Few things compare to the joy of biting into a warm, pillowy donut only to discover a rich, gooey Nutella center. These Nutella Stuffed Baked Donuts are the ultimate indulgence, combining the soft fluffiness of homemade donuts with the decadence of creamy hazelnut chocolate spread. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these are baked to golden perfection, making them slightly lighter while still delivering that melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction.

Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast spread, or just to treat yourself on a cozy afternoon, these baked donuts are guaranteed to impress. Every bite bursts with the comforting flavors of chocolate and hazelnut, paired with a soft, buttery dough that’s irresistible.

The best part? You don’t need a deep fryer or fancy equipment—just your oven, simple ingredients, and of course, a generous amount of Nutella. If you’ve been craving a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, these Nutella stuffed baked donuts are exactly what you need.

Why You’ll Love These Nutella Stuffed Baked Donuts

• Soft, pillowy texture that rivals fried donuts
• Filled with gooey, melty Nutella for the ultimate treat
• Baked instead of fried—less mess, no splattering oil
• Easy to make with basic pantry ingredients
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert

Ingredients for Nutella Stuffed Baked Donuts

For the Dough

• 100 grams warm milk
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 8 grams active dry yeast
• 260 grams all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 30 grams soft butter
• 40 grams granulated sugar

For the Filling

• 200 grams milk chocolate chips
• 150 grams Nutella

For the Finish

• 1 egg (egg wash)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a bowl, mix the warm milk with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures the yeast is alive and ready to help the dough rise.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and egg. Add the yeast mixture and begin mixing until the dough comes together. Knead in the softened butter until the dough is smooth and elastic. This may take about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Donuts

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions (about 10–12 pieces). Flatten each portion into a small disc, add a few milk chocolate chips in the center, then seal the dough tightly to enclose the filling. Roll into smooth balls.

Step 5: Second Rise

Place the shaped donuts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover lightly and let rise for another 30–40 minutes until puffy.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the tops of the donuts with beaten egg wash for a golden finish. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown on top.

Step 7: Fill with Nutella

Once baked, let the donuts cool slightly. Using a piping bag fitted with a round tip, inject Nutella into the center of each donut. Don’t be shy—generous filling is what makes these donuts heavenly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm for the ultimate gooey experience, or let them cool completely for a soft, chocolaty snack later.

Pro Tips for Success

• Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, when activating the yeast. Too hot and it will kill the yeast, too cold and it won’t activate.
• Seal the dough tightly when shaping to prevent the chocolate chips from melting out while baking.
• Don’t skip the second rise—it’s what gives the donuts their fluffy, airy texture.
• For extra indulgence, roll the warm baked donuts in cinnamon sugar before filling with Nutella.

Variations

• Nutella & Banana Donuts – Add a small slice of banana inside before sealing the dough for a chocolate-banana surprise.
• Nutella Cream Cheese Donuts – Mix Nutella with a little softened cream cheese for a tangy twist.
• White Chocolate Hazelnut Donuts – Swap the milk chocolate chips for white chocolate for a different flavor balance.
• Holiday Donuts – Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a festive touch.

Perfect Pairings

These baked donuts are versatile and pair well with:

• A hot cappuccino or latte
• Cold milk for a classic treat
• Hot cocoa topped with whipped cream
• A fruit salad for a balanced brunch spread

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Room Temperature: Store cooled donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm donuts in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to revive their softness.
• Freezing: Freeze unfilled donuts in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before piping in fresh Nutella.
• Make-Ahead: The dough can be prepared a day in advance and left to rise overnight in the refrigerator.

FAQs

Can I fry these donuts instead of baking?
Yes, you can fry them in hot oil at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, but baking makes them lighter and easier.

Do I need a piping bag for the Nutella?
A piping bag works best, but you can also use a plastic bag with the corner snipped off.

Can I use homemade hazelnut spread instead of Nutella?
Absolutely! Homemade hazelnut spread works beautifully in this recipe.

Why didn’t my donuts rise properly?
The yeast may not have activated fully, or the dough may have been in a spot that was too cold. Always check your yeast first.

Nutrition Facts (per donut, approx.)

• Calories: 280
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 120mg

Conclusion

Nutella Stuffed Baked Donuts are everything you want in a dessert: soft, fluffy dough paired with rich, gooey Nutella. Baking them instead of frying makes the process simpler and less messy, but the result is every bit as indulgent. Perfect for sharing—or not!—these donuts are a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to bake again and again. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they bring joy in every bite.