🍩 Nutella Donuts: Warm, Pillowy, and Bursting with Chocolatey Hazelnut Goodness

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,200 fans)
📸 650+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated [October 2025]

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when warm, golden-brown dough meets the luscious, chocolatey embrace of Nutella. Imagine biting into a cloud-soft donut, its tender exterior giving way to a molten, hazelnut-infused heart that simply melts in your mouth. These Nutella Donuts aren’t just a treat; they’re an experience, a whisper of childhood joy, and an absolute must-make for anyone craving a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss. Perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a show-stopping dessert, these homemade delights are guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy even the most fervent sweet tooth. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the most enchanting aromas and your heart with pure joy!

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Quick Glance

• ⏱️ Prep Time: 30 minutes
• 🍽️ Servings: 12 donuts
• 💥 Vibe: Decadent, Sweet, Joyful

Jump Ahead!

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Nutella Donuts
• Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
• What Our Fans Are Saying
• Frequently Asked Questions

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these pockets of pure happiness. You’ll find that simple pantry staples transform into something truly extraordinary with just a little love and a dash of Nutella magic.

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ½ cup warm milk (around 105-115°F / 40-46°C)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar, plus a pinch for yeast
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup Nutella, for filling
• 4-6 cups vegetable oil, for frying
• ½ cup powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

How to Make Nutella Donuts

Get ready to infuse your kitchen with the most comforting aromas as we bring these beautiful donuts to life! Follow these steps for perfectly soft, Nutella-filled treats.

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and a pinch of granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This shows your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining granulated sugar, and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture, the room temperature egg, and the melted butter.
3. Knead to Perfection: Mix with a spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
4. First Rise: Lightly grease a clean bowl with a little oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape Your Donuts: Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Using a 3-inch round cookie cutter or glass rim, cut out circles. For filled donuts, place a generous teaspoon of Nutella in the center of one dough circle, then top with another circle. Pinch the edges firmly to seal, creating a beautiful Nutella pocket. Alternatively, cut dough into 2×2 inch squares, place a dollop of Nutella in the center, gather the corners, and pinch to seal into a ball.
6. Second Rise: Carefully place the shaped donuts onto parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving some space between them. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let them rise again for another 30-45 minutes, or until visibly puffy.
7. Fry to Golden Perfection: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to ensure accuracy. Carefully lower 2-3 donuts into the hot oil (don’t overcrowd the pot!). Fry for 1.5-2 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through.
8. Drain and Dust: Using a slotted spoon or spider, carefully remove the fried donuts from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve immediately and enjoy the magic!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

These Nutella donuts are wonderful as is, but here are some delightful ideas to make them even more special!

1. Cinnamon Sugar Kiss: Instead of powdered sugar, toss the warm donuts in a mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon for a classic, comforting flavor.
2. Chocolate Drizzle Dream: Melt a bit of extra Nutella or some dark chocolate chips, then drizzle artfully over the finished donuts for an extra layer of decadence. A sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts takes this over the top!
3. Vanilla Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a touch of vanilla extract for a simple, sweet glaze to coat your fried donuts.
4. Ice Cream Pairing: Serve a warm Nutella donut alongside a scoop of vanilla bean or hazelnut ice cream for an incredible dessert experience.

Reviews

Our fans can’t get enough of these incredible Nutella Donuts!

• “Absolute perfection! My family devoured these in minutes. So much better than any store-bought donut!” – Grace L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• “I was intimidated by making donuts, but this recipe made it so easy to follow. The warm Nutella filling is absolutely heavenly!” – Mart P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• “A truly special treat for any occasion. They’re warm, soft, and utterly delicious. Highly, highly recommend!” – Lara R. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

FAQ

Q: Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
A: While these are traditionally fried for that classic airy texture, you can bake them! Place the risen donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden. The texture will be slightly different, more like a cake donut, but still delicious.

Q: How do I store leftover Nutella donuts?
A: Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For the best experience, gently reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm the Nutella filling.

Q: Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough up to the first rise. After it has risen, gently punch it down, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. On the day you want to fry, take it out about 30 minutes before shaping to allow it to come slightly closer to room temperature, then proceed with shaping and the second rise.

Q: What if I don’t have a deep fryer?
A: No problem at all! A heavy-bottomed pot, like a Dutch oven, works perfectly. Just make sure to use a deep-fry thermometer clipped to the side to accurately monitor your oil temperature for consistent results.

Conclusion

There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating these Nutella Donuts from scratch. The journey from simple ingredients to these fluffy, chocolatey pillows is a delightful one, filling your home with warmth and an irresistible aroma. Each bite is a testament to the joy of homemade goodness, a moment of pure comfort that reminds us of the simple pleasures in life. So go on, dive into this recipe, embrace the magic of yeast dough, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Happy baking, friends!

Recipe Note

Remember to maintain a consistent oil temperature (350-375°F / 175-190°C) when frying. Too low, and your donuts will be greasy; too high, and they’ll brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature stable and ensure even cooking.