Nutella Filled Donuts Recipe

The Most Heavenly Nutella Filled Donuts Recipe Ever Made

Sweet, pillowy donuts hiding a creamy Nutella filling promise pure dessert magic.

These delectable treats burst with rich Nutella in every delightful bite.

Soft dough wrapped around smooth chocolate-hazelnut spread creates an irresistible indulgence.

Homemade donuts elevate weekend baking from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each golden-brown pastry offers a decadent surprise that melts in your mouth.

The process looks complex but comes together surprisingly easily.

You’ll fall in love with these mouthwatering donuts that transform simple ingredients into an unforgettable dessert experience.

Nutella Donut Variations and Swaps

  • Chocolate-Free Delight: Replace Nutella with homemade vanilla pastry cream or smooth almond butter for a lighter filling option.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and xanthan gum to create a celiac-safe donut version.
  • Vegan Transformation: Use plant-based milk, coconut oil instead of shortening, flax egg replacement, and dairy-free chocolate spread for a completely vegan recipe.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Swap sugar with monk fruit sweetener and fill donuts with sugar-free fruit compote or reduced-sugar chocolate alternative for diabetic-friendly treat.

Serving Nutella Filled Donuts for Treats

  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Serve these Nutella-filled donuts alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate for the ultimate indulgence.
  • Breakfast Bliss: Pair the donuts with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent morning treat.
  • Party Perfection: Create a donut dessert bar with various toppings like crushed hazelnuts, powdered sugar, or drizzled chocolate for guests to customize.
  • Afternoon Delight: Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or a creamy cappuccino for a delightful mid-day sweet escape.

Storage Tips for Nutella Filled Donuts

  • Store filled Nutella donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep them at room temperature to maintain soft texture and prevent hardening.
  • Wrap individual donuts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.
  • Warm donuts gently in microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out or making Nutella too runny.
  • Enjoy donuts within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture. Fresh donuts have the most delicious, light, and fluffy quality.

FAQs

  • How do I know if my yeast is active?

Check for foaminess after 5-10 minutes. If the mixture looks bubbly and has risen slightly, your yeast is alive and ready to use. If no foam develops, the yeast is likely dead and you’ll need fresh yeast.

  • Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but bread flour produces a slightly chewier texture due to its higher protein content. The donuts will still turn out delicious with all-purpose flour.

  • What's the best way to prevent donuts from absorbing too much oil?

Maintain oil temperature between 360-370F and don’t overcrowd the frying pan. Drain donuts on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil. Fry in small batches to keep oil temperature consistent.

Nutella Filled Donuts Flavorful Features

  • Savor Decadent Delights: Indulge in a heavenly treat that combines soft, pillowy donuts with rich, creamy Nutella for an irresistible dessert experience.
  • Master Bakery-Style Perfection: Create professional-quality donuts at home with simple steps that transform basic ingredients into a show-stopping sweet sensation.
  • Family Baking Adventure: Engage kids and adults alike in a fun cooking project that brings everyone together, creating delicious memories and shared excitement.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Wow friends and family with homemade donuts that taste miles better than store-bought, guaranteed to bring smiles and happy munching.

Nutella Filled Donuts Ingredient Rundown

Dough Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A soft wheat flour that provides the base structure for the donuts.
  • Yeast: A living microorganism that helps the dough rise and creates a light, airy texture.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps activate the yeast for proper fermentation.
  • Shortening: Adds richness and helps create a tender donut texture.
  • Egg Yolks: Contribute to the richness and provide a smooth, soft consistency.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Warm Water: Helps activate the yeast and brings the dough ingredients together.
  • Vanilla: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to enhance the overall taste of the donuts.
Coating and Filling:
  • Granulated Sugar: Creates a sweet, crispy exterior when rolled on warm donuts.
  • Nutella: A rich chocolate hazelnut spread that serves as a delicious filling for the donuts.

