Get ready for a sweet treat that’s quick and easy! Nutella filled donut holes are the perfect dessert or snack. Imagine biting into soft, fluffy donuts filled with creamy Nutella, coated in powdered sugar. It's a delightful experience for your taste buds. Follow along as I share simple steps and expert tips to make these yummy goodies in no time. Let’s dive into this tasty adventure!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Filling: The warm, gooey Nutella filling makes every bite a delightful experience that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for both novice and experienced bakers, making it a fun activity to share with family and friends.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, a party, or a cozy weekend treat, these donut holes are sure to impress and satisfy.
- Customizable Delight: You can easily switch up the filling or toppings, allowing you to create unique variations that cater to different tastes.
Ingredients
To make Nutella filled donut holes, gather the following:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup Nutella or hazelnut spread
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
These ingredients create a soft, tasty dough. The Nutella adds a creamy, sweet center. Each item plays a key role in the donut's flavor and texture. For example, flour gives structure, while sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder and baking soda help the donut holes rise. Cinnamon adds a warm spice note.
Choose high-quality Nutella for the best flavor. You can also use a different hazelnut spread if you prefer. The oil should be hot enough for frying but not smoking. This ensures that the donut holes cook evenly.
Have fun with these ingredients; they are simple yet effective.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- Whisk together dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Make sure it's well combined for even taste.
- Mix wet ingredients separately: In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup milk, 2 eggs, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Stir until mixed well.
- Combine and chill the dough: Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir just until combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps the dough hold its shape.
Shaping and Filling
- Roll out dough and cut circles: After chilling, place the dough on a floured surface. Roll it to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a small round cutter to cut circles, about 1.5 inches wide.
- Spoon Nutella onto dough circles: On half of the dough circles, add about 1/2 teaspoon of Nutella in the center.
- Seal edges to form donut holes: Place another dough circle on top of each filled one. Pinch the edges tightly to seal. This keeps the Nutella inside while frying.
Frying the Donut Holes
- Heat oil and check temperature: In a deep pan, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat. Aim for 350°F (180°C). Use a thermometer to check.
- Fry donut holes until golden brown: Carefully add a few donut holes to the hot oil. Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should be golden brown.
- Drain and dust with powdered sugar: Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil. Place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. While warm, roll the donut holes in powdered sugar for a sweet touch.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Dough
- Avoid overmixing the dough: Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients blend. Overmixing makes the dough tough, not fluffy.
- Ideal thickness for rolling: Roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. This thickness ensures the donut holes puff up nicely while frying.
Frying Tips
- Maintaining oil temperature: Heat the oil to 350°F (180°C). Use a thermometer to check. If the oil is too hot, the outsides burn before the insides cook. If it's too cool, the donuts soak up oil and get greasy.
- Cooking in batches for even frying: Fry only a few donut holes at a time. This method helps keep the oil temperature steady, giving you golden and crispy results.
Serving Suggestions
- Creative presentation ideas: Serve the donut holes in a decorative bowl. You can also place them on a cake stand for a fun look. Drizzle melted chocolate over them for a fancy touch.
- Pairing with beverages or sides: These donut holes taste great with coffee or hot chocolate. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps the donut holes maintain their shape while frying.
- Fry in Batches: Fry only a few donut holes at a time to prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts.
- Check Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at the right temperature (350°F or 180°C) for perfectly golden and crispy donut holes.
- Dust While Warm: Coat the donut holes in powdered sugar while they're still warm for better adherence and a delightful sugary finish.
Variations
Flavor Additions
You can make these donut holes even better. Add spices like nutmeg or vanilla to the dough. These spices give a warm flavor that pairs well with Nutella. You can also try using different fillings. Imagine a donut hole with peanut butter instead of Nutella. The creamy texture of peanut butter is a great choice. You could even mix in chocolate chips for a more decadent treat.
Alternative Coatings
The outside of your donut holes is just as fun as the inside. Instead of powdered sugar, roll them in cinnamon sugar. This gives a sweet and spicy taste. You can also drizzle melted chocolate sauce over the tops. This adds a rich layer of flavor. It's a great way to make your treat look fancy.
Healthier Options
Want a lighter version? Try oven-baking instead of frying. This makes the donut holes less oily, but still tasty. You can also use a sugar substitute in the dough. This way, you cut down on calories while keeping the sweetness. Both of these options make it easier to enjoy your favorite treat guilt-free.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your donut holes fresh, use airtight containers. This will help them stay soft and tasty. Place them in a single layer if you can. If you stack them, add parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Make sure to seal the container well. Store them at room temperature for up to two days.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze donut holes for later use. First, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until they are solid, about one to two hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last for about three months in the freezer.
To reheat, place them in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 10 minutes. This will help restore their soft texture. You can also microwave them for about 15 seconds, but this may make them a bit chewy. Enjoy your Nutella-filled treats whenever you want!
FAQs
How to make Nutella-filled donut holes from scratch?
To make Nutella-filled donut holes, you start with simple steps. First, mix dry ingredients like flour, sugar, and baking powder in a bowl. In another bowl, mix milk, eggs, and melted butter. Combine both mixtures and chill the dough. Roll it out and cut circles. Fill half of the circles with Nutella and seal them. Heat oil to 350°F and fry the holes until golden. Dust them with powdered sugar and enjoy!
Can I bake these donut holes instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake these donut holes. Baking is healthier and easier. You avoid the mess of frying. However, baked donut holes may not be as fluffy. Frying gives a crispy texture and rich flavor. If you prefer baking, place filled donut holes on a baking sheet. Bake them at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes.
What are the best toppings for donut holes?
For toppings, powdered sugar is classic and sweet. You can also use melted chocolate for a rich touch. Try rolling them in cinnamon sugar for warmth. Adding sprinkles will make them fun and colorful. You could even drizzle caramel for an extra treat!
You learned how to make tasty Nutella-filled donut holes with simple steps. We covered ingredients, frying tips, and how to store or freeze them for later. Remember, you can customize flavors and toppings to make them your own. Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen! These sweet treats are sure to bring joy to any occasion. Happy cooking!