If you are a fan of rich, chocolatey treats with a delightful twist, this Baked Nutella Donuts Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. These homemade donuts boast a perfectly tender crumb infused with hazelnut chocolate goodness, then topped with a luscious Nutella glaze, a white chocolate drizzle, and a sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts for that perfect crunch. It’s a comforting, indulgent snack or breakfast that smells like a dream and tastes even better, blending familiar flavors into a treat that feels both special and effortlessly cozy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a group of ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are ten containers and one egg: a large clear bowl filled with white flour, a white bowl with cubed pale yellow butter, a white bowl with a few pieces of white chocolate, a white cup with dark brown chocolate spread, a white bowl with whole hazelnuts, a white bowl with light brown sugar, a white bowl with dark brown cocoa powder, a white bowl with white granulated sugar, a small bottle of vanilla extract, and a white bowl with milk. The brown egg is placed in the middle of the containers. The colors range from white, brown, to yellow, showing a mix of dry and creamy textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this Baked Nutella Donuts Recipe means gathering just a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that magically come together to create something spectacular. Each component plays a crucial role — from the egg that binds the dough to the cocoa powder adding a subtle richness, and of course, plenty of Nutella to inject that signature hazelnut-chocolate flavor into every bite.

  • 1 large egg: Acts as the glue to hold the batter together, ensuring a tender texture.
  • 80 ml (¼ cup + 1 tbsp) milk: Adds moisture for a soft, fluffy donut base.
  • 50 g (2 tbsp + 2 tsp) Nutella: The star ingredient that infuses the batter with creamy hazelnut-chocolate flavor.
  • 1 tsp vanilla: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the taste.
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and helps keep the donuts moist.
  • 135 g (¾ cup + 3 tbsp) plain (all purpose) flour: The sturdy foundation for the donut’s structure.
  • 15 g (2 tbsp + 1 tsp) cocoa powder: Lends a deep chocolate note that balances the Nutella’s sweetness.
  • 65 g (¼ cup + 1 tbsp) brown sugar: Adds warmth and a hint of caramel flavor for complexity.
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder: Helps the donuts rise and maintain a light texture.
  • 0.5 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda): Works alongside the baking powder for perfect lift and softness.
  • 0.5 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.
  • 180 g (½ cup + 2 tbsp) Nutella, warmed up: For the luscious glaze that coats the donut tops.
  • 15 g (2 tbsp) white chocolate, melted: Adds a pretty, sweet drizzle for contrast.
  • Chopped toasted hazelnuts: The crunchy finish that adds texture and nutty flavor.

How to Make Baked Nutella Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by brushing your donut pan with melted butter to ensure the donuts won’t stick and come out perfectly formed. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F), which gives the donuts the right environment for a wonderful rise and golden finish.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl or jug, beat the egg with the milk, vanilla, and Nutella until smooth and well combined. Slowly drizzle in the melted butter while whisking, creating a smooth, glossy mixture. This blend is what makes the donuts moist and infused with that unmistakable Nutella flavor.

Step 3: Sift and Combine the Dry Ingredients

Next, sift together the plain flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures your batter will be free from lumps and evenly mixed, essential for a tender crumb and consistent bake.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet Nutella mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined and the batter is smooth — overmixing can toughen the donuts, so patience pays off here. For easy portioning, transfer the batter into a piping bag.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan and Bake

Pipe or spoon the batter into the donut pan cavities, filling each about two-thirds full to leave room for rising. Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 9 to 10 minutes. The donuts are ready when they spring back lightly to the touch and a skewer inserted comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan briefly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Glaze and Decorate Your Donuts

While the donuts cool, warm the extra Nutella until it’s thick but pourable — this will be your glossy glaze. Dip the tops of each cooled donut carefully to cover them in the luscious spread, then place them back on the rack. Drizzle with melted white chocolate and finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped toasted hazelnuts for a perfect textural and visual contrast.

How to Serve Baked Nutella Donuts Recipe

A chocolate donut with a dark brown, smooth, shiny chocolate glaze covers the top, sitting on a soft, dense chocolate cake base. Three lines of white drizzle run across the top layer, with a small pile of chopped light brown hazelnuts placed over the white drizzle near one side. Around the donut, there are scattered hazelnut pieces and blurred similar donuts in the background on a white marbled surface. A few blobs of chocolate with white drizzle are also spread near the donut. The overall look is rich, smooth, and layered with chocolate and nuts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To really elevate your Baked Nutella Donuts Recipe, consider garnishing with extra chopped hazelnuts or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These little touches bring out the hazelnut’s roasted richness and add dimension to each bite.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a creamy latte, or even a glass of cold milk. The comforting liquids complement the sweet, nutty flavors perfectly and make for a delightful treat any time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, arrange your donuts on a pretty platter with fresh berries and edible flowers, or stack them in a tempting donut tower at a brunch or party. You can also serve them with small bowls of Nutella or whipped cream for dipping — because who says you can’t double down on indulgence?

