Nutella Filled Donuts are a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth treat that combines the irresistible fluffiness of a freshly fried donut with the rich, creamy goodness of Nutella. These donuts are surprisingly easy to make at home, and you can enjoy the warm, gooey filling in every bite. Whether you make them from scratch or use pre-made dough, they’re sure to be a hit.
Here’s a simple recipe for Nutella Filled Donuts:
Nutella Filled Donuts
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 3-4 cups)
For the Nutella Filling:
- 1/2 cup Nutella (or more if you want extra filling)
For the Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
1. Make the Donut Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Stir until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Shape the Donuts:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thick.
- Using a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one large and one small for the hole), cut out your donut shapes. You can also make filled donut holes by cutting smaller circles of dough and frying them without the hole in the center.
- Place the cut-out donuts on a parchment paper-lined tray and cover with a towel. Let them rise for about 30-40 minutes until puffed up.
3. Heat the Oil:
- In a deep frying pan or large pot, heat about 3-4 cups of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature by dropping in a small piece of dough — if it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready.
4. Fry the Donuts:
- Carefully drop the risen donuts into the hot oil, frying only a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry each donut for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Fill the Donuts with Nutella:
- Once the donuts have cooled slightly, transfer the Nutella to a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with the tip of the corner cut off.
- Insert the tip of the piping bag into the side of each donut and gently squeeze the Nutella filling into the center. You can also cut a small hole in the side of each donut if you prefer to fill them that way.
6. Coat the Donuts:
- In a shallow bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together. Roll each filled donut in the sugar mixture to coat it evenly.
7. Serve:
- Serve the Nutella-filled donuts warm, with the creamy Nutella inside that’s melted and gooey. They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a sweet snack!
Storage:
- Donuts are best eaten fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the Nutella filling before serving.
- You can also freeze the donuts before filling them. Freeze the donuts after frying, and when you’re ready to serve, thaw them and then fill with Nutella.
Tips & Variations:
- Nutella Alternatives: If you want a different filling, you can try chocolate ganache, peanut butter, or even a mixture of cream cheese and sugar for a sweet and creamy center.
- Baked Version: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake these donuts at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes until golden, though the texture may be slightly different from the fried version.
- Toppings: For extra indulgence, drizzle a little more Nutella over the top of the donuts after filling them, or sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts for crunch.
These Nutella Filled Donuts are a perfect treat for anyone who loves the creamy, hazelnut-chocolate spread. They’re easy to make and will definitely impress your friends and family with their delicious, gooey filling! Enjoy!
