Nutella-Stuffed Heart Donuts

Name: Nutella-Stuffed Heart Donuts
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Oil for frying; 1 cup Nutella; Powdered sugar for dusting

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Recipes

I absolutely adore making these Nutella-Stuffed Heart Donuts, especially when I want to spread a little love! The fluffy donuts are simply irresistible when filled with creamy Nutella. They’re easy to make and perfect for special occasions, or just a sweet indulgence on a cozy weekend. Each bite delivers a burst of chocolatey goodness, and the heart shape adds a charming touch. It’s a delightful treat that brings smiles to everyone's faces, including mine, and I can't wait to share this recipe with you!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-16T13:30:29.802Z

When I first attempted to create these Nutella-Stuffed Heart Donuts, I wanted something that combined my love for donuts with a decadent chocolate treat. The soft and airy dough perfectly complements the rich Nutella filling, creating a dreamy experience. I’ve realized that letting the donuts rest after frying makes them even fluffier, which I highly recommend.

In my trials, I experimented with different fillings, but nothing beats the classic creamy Nutella. If you want an even more unique twist, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top after glazing to elevate the flavors. Trust me; it makes all the difference!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent Nutella filling that oozes with each bite
Soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfectly cute heart shape for any occasion

      

Dough Development for Perfect Texture

The success of these Nutella-Stuffed Heart Donuts relies heavily on the dough preparation. It's crucial to combine the dry ingredients thoroughly before introducing the wet ones, ensuring even yeast activation and consistent texture. Kneading the dough until it's smooth and elastic will help to develop the gluten, which is what gives donuts their delightful chewiness. If the dough feels sticky, a sprinkle of flour while kneading can help, but be cautious not to add too much or it can lead to dense donuts.

After mixing, allowing the dough to rise in a warm environment is essential. The ideal temperature for rising is around 75°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C). A good visual cue to know when the dough has risen enough is when it has doubled in size, which typically takes about an hour. If you’re short on time, a slightly warmer spot, like near a preheating oven (turned off), can accelerate this process. Patience here pays off, leading to a fluffy final product.

Frying for Optimal Crispiness

When frying the donuts, maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) is crucial for achieving crispy, golden edges. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown quickly on the outside but remain raw inside; too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil and become greasy. A thermometer is helpful here—this ensures consistent results every time. Fry in small batches to prevent the temperature from dropping too much, which can also affect texture.

Use a slotted spoon to gently flip the donuts during frying, keeping them submerged for even cooking. The frying time of 2-3 minutes per side offers a pleasant balance of golden exterior and plush interior. Once fried, place them on paper towels immediately to absorb excess oil; this removes any potential greasiness and enhances the overall experience.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

For the Doughnuts

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Oil for frying

For the Filling and Topping

1 cup Nutella
Powdered sugar for dusting

Make sure to have everything measured out to make the process easier!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your delicious donuts:

Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and knead the dough until smooth.

Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.

Shape the Donuts

Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cutter to cut out donuts and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let them rest for an additional 30 minutes.

Fry the Donuts

Heat oil in a deep fryer or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Fill the Donuts

Once the donuts are cool, use a piping bag to fill them with Nutella through a small hole in the side. Be generous with the filling for a decadent treat!

Serve and Enjoy

Dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar and serve them warm. Enjoy the deliciousness with friends and family!

Remember not to overfill the donuts to avoid mess!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, try adding a dash of cinnamon to the dough for warm, spice notes.

Creative Variations

These Nutella-Stuffed Donuts are a fun base for all sorts of creative fillings! If you're feeling adventurous, consider swapping out Nutella for various other spreads like peanut butter, cookie butter, or even a fruit jam for a tangy twist. Each filling provides a new flavor experience, perfect for those looking to try something unique. Also, feel free to decorate the donuts with sprinkles or shaved chocolate for an extravagant touch.

Another delightful variation is to incorporate spices into the dough. Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can infuse your donuts with warm aromatics, elevating them for seasonal occasions like fall or winter festivities.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store them, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep well for up to two days, but the texture may begin to decline. For longer storage, you can freeze them—just ensure they are completely cooled and well-wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag. Frozen donuts will retain their quality for up to a month.

To enjoy frozen donuts, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes. If you prefer them warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to revive their softness and get a slightly crispy exterior before serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another filling instead of Nutella?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite chocolate spread or even fruit jams.

→ How do I store leftover donuts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

→ Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, but they won’t have the same crispy texture.

→ Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe?

You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives and replace eggs with flaxseed meal.