There are few pleasures in life greater than biting into a warm, pillowy donut that’s absolutely bursting with creamy Nutella. If you’re a chocolate lover or a devoted donut fanatic, these Nutella Donuts will quickly become the stuff of dreams. They’re golden and fluffy on the outside, sugar-dusted, and filled to the brim with that unmistakably rich, hazelnutty chocolate goodness. Whether waking up a sluggish weekend or dazzling friends at a brunch, this recipe will have everyone smiling (and maybe licking their fingers).

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple ingredients can create Nutella Donuts that taste like they’re straight from a Parisian bakery! Every single item on this list pulls its weight: from the yeast lending rise and fluff, to Nutella bringing that glorious, silky filling. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why.

Active dry yeast (3 tablespoons): The true secret to incredibly airy, soft donuts. Make sure it’s fresh for the dreamiest results.
Warm water (1 cup, 105 degrees F): The perfect temperature helps get your yeast all bubbly and happy.
Sugar for proofing (1 tablespoon): Gives yeast something to munch on, guaranteeing a frothy start.
Salt (2 teaspoons): Essential for balancing the sweet flavors and deepening the overall taste.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds lightness and that irresistible tenderness to the dough.
Sugar for dough (1/2 cup): This stick-to-your-lips sweetness is what every homemade donut needs.
Bread flour (4 cups): Provides the structure you need for fluffy, elevated Nutella Donuts.
Shortening, butter-flavored preferred (1/4 cup): Adds that extended softness and classic donut chew.
Egg yolks (3): Rich and vibrant, these make your dough beautifully tender and golden.
Vanilla (1/2 teaspoon): For warmth and a little aromatic boost in every bite.
Peanut or light olive oil (for frying): Pick a neutral-flavored oil so the donuts stay light in flavor, not greasy.
Sugar for rolling (1 & 1/2 cups): Gives that iconic sweet crunchy coating to our finished Nutella Donuts.
LOTS OF NUTELLA: Can you ever really have too much? Be generous – the filling makes these unforgettable.

How to Make Nutella Donuts

Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast

Start by combining your active dry yeast, warm water (aim for 105 F), and a tablespoon of sugar in a large bowl or stand mixer. Let it hang out for about 5 to 10 minutes—you’re looking for a frothy, bubbly mixture that tells you your yeast is alive and ready for action. If it doesn’t get foamy, don’t proceed; your donuts deserve dreams of fluffiness!

Step 2: Prepare the Flour Mixture

While the yeast is getting cozy, whisk together salt, baking powder, half a cup of sugar, and your bread flour in a separate bowl. This step ensures that all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which leads to a better, more consistent dough.

Step 3: Enrich and Mix

Once your yeast is as foamy as a latte, stir in the shortening, egg yolks, and vanilla. Add about half of your dry flour mixture and combine with a wooden spoon until smooth. This step creates the dough’s initial structure and helps everything integrate before a more intense mixing.

Step 4: Finish the Dough

Switch to a dough hook if using a stand mixer, or simply a sturdy spoon and some elbow grease. Add the rest of the flour mixture and knead until the dough easily pulls away from the sides and isn’t too sticky. About two minutes does it—add a little extra flour if needed, but only if it’s really sticky.

Step 5: Let the Dough Rise

Grease a large bowl, shape your dough into a beautiful ball, and gently roll it so it’s coated. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a tea towel. Now, here’s a trick: place the bowl on the upper oven rack, then add a pan of boiling water to the bottom rack, close the oven, and let the dough rise for one hour. The steam gives these Nutella Donuts extra fluff factor!

Step 6: Punch Down and Shape

Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently, and knead a couple times on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to about a half-thumb thickness, then cut circles using a 2-1/2 inch biscuit cutter. Line up your cut dough on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space for rising.

Step 7: Second Rise

Repeat the oven steaming trick: return the trays to your oven and place that trusty pan of boiling water back in. This time, don’t cover the donuts. Let everything rise again for another 45 minutes until the Nutella Donuts look noticeably puffier and ready to fry.

Step 8: Fry to Golden Perfection

In a high-sided skillet, heat 1-1/2 to 2 inches of oil to 360-370 F. Carefully transfer your donuts into the oil, frying in batches—about 3 or 4 at a time depending on your pan size. Cook 30-45 seconds per side, flipping with tongs when golden. Be careful not to overcrowd them; you want even browning!

Step 9: Sugar Roll and Cooling

Set your freshly fried donuts on a paper bag or paper towels for just a few seconds, then immediately roll in sugar—generously! Place them on a cooling rack to set. The sugar sticks best while the donuts are still warm, so move quickly for prime crunch.

Step 10: Fill with Nutella

Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, use two toothpicks to poke a hole in the side of each donut and wiggle gently to form a cavity. Fill a piping bag (or zip-top bag with a snipped corner) with Nutella and squeeze it in until the donut feels plump and decadent. Go ahead and top with a little extra Nutella if you’re feeling wild—just know it’s optional!

How to Serve Nutella Donuts

Garnishes

For ultimate Nutella Donut glory, dust the tops with a little extra powdered sugar right before serving, or garnish with a swirl of Nutella piped onto the center. If you want to make them even fancier, sprinkle with chopped roasted hazelnuts for crunch and extra flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve these beauties with cold milk, creamy hot chocolate, or a strong cup of espresso. Fresh berries or a fruit salad on the side help cut the richness and make for a balanced, utterly drool-worthy spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile your Nutella Donuts high on a tiered cake stand for a striking centerpiece, or nestle each into a pretty cupcake wrapper for individual servings. If you’re feeling playful, poke a small skewer through each donut and serve “donut pops” at your next party—just be prepared for thunderous applause!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Nutella Donuts fresh, line a large airtight container with paper towels, arrange the donuts in a single layer, then cover and store at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed the first day, but will still be tasty for up to two days—though I rarely see them last that long.

Freezing

If you want to save a stash for future cravings, freeze unfilled donuts after frying and cooling. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature and fill with fresh Nutella for bakery-level donuts any time.

Reheating

For that just-fried magic, warm leftover Nutella Donuts in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or briefly in a low oven. They’ll regain their pillowy warmth and the filling will go blissfully melty—don’t skip this step!

FAQs

Can I make Nutella Donuts without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Mixing by hand takes a little muscle, but the process is just as rewarding. Use a sturdy wooden spoon and knead the dough on a floured surface until it comes together and feels springy.

Is it possible to bake instead of fry the donuts?

While frying gives you that classic texture, you can bake your Nutella Donuts at 375 F for about 12-15 minutes. They won’t have quite the same crispness, but will still turn out soft, fluffy, and delicious.

What if I don’t have bread flour?

All-purpose flour can substitute in a pinch. The texture might be a touch less chewy, but your Nutella Donuts will still come out amazing and flavorful.

How do I know when my oil is the right temperature?

A candy thermometer is super handy, but if you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough in the oil. If it bubbles and floats to the top quickly but doesn’t brown instantly, you’re in the sweet spot!

Can I fill my donuts with something other than Nutella?

Definitely—try raspberry jam, vanilla custard, or peanut butter for a fun twist. But really, Nutella Donuts are hard to beat in terms of pure, chocolatey joy.

Final Thoughts

These Nutella Donuts are the kind of treat people remember (and request again and again). They’re fluffy, rich, and a true crowd-pleaser—so don’t be surprised if they vanish in minutes. Share them with friends, family, or keep them to brighten up your own day. Once you try them, I promise you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe whenever those sweet cravings hit!