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Baked Nutella Donuts Recipe (though it’s unlikely), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and ready to enjoy without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked and cooled donuts before glazing. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. When ready to devour, thaw completely and then glaze and decorate for the freshest experience.

Reheating

To bring your donuts back to life, warm them gently in a microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven for 5 minutes. This softens them up and enhances the melted Nutella glaze’s decadence, making every bite taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use a different chocolate spread instead of Nutella?

Absolutely! While Nutella’s unique hazelnut flavor is central to this recipe, you can swap in another chocolate-hazelnut spread or a plain chocolate spread if you prefer. It will still be delicious, just slightly different in taste.

Do I need a special donut pan to make these?

A donut pan helps create the classic donut shape and makes baking easier, but if you don’t have one, you could use a muffin tin for individual treats or try shaping the dough by hand, although baking times may vary.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

This version includes eggs, butter, and milk, so it’s not vegan as is. However, you could experiment with plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg substitute like flaxseed meal to make it vegan-friendly, though texture and flavor might differ slightly.

How do I know when the donuts are fully baked?

The best test is to gently press the donut tops — they should bounce back. Also, insert a skewer or toothpick; it should come out clean without batter sticking. Baking slightly longer rather than shorter ensures a tender, not gooey, crumb.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it includes a binding agent like xanthan gum for best results, and keep an eye on the doneness as gluten-free baking times can differ.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried this Baked Nutella Donuts Recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought donuts again. The ease of baking these at home paired with the rich, comforting flavors makes them a true crowd-pleaser. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this unforgettable blend of chocolate, hazelnuts, and melt-in-your-mouth dough. You deserve every decadent bite.

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Baked Nutella Donuts Recipe

Baked Nutella Donuts Recipe


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4 from 12 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 10 donuts

Description

These Baked Nutella Donuts are a deliciously moist and chocolatey treat, combining the rich flavor of Nutella with a soft cocoa-flavored donut base. Baked instead of fried, these donuts are lighter but still full of indulgence, topped with a Nutella glaze, white chocolate drizzle, and crunchy toasted hazelnuts for texture and extra flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a decadent snack.


Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 large egg
  • 80 ml (¼ cup + 1 tbsp) milk
  • 50 g (2 tbsp + 2 tsp) Nutella
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Dry Ingredients

  • 135 g (¾ cup + 3 tbsp) plain (all purpose) flour
  • 15 g (2 tbsp + 1 tsp) cocoa powder
  • 65 g (¼ cup + 1 tbsp) brown sugar
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
  • 0.5 tsp salt

Toppings

  • 180 g (½ cup + 2 tbsp) Nutella, warmed up
  • 15 g (2 tbsp) white chocolate, melted
  • Chopped toasted hazelnuts


Instructions

  1. Prepare the pan and oven. Brush the donut pan generously with melted butter to prevent sticking and set aside. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s at the right temperature as you prepare the batter.
  2. Mix wet ingredients. In a small bowl or jug, whisk together the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and 50 g Nutella until smooth and well combined. Gradually drizzle in the melted butter while whisking continuously to create a smooth wet batter mixture.
  3. Sift and combine dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and prevents lumps.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Pour the wet Nutella mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined and the batter is smooth, taking care not to overmix. Transfer the batter into a piping bag if you prefer a neater way to fill the donut moulds.
  5. Fill the donut pan and bake. Spoon or pipe the batter into each cavity of the prepared donut pan, filling no more than two-thirds full to allow room for rising. Bake in the preheated oven for 9-10 minutes, or until the donuts are springy to the touch and a skewer inserted comes out clean.
  6. Cool the donuts. Allow the donuts to cool for a few minutes in the pan, then carefully remove them and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
  7. Prepare the topping. Gently warm the remaining 180 g of Nutella to a thick but pourable consistency—this can be done by microwaving in short bursts or using a double boiler, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  8. Glaze and decorate. Dip the top of each cooled donut into the warmed Nutella spread to coat it evenly. Place the donuts back on the wire rack, drizzle some melted white chocolate over part of each donut, and sprinkle with chopped toasted hazelnuts for added crunch and flavor.
  9. Serve and enjoy. Let the glaze set briefly, then enjoy these indulgent yet baked donuts fresh for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Warming Nutella gently helps achieve a smooth, pourable glaze without breaking the spread.
  • If you don’t have a piping bag, a spoon works to fill the donut pan, but piping gives a neater, more even shape.
  • Ensure not to overfill the donut pans to avoid overflow during baking.
  • Donuts are best eaten the day they’re made but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
  • To toast hazelnuts, spread them on a baking tray and roast at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally for even toasting.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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