Preparing Nutella Filled Donuts at Home

Step 1: Activate Yeast Magic

Wake up the yeast by mixing it with warm water and a touch of sugar.

Watch the mixture transform and become wonderfully bubbly and frothy.

Step 2: Create Silky Dough

Combine your dry ingredients in a separate bowl.

In another container, blend the yeast mixture with:
  • Shortening
  • Egg yolks
  • Vanilla extract

Gradually incorporate flour and knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Allow First Dough Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover.

Let it rest in a warm, cozy spot for about an hour until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Shape Delightful Circles

Roll out the dough to a nice thickness and use a circular cutter to create perfect donut shapes.

Arrange them carefully on prepared baking sheets.

Step 5: Prepare for Second Rise

Give the donuts another chance to grow and become fluffy.

Let them rest in a warm area for roughly 45 minutes.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil to the right temperature.

Gently fry each donut until they turn a beautiful golden brown, flipping once.

While still warm, roll them in sugar for extra sweetness.

Step 7: Fill with Nutella Bliss

Create a small opening in each donut’s side.

Pipe warm Nutella generously into the center until the donuts look plump and irresistible.

For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle additional Nutella on top.

Tips for Filling Donuts with Nutella

  • Ensure water is lukewarm (not hot) to prevent killing yeast, creating a foamy and active mixture for soft, fluffy donuts.
  • Gently work dough until smooth, avoiding overworking which can make donuts tough and dense.
  • Use a thermometer to maintain consistent 360-370F, preventing greasy or undercooked donuts that absorb too much oil.
  • Use a small, sharp piping tip to create clean holes and evenly distribute warm Nutella throughout the donut's center.
  • Roll donuts in sugar immediately after frying while still warm to help sugar adhere perfectly and create a delightful sweet crunch.
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Nutella Filled Donuts Recipe

Nutella Filled Donuts Recipe


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4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet dreams come true with Nutella-Filled Donuts, a delightful indulgence that whisks dessert lovers straight to pastry paradise. Pillowy dough envelops rich chocolate-hazelnut spread, creating an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Dough Base:

  • 4 cups bread flour
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 3 tablespoons (44 milliliters) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) warm water (105°F/40°C)
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar
  • 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter-flavored shortening
  • 2 teaspoons (10 grams) salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Frying & Coating:

  • 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) sugar for rolling
  • Peanut or light olive oil for frying

Filling:

  • 1 jar Nutella for filling and topping

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining it with warm water and a touch of sugar. Allow the mixture to bloom and become frothy for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Whisk together dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Incorporate shortening, egg yolks, and vanilla into the activated yeast mixture. Gradually fold in flour and knead the dough until it achieves a smooth, elastic consistency.
  3. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, covering it with a damp cloth. Let it rest in a warm, humid environment for approximately one hour, or until the volume doubles.
  4. Roll out the dough to a uniform 1/2-inch thickness. Use a circular cutter to create precise donut shapes, arranging them carefully on prepared baking sheets.
  5. Allow the formed donuts to undergo a second rising period in a warm space for about 45 minutes, watching for them to nearly double in size.
  6. Heat oil to a precise 360-370°F. Carefully lower donuts into the hot oil, frying each side for 30-45 seconds until they develop a rich, golden-brown exterior. Immediately coat the warm donuts in granulated sugar.
  7. Create a small opening in each donut using a toothpick. Gently pipe warm Nutella into the center, filling until the donut appears plump and generously stuffed. Optionally, drizzle additional Nutella on top for extra indulgence.

Notes

  • Check yeast freshness by ensuring it foams actively, which guarantees proper dough rising and soft donut texture.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and shortening to help dough develop smoother consistency and prevent lumpy mixture.
  • Create consistent donut sizes by rolling dough evenly and using precise biscuit cutter for uniform cooking and professional appearance.
  • Maintain precise oil temperature between 360-370F to prevent greasy donuts and ensure crispy golden exterior without burning.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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