If you have a sweet tooth and a love for everything chocolaty and nutty, this Baked Nutella Donuts Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. These donuts are delightfully soft and tender, with the rich, creamy flavor of Nutella woven right into the batter and an irresistible Nutella glaze that adds an extra layer of indulgence. Best of all, they’re baked instead of fried, making them lighter but still incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making a special breakfast, brunch, or just craving something sweet to brighten your day, this recipe hits all the right notes with minimum fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You'll Need
The ingredients for these donuts are simple, easy to find, and each one plays an important role in creating that perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the tangy buttermilk that keeps the crumb tender, to the Nutella that infuses the dough with decadence, every item is essential for fantastic results.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed to hold the donuts together without being too dense.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the donuts rise perfectly for a light texture.
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
- ⅓ cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang that complements the sweetness.
- ¼ cup Nutella: The star ingredient, infusing the donut batter with creamy hazelnut and chocolate bliss.
- ⅓ cup brown sugar: Brings natural caramel notes and added moisture.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted and slightly cooled: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and helps with rise and texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor and complements Nutella beautifully.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Essential for making the smooth glaze that tops the donuts.
- 2 tablespoons Nutella: For the glaze, to double down on that luscious hazelnut chocolate flavor.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (or more as needed): Used to thin out the glaze just right for dipping.
How to Make Baked Nutella Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. This is the perfect temperature to bake donuts gently and evenly. Make sure to spray your donut pan generously with a non-stick cooking spray to avoid any sticky situations after baking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt. These basics work together to give the donuts their perfect rise and texture while keeping them tender.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the tangy buttermilk, Nutella, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, luscious batter. This sweet and creamy mixture is what makes these donuts truly special.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here to keep the donuts soft and fluffy. The batter should be slightly thick but still spoonable.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each donut cavity about ⅔ to ¾ full. This allows room for the donuts to expand as they bake without spilling over. Expect to fill around 9-10 donuts; if your pan holds six, you’ll need to bake in two batches.
Step 6: Bake the Donuts
Bake the donuts at 350°F for 9 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Nutella Glaze
Mix powdered sugar, Nutella, and 2 tablespoons of milk in a bowl until smooth and glossy. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk to thin or powdered sugar to thicken. The goal is a dip-able glaze that will coat the donuts perfectly.
Step 8: Glaze the Donuts
Set a piece of foil under your wire rack to catch drips. Dip the top of each donut into the glaze, letting the excess drip off, then place them back on the rack. Let the glaze harden for 10 to 15 minutes for that irresistible shine and sweet finish.
How to Serve Baked Nutella Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
These donuts taste amazing on their own, but a sprinkle of crushed toasted hazelnuts, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even a few mini chocolate chips adds a delightful crunch and makes the presentation pop. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a drizzle of melted white chocolate adds a beautiful contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair your Baked Nutella Donuts Recipe with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For breakfast, serve alongside a hot latte or rich espresso to elevate the whole experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the donuts on a pretty cake stand for a brunch table centerpiece or arrange them in a donut tower for a party. For individual servings, wrap each donut in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon – perfect for gifting or taking to a potluck.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover baked Nutella donuts fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to two days, making it easy to enjoy them over the next couple of mornings or as quick snacks.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these donuts if you want to prepare in advance. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring frozen or stored donuts back to life, warm them gently in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven for a few minutes. This helps soften the donuts and revives that lovely freshly baked flavor. Avoid overheating or they may dry out.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice per ⅓ cup milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic the acidity and tang of buttermilk, which helps tenderize the donuts.
What if I don’t have a donut pan?
If you don’t have a donut pan, you can bake this batter in a muffin tin, though the shape will be more traditional muffins than donuts. Just reduce baking time slightly and keep an eye on them so they don’t over-brown.
Can I make these donuts vegan?
With some ingredient swaps like flax eggs, plant-based milk, and vegan butter or oil, you can experiment to make a vegan version, but Nutella itself contains dairy, so you might want to use a dairy-free chocolate-hazelnut spread instead.
How long will the glaze stay fresh?
The Nutella glaze tends to set quickly and tastes best the day the donuts are made. If stored in an airtight container, glazed donuts can keep for about one day before the glaze may start to lose its shine and texture.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter?
Absolutely! Adding mini chocolate chips or chopped hazelnuts to the batter before baking will add fun texture and enhance the flavors. Just fold them in gently to avoid overmixing.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Nutella Donuts Recipe perfectly blends simplicity and indulgence, offering a homemade treat that feels special without the hassle. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a casual cook, these donuts are a wonderful way to bring Nutella’s creamy magic to your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try them and share the joy with friends and family!
Print
Baked Nutella Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 9-10 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Baked Nutella Donuts are a deliciously soft and moist treat featuring a rich Nutella-flavored batter topped with a smooth Nutella glaze. Baked to perfection in a donut pan, these donuts combine the classic comfort of a baked good with the iconic hazelnut chocolate spread, making them perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Donut Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ⅓ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup Nutella
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Nutella Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Nutella
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (or more as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the donuts do not stick. Set the pan aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt. This dry mixture is essential for the right texture and leavening of your donuts.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the buttermilk, Nutella, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a smooth batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the donuts tender and fluffy.
- Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter carefully into the donut cavities, filling each about two-thirds to three-quarters full. This recipe makes about 9-10 donuts; if using a 6-count donut pan, you will need to bake in two batches.
- Bake Donuts: Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 9-10 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the donuts to cool for about 5 minutes in the pan.
- Cool Donuts: After initial cooling, gently remove the donuts from the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps the glaze set properly.
- Prepare Nutella Glaze: In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, Nutella, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Whisk together until smooth. Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more milk if it's too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
- Glaze Donuts: Place a piece of foil underneath the wire rack for easy cleanup. Dip the tops of each cooled donut into the glaze, allowing any excess glaze to drip back onto the foil. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack.
- Set the Glaze: Let the glaze harden for 10-15 minutes at room temperature before serving. Enjoy your decadent, baked Nutella donuts!
Notes
- If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ⅓ cup milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Make sure not to overfill the donut pan to avoid spilling and uneven baking.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- These donuts can be reheated briefly in the microwave for a warm treat.
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