The Ultimate Guide to Nutella Donuts (Soft, Fluffy & Irresistible)

Published: 30 Jan 2026

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a soft, fluffy donut with a warm, gooey Nutella filling. Nutella donuts are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a weekend breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a special dessert. Imagine taking a bite of a donut with the rich, velvety taste of hazelnut chocolate, the dough soft and airy, and the golden outside crispy just enough. Sounds irresistible, right? In this guide, I’ll walk you through the easy steps to make Nutella donuts at home, including tips, variations, and everything you need to know to make these treats perfect every time.

Table of Content

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes Nutella donuts so irresistible? Well, for starters, the soft and fluffy texture of the donut itself is enough to make your mouth water. Then, there’s the Nutella filling, which adds a rich, creamy, and indulgent flavor. These donuts are so easy to make, and once you’ve tried them, you’ll understand why they quickly become a favorite in many households.

What makes this recipe even better is that it’s highly customizable. You can fry the donuts for that crispy, classic texture, or bake them if you prefer a slightly lighter, fluffier donut. No matter how you make them, the Nutella filling will be the star of the show. The great thing about Nutella donuts is that they’re perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a birthday party, brunch with friends, or just a fun weekend bake.

Key Ingredients Explained

For the perfect Nutella donuts, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. Here’s a quick breakdown:

All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough. It gives the donuts structure and a soft texture.
Yeast: Yeast helps the dough rise, giving the donuts their light and airy texture. If you don’t want to use yeast, you can try baking powder for a quicker method.
Nutella: The star of this recipe. Nutella is a creamy hazelnut chocolate spread that melts perfectly inside the donuts. It gives the donuts that sweet, rich, and irresistible flavor.
Oil for Frying: If you’re frying the donuts, you’ll need oil like vegetable or canola oil for frying. This ensures a crispy exterior.
Sugar (Optional): For coating the donuts once they’re cooked, you can use powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.

These ingredients come together to create the perfect donut with a rich Nutella center that is soft, fluffy, and filled with flavor.

Step-by-Step Nutella Donuts Recipe

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making Nutella donuts at home. Whether you prefer frying or baking, I’ll walk you through each step.

Step by Step Recipe Formula

Making the Dough

The dough is the foundation of any great donut. Here’s how to make the perfect donut dough:

Combine the dry ingredients: Start by mixing flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
Add the wet ingredients: Gradually add warm milk and eggs to the dry mixture. Stir until it forms a sticky dough.
Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This will help develop the gluten, giving your donuts that perfect texture.
Let it rise: Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. The yeast will work its magic, creating light and fluffy donuts.

Proofing and Shaping

Once your dough has risen, it’s time to shape the donuts:

Punch the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles.
Shape the donuts: Roll the dough out onto a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or two round cookie cutters) to cut out the donut shapes.
Let them rise again: Place the shaped donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and cover them with a towel. Let them rise again for about 20 minutes.

Frying the Donuts (Classic Method)

If you’re frying your donuts, here’s how to do it:

Heat the oil: Heat your frying oil in a deep pan to about 350°F (180°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature to avoid over or undercooking the donuts.
Fry the donuts: Gently drop each donut into the hot oil, cooking them in batches. Fry for about 2 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown.
Drain and coat: Once the donuts are done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. You can then coat them with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or leave them plain.

Baked Nutella Donuts (Quick Alternative)

If you prefer baking your donuts for a lighter texture, follow these steps:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
Fill the pan: Place your donut dough in the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about 2/3 full.
Bake the donuts: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until they turn lightly golden on top.
Cool and fill: Allow the donuts to cool slightly before filling them with Nutella.

Filling with Nutella

Once your donuts are cooked and slightly cooled, it’s time to fill them with Nutella:

Heat the Nutella: Warm the Nutella in the microwave for 20-30 seconds so it becomes easier to pipe into the donuts.
Fill the donuts: Use a piping bag with a small round tip to inject the Nutella into each donut. You can also cut a small hole in the side of the donut and spoon the Nutella in if you don’t have a piping bag.

Tips for Best Results

To make sure your Nutella donuts turn out perfect every time, here are a few tips:

Watch the oil temperature: If the oil is too hot, the donuts will burn on the outside but remain raw on the inside. If it’s too cold, the donuts will absorb too much oil.
Don’t overproof the dough: If the dough rises too long, the donuts may be too airy and won’t hold the Nutella filling well.
Test a donut: Fry a test donut to ensure you have the right oil temperature and frying time.

Variations to Try

While Nutella donuts are delicious as they are, you can try these fun variations:

Mini Nutella Donut Holes: Instead of regular-sized donuts, make mini donut holes for bite-sized treats.
Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: After frying, coat the donuts in cinnamon sugar for an extra sweet kick.
Glazed Nutella Donuts: For a glossy finish, drizzle a chocolate glaze over the donuts before serving.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

If your donuts don’t come out as expected, don’t worry. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Donuts are too dense: This can happen if the dough wasn’t kneaded enough or didn’t rise properly.
Donuts are greasy: If your donuts are greasy, the oil was probably too cold. Always check the temperature of the oil before frying.

Serving and Storing Your Nutella Donuts

Nutella donuts are best served fresh and warm. The Nutella filling is most delicious when it’s gooey and soft. However, if you have leftovers:

Storing: Store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week.
Reheating: Gently reheat the donuts in the microwave or oven to bring back their soft, gooey texture.

Final Thoughts

Nutella donuts are the ultimate indulgence, combining the softness of donuts with the rich, creamy flavor of Nutella. Whether you choose to fry or bake them, this recipe will bring joy to your kitchen and your taste buds. Don’t forget to experiment with different toppings, fillings, and coatings to make them your own!

Check the homepage for more delicious food recipes, creative meal ideas, and simple desserts that you can make at home.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nutella Donuts

Here is the list of FAQs:

What are Nutella donuts?

Nutella donuts are delicious, soft donuts filled with creamy Nutella spread. These indulgent treats combine the fluffy texture of a donut with the rich, hazelnut-chocolate flavor of Nutella, making them the perfect sweet snack or dessert.

Can I bake Nutella donuts instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake Nutella donuts for a lighter version. Simply fill a donut pan with your donut dough and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes. Baked donuts will be slightly lighter and fluffier than fried ones but still delicious!

How do I fill the donuts with Nutella?

After frying or baking the donuts, let them cool slightly, then fill them using a piping bag with Nutella. Gently insert the piping tip into the donut and squeeze the Nutella inside until filled. You can also cut a small hole in the side and spoon it in.

Can I make Nutella donuts ahead of time?

Nutella donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Simply let the dough rise in the fridge, then continue with the recipe the next day.

How do I store leftover Nutella donuts?

Store leftover Nutella donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can refrigerate them for up to a week, but it’s best to enjoy them within a couple of days to retain their fresh taste.

Can I use a different filling instead of Nutella?

Absolutely! While Nutella is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other fillings like fruit jams, chocolate ganache, or even a custard filling for a twist on the classic Nutella donut.

What oil is best for frying Nutella donuts?

For frying Nutella donuts, it’s best to use neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil. These oils have a high smoking point and won’t alter the flavor of your donuts, giving them a perfectly crispy texture without a greasy finish.