There is something truly magical about biting into a warm, fluffy donut filled with rich, creamy chocolate hazelnut spread, and that's exactly what makes this Nutella Donuts Recipe a total showstopper. Combining pillowy homemade dough with a luscious Nutella buttercream filling, these donuts bring a perfect balance of sweet, soft, and indulgent that will quickly become your go-to treat. Whether you're making them for a weekend brunch, special breakfast, or just because, this recipe will have your kitchen smelling irresistible and your taste buds dancing with delight.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a large clear glass bowl filled with white flour at the top right. To the left of the flour bowl is a stick of unsalted butter wrapped in paper with red text. Below the butter, there is a small clear glass cup holding white milk. To the right of the milk is a small clear glass bowl with granulated white sugar. Below the sugar, there is a small mound of white powdered sugar on the surface. To the right of that is a small clear glass cup filled with golden brown vanilla extract. Below the vanilla is a small clear glass bowl filled with smooth dark brown melted chocolate. To the left of the chocolate is a single brown egg. Near the egg at the bottom left is a tiny clear glass bowl with white salt, and to the right of the salt is another tiny clear glass bowl holding dry yeast. The items are spaced evenly and lit softly with natural light, on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Nutella Donuts Recipe is simple yet crucial to creating that perfect donut — from the tender, airy dough to the rich, velvety filling. Each component brings its own magic: flour provides structure, yeast gives life and rise, and the Nutella filling makes every bite feel utterly decadent.

4 cups all purpose flour: The base of your dough, providing the perfect texture for soft, chewy donuts.
½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps create that golden crust after frying.
1 cup whole milk: Gives richness and moisture to the dough for light, fluffy donuts.
½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds buttery flavor and tenderness to the dough.
1 large egg (room temperature): Binds ingredients and contributes to the donut’s soft crumb.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
2 teaspoons instant yeast: The secret ingredient that makes your dough rise beautifully and become airy.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Brings balance and depth to the sweetness.
½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature): For the luscious Nutella buttercream filling.
¼ cup Nutella: The star of the show, infusing the filling with that irresistible chocolate hazelnut goodness.
1 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and lightens the buttercream filling.
¼ teaspoon kosher salt: A pinch to heighten the Nutella’s flavor in the filling.
1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed): Adjusts the buttercream’s consistency to silky perfection.

How to Make Nutella Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing all dough ingredients in your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook—this is where the magic begins! Knead on medium low speed until a slightly sticky but cohesive dough forms that pulls away from the bowl’s sides. If it feels too wet, add flour a tablespoon at a time. This dough will become the foundation of your incredible Nutella Donuts Recipe.

Step 2: Chill the Dough Overnight

Once kneaded, cover the dough and chill it in the fridge overnight, between 8 to 12 hours. This slow fermentation is key to developing depth of flavor and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Bring Dough to Room Temperature and Shape

The next morning, let the dough rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, roll it out to about ½ inch thick on a floured surface and use a 3½ inch round cutter to create 12 perfect donut circles. Don’t toss the scraps—roll them again and cut smaller rounds for delightful donut holes!

Step 4: Fry the Donuts

Heat vegetable oil to 375°F in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, ensuring you have a couple of inches of oil for even frying. Fry 3 to 4 donuts at once, cooking 1 minute on each side until they’re a gorgeous deep golden brown. Drain on a wire rack to let excess oil drip off—this keeps them light, never greasy.

Step 5: Coat with Sugar

While the donuts are still warm, toss them gently in granulated sugar. This simple step adds a delightful crunch and sparkle to the surface, inviting you to dive in even faster.

Step 6: Make the Nutella Buttercream Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter with Nutella until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and salt, mixing on low until fully blended. Then whip on high speed for 3–5 minutes until the buttercream turns light and fluffy. If it feels too thick, a tablespoon of heavy cream will soften it right up.

Step 7: Fill the Donuts

Load your Nutella buttercream into a piping bag fitted with a large Bismarck tip. Make a small hole on the side of each donut with a chopstick, then pipe in the filling generously. Get ready for that first bite of warm donut bursting with creamy, chocolatey goodness!

How to Serve Nutella Donuts Recipe

The image shows many round doughnuts covered in a layer of white sugar crystals, giving them a sparkling look. Each doughnut is topped with a swirl of light brown cream placed neatly in the center on top. The doughnuts have a golden brown color beneath the sugar, showing a soft and fluffy texture. They are placed close together on crumpled white parchment paper, which rests inside a container. The overall background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the sugar coating is simple and classic, you can add a sprinkle of crushed hazelnuts for crunch or a light dusting of cocoa powder to intensify the chocolate vibe. These little touches take presentation and flavor to the next level with minimal effort.

Side Dishes

The best companions for these Nutella donuts are a fresh cup of strong coffee or creamy hot chocolate. The bittersweet contrast of the drinks balances the sweet richness of the donuts perfectly, making your snack or breakfast feel elevated and cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Nutella Donuts Recipe stacked on a tiered dessert stand for celebrations or brunches. You can even dust them with edible gold glitter or drizzle with melted white chocolate for that extra wow factor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which can be rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep in mind, they’re best enjoyed fresh and may lose some of their soft texture if stored too long.

Freezing

You can freeze unfried dough rounds wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge before frying. Donuts filled with Nutella buttercream don’t freeze well, so it’s best to fill them right before serving.

Reheating

To warm your leftover donuts, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave for about 15 seconds until soft and just warm—not hot, to avoid melting the filling excessively. This quick trick revives their freshly made charm.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easier, you can mix and knead the dough by hand until it’s smooth and elastic. It may take a bit more effort but the results are just as delicious.

Is it possible to bake these Nutella donuts instead of frying?

Baking is a healthier alternative though frying gives that signature golden crust and tender crumb. If you opt to bake, brush the donuts with melted butter beforehand and bake at 375°F until golden, but do expect a slightly different texture.

How do I prevent the donuts from absorbing too much oil?

Maintaining the oil temperature around 375°F is key! If the oil is too cool, donuts absorb more oil. Use a thermometer to monitor and adjust the heat as needed, frying a few donuts at a time without overcrowding.

Can I substitute Nutella for something else?

Yes! You can swap Nutella with any chocolate hazelnut spread, or even a peanut butter spread for a different twist. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if your substitute is less sweet than Nutella.

What’s the best way to pipe the Nutella filling into the donuts?

A piping bag fitted with a large round or Bismarck tip works best. Creating a small hole with a chopstick beforehand makes filling neat and easy, ensuring each donut bursts with that luscious Nutella cream!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a dessert that effortlessly combines comfort and indulgence, this Nutella Donuts Recipe is your golden ticket. From the first fluffy bite to the rich, dreamy filling, these donuts are simply unforgettable. I encourage you to dive in, get a little flour on your hands, and enjoy the warm, homemade happiness that comes with every freshly made donut.

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Nutella Donuts Recipe