Name: Nutella Filled Baked Churro Donut Holes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 2 tablespoons canola oil; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1/2 cup milk; 1/3 cup Nutella, melted (plus extra for filling); 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing); 1/3 cup white granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 12 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love that perfect mix of crispy, soft, and gooey, this Nutella Filled Baked Churro Donut Holes Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine bite-sized donut holes with a golden churro exterior, coated in cinnamon sugar, and hiding a luscious Nutella filling on the inside. This treat brings together the best of two worlds: the warm, comforting flavors of churros and the irresistible creaminess of Nutella, all baked to perfection for a snack or dessert that feels special but is surprisingly simple to make at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a collection of small white bowls and dishes arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, each containing different baking ingredients. There are ten containers in total: one holds a smooth, shiny dark brown melted Nutella in the center; a large bowl at the top right is filled with white granulated sugar; a small bowl on the left has melted unsalted butter with a rich yellow color; another small bowl contains clear canola oil; a white bowl at the bottom left is filled with white all-purpose flour; a brown egg sits in a tiny white bowl close to center left; a bowl with white baking soda and another with white baking powder lay nearby; a small white dish has fine salt, and the last bowl contains ground cinnamon with a light brown powdery texture. Each bowl is cleanly presented with the ingredients carefully placed inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients; each one plays a key role in creating the light texture and delightful flavors of these Nutella filled treats. From the simple pantry staples to the star ingredient Nutella, every element has purpose and promise.

Flour (1 cup): The foundation for the dough, providing structure without heaviness.
White granulated sugar (2 tablespoons + 1/3 cup): Adds just the right touch of sweetness inside and coats the outside for that classic churrito sugar dusting.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps your donut holes rise perfectly, giving them a light, tender crumb.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the baking powder for that just-right lift and texture.
Canola oil (2 tablespoons): Keeps the batter moist and tender without overpowering flavor.
Large egg (1): Binds everything together beautifully for a silky batter.
Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds warm aromatic notes that elevate the whole experience.
Milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the batter smooth and helps achieve that fluffy softness.
Nutella (1/3 cup, melted): The decadent, gooey heart of these donut holes, bringing hazelnut-chocolate goodness.
Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon, melted): Brushed on after baking to help the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly.
Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Provides the classic churro flavor dusting that’s simply irresistible.

How to Make Nutella Filled Baked Churro Donut Holes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your 24-count mini muffin pan and spray it lightly with cooking oil spray. Then, use a paper towel to wipe off the excess spray—this ensures your donut holes come out clean and perfect, preventing any soggy bottoms.

Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda so the rise agents are evenly distributed. Create a little well in the center and pour in the canola oil, beaten egg, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk everything until your batter is perfectly smooth, lump-free, and ready to scoop.

Step 3: Bake the Donut Holes

Use about 2 teaspoons of batter per muffin hole, filling each to about three-quarters full. Pop the tray into your oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. After baking, let them cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Once your donut holes are cool enough to handle, brush each one lightly with melted butter. Next, toss them in a mix of cinnamon and sugar, coating every nook and cranny. This step gives them that iconic churro crunch and sweetness that pairs so well with the Nutella filling.

Step 5: Fill with Nutella

Fill a piping bag fitted with a narrow nozzle with the melted Nutella. Gently insert the tip into each donut hole and squeeze a little Nutella inside until the donut puffs up just a bit. Be careful not to overfill or the Nutella may spill out, but you want enough to enjoy that molten core with every bite.

How to Serve Nutella Filled Baked Churro Donut Holes Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a dark gray muffin tray filled with nine cups of smooth, light beige batter. Each cup is evenly filled just below the edge, with a creamy and slightly glossy texture on top. The batter's surface is smooth with gentle swirls, suggesting it was recently poured or stirred. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To amp up the presentation, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce on top. Fresh berries or a few crushed nuts can bring a lovely contrast of texture and subtle fruitiness that pairs beautifully with the rich Nutella filling.

Side Dishes

These donut holes pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee, chai latte, or even a glass of cold milk for a comforting snack. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or yogurt to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the churro donut holes in a glass jar layered with cinnamon sugar for a rustic dessert look. You can also stack them on skewers for fun, portable treats perfect for parties or family gatherings. Another idea is to serve them warm in a decorative bowl with a side of Nutella dipping sauce for double the indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Nutella Filled Baked Churro Donut Holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to retain their fresh texture and chocolate gooeyness. Beyond that, they might start to dry out, so plan to enjoy them soon after baking!

Freezing

These donut holes freeze really well. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When stored properly, they’ll stay delicious for up to one month.

Reheating

To enjoy your donut holes warm again, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture rubbery, but warming gently in the oven keeps that soft, cakey feel and melty Nutella center intact.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cinnamon sugar instead of making my own?

Absolutely! Store-bought cinnamon sugar works just fine and saves time, but mixing your own lets you adjust the cinnamon-to-sugar ratio to your personal taste, which is a simple way to customize your churro donut holes.

Is it possible to make these donut holes without Nutella?

You can leave out Nutella for plain cinnamon sugar donut holes, or try filling them with other spreads like peanut butter, fruit preserves, or cream cheese frosting to switch up flavors.

Can I use a different oil instead of canola oil?

Yes, vegetable oil, melted coconut oil, or even light olive oil can work as a substitute. Just be mindful of the flavor profile, as some oils can add a noticeable taste.

Are these donut holes gluten-free?

With all-purpose flour in the recipe, these aren’t gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking, but results might vary a bit in texture.

How do I prevent Nutella from leaking out during filling?

Use a small amount of Nutella at a time and fill gradually until the donut puffs up slightly. Overfilling can cause leakage, so patience and a steady hand with the piping bag are key!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough giving this Nutella Filled Baked Churro Donut Holes Recipe a try—you’re going to fall in love with the delightful combination of fluffy baked dough, that cinnamon sugar coat, and surprise creamy Nutella center. They’re perfect for quick snacks, parties, or whenever you need a little homemade indulgence. So grab your ingredients and get baking; your taste buds are in for something truly special!