for my kids and their buddies. There's something really satisfying about making something everybody loves with just two ingredients and about 15 minutes of effort. Seeing someone's face light up when they bite into that warm, chocolate-filled pastry makes me feel like a kitchen genius, even though I'm just opening two packages. Often the easiest recipes bring the most happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use homemade hazelnut spread instead of Nutella?
- Definitely! Your homemade spread is a great alternative and gives you control over the ingredients. Just make sure it’s as creamy as Nutella to spread easily.
- → What other options work besides Nutella?
- You’ve got so many choices! Try peanut butter, jam, cookie butter, cream cheese, or even savory fillings like pizza toppings or cheese. Combine Nutella with fruits like berries or banana too for an extra kick!
- → Can these be cooked in an air fryer?
- Yep! Set the air fryer at 320°F, cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and crisp, and work in batches if needed to avoid crowding.
- → How long can I keep these fresh?
- Store in a sealed container at room temperature for 2 days max. They taste best warm, so pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds.
- → Is it possible to prep these ahead and bake later?
- Sure thing! Roll them up and stash them (covered) in the fridge, up to 24 hours ahead. Let them bake a bit longer since they’ll be chilled.