Nutella Doughnuts – Fluffy, Gooey & Perfect Every Time

As a chef who enjoys crafting both classic and inventive desserts, few recipes bring as much joy as Nutella Doughnuts. These fluffy, chocolate-filled treats are simple to make and a wonderful introduction to the art of doughnut making. Whether you’re new to frying or a seasoned baker, this recipe delivers rich flavor, soft texture, and irresistible Nutella goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before diving into mixing and frying, here’s everything required for this delicious recipe:

1 cup all-purpose flour – Base for structure
1/4 cup sugar – Light sweetness
1 tsp baking powder – Helps the doughnuts puff
1/4 tsp salt – Balances flavors
1/2 cup milk – Moisture for the dough
1/4 cup melted butter – Adds richness
1/4 cup Nutella – The star filling
1 egg – Binds the ingredients
1 tsp vanilla extract – Boosts aroma and flavor
Oil for frying – Canola or vegetable oil

How to Make Nutella Doughnuts

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
This removes lumps and ensures even mixing.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk milk, melted butter, Nutella, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

3. Combine Wet & Dry

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can make the dough tough.
The dough should be sticky but workable.

Frying the Doughnuts

4. Heat the Oil

Heat oil to 350°F (180°C) in a deep pan.
No thermometer? Drop in a tiny piece of dough—if it sizzles gently, the oil is ready.

5. Fry the Doughnuts

Using a spoon or small scoop, drop small balls of dough into the oil.
Fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

6. Drain Properly

Place fried doughnuts on a paper towel–lined plate to remove excess oil.

Finishing & Serving

Add Toppings

While still warm, finish with:

Powdered sugar
Cinnamon sugar
A drizzle of warm Nutella
Chopped hazelnuts for crunch

Serve Warm

Nutella doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh when the insides are soft, warm, and gooey.

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Doughnuts

Oil temperature matters:
Too hot = burnt outside, raw inside
Too cool = greasy doughnuts
Don’t overmix the batter:
Overmixing causes dense doughnuts.
Experiment with toppings:
Sea salt, extra hazelnut spread, caramel, or chocolate sauce elevate the flavor.

Overcoming Common Doughnut Challenges

Dough too sticky?

Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until manageable.

Dough too dry?

Add a splash of milk.

Oil temperature drops?

Adjust heat and fry in smaller batches.

Make-Ahead, Freezing & Reheating

Freezing Cooked Doughnuts

Let doughnuts cool completely.
Freeze on a tray in a single layer.
Transfer to an airtight container.
They won’t stick together this way.

Reheating

Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes.
They’ll be almost as good as freshly fried.

Diet-Friendly Variations

Gluten-Free Version

Use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum (such as Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur). This preserves texture and lightness.

Vegan Version

Replace:

Egg → 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water (rest until thickened)
Milk → almond, oat, or soy milk
Butter → vegan butter
Use a dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spread

Perfect for Any Occasion

Mini Party Doughnuts

Use a smaller scoop to make bite-sized doughnuts—perfect for dessert canapés.
Serve with dipping sauces like:

Raspberry coulis
Salted caramel
Citrus glaze

Breakfast or Brunch

Double or triple the recipe and prepare the batter ahead of time.
Keep the batter chilled until frying for maximum freshness.

Final Thoughts

Nutella Doughnuts are a delightful dessert that combines simplicity with creativity. Each batch teaches something new—from dough consistency to oil temperature control. Whether you’re serving them at a party, making a fun breakfast, or enjoying a sweet moment alone, these doughnuts never fail to impress.

Embrace the process, enjoy the learning, and savor every bite!

FAQs About Nutella Doughnuts

Can I bake them instead of frying?
Yes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes in a greased doughnut pan.
Texture will be more cake-like.

How do I keep them fluffy instead of greasy?
Don’t overmix the batter.
Keep oil at 350°F to prevent oil absorption.

What toppings can I use?

Powdered sugar
Cinnamon sugar
Chocolate or caramel drizzle
Chopped hazelnuts
A pinch of sea salt

Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes. Keep in the fridge up to 24 hours. Let sit 30 minutes at room temp before frying.

How do I store leftovers?
Room temperature: 2 days
Fridge: 1 week
Freezer: 3 months

Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes—use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free hazelnut spread.

Easy Homemade Nutella Doughnuts Recipe