Description

These Nutella Filled Donuts are fluffy, tender, and golden fried to perfection. Filled with rich, creamy Nutella and coated in cinnamon sugar, they make an irresistible treat for breakfast, dessert, or anytime indulgence. The dough is enriched with buttermilk and a mix of bread and all-purpose flours, then proofed and fried for a light texture. Perfect for Nutella lovers craving a warm, gooey-filled donut.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

1 Cup (227g) Buttermilk, warmed to 105ºF
2 1/4 Tsp (7g) Active Dry Yeast
1/4 Cup + 1 Tsp (50g + 4g) Granulated White Sugar, divided
4 Tbsp (57g) Unsalted Butter, melted
2 Large Whole Eggs + 1 Yolk, room temp
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
2 Cups (240g) Bread Flour
2 Cups (240g) All-Purpose Flour
2 Tbsp Malted Milk Powder (optional)
1/2 Tsp Salt

For Frying

2 Quarts (1.89 liters) Frying Oil (canola, vegetable, or shortening)

Coating & Filling

1 Cup (200g) Granulated White Sugar
1 Tbsp Cinnamon
Nutella, for filling

Instructions

Bloom the Yeast: Combine active dry yeast, warm buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a measuring cup or bowl. Let it bloom for 8 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
Combine all Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, add all-purpose flour, bread flour, the frothy yeast mixture, remaining sugar, eggs, yolk, melted butter, vanilla extract, malted milk powder (if using), and salt.
Knead the Dough: Attach dough hook to stand mixer and knead on medium/high speed for about 15 minutes until the dough passes the windowpane test. Gradually add 1-2 tablespoons bread flour if dough is sticky.
Let Dough Rise: Form dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Divide the Dough: Gently deflate the dough and transfer to a floured surface. Divide into 14 equal pieces, about 65 to 70 grams each, measured with a kitchen scale for consistency.
Shape the Donuts: Flatten each piece to remove air bubbles, pinch edges, place seam side down, and use your hand in a relaxed claw shape to gently roll the dough in small circles until it tightens and top is smooth. Place each ball on a 4×4 inch parchment square on baking trays.
Proof the Donuts: Loosely cover with oiled plastic wrap and let rise for about 45 minutes until they pass the poke test (dough springing back slowly).
Prepare Oil, Coating & Filling: With 20 minutes left of proofing, heat at least 2 inches of frying oil in a medium to large pot to 350ºF – 360ºF (176ºC – 182ºC). Prepare Nutella in a piping bag and mix cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl. Line two wire racks with paper towels for draining.
Fry the Donuts: Carefully transfer 2-3 donuts with the parchment into the hot oil. Remove the parchment after a few seconds with tongs. Fry donuts for 1 minute on each side, then flip and fry for an additional 45 seconds per side. Use a timer to ensure even frying.
Coat & Fill: Drain fried donuts on paper towel-lined racks, let cool slightly, then roll in cinnamon sugar. Use a chopstick or small knife to make a hole on the side and pipe Nutella filling generously inside. Serve warm and enjoy immediately!

Notes

You can knead the dough by hand if you do not have a stand mixer, kneading for approximately 20 minutes until smooth and elastic.
The windowpane test involves stretching a small piece of dough until thin enough to let light through without tearing, indicating proper gluten development.
The poke test is done by gently pressing the dough with a finger; if the indentation slowly springs back, the dough is properly proofed.
Malted milk powder is optional but adds an extra depth of flavor and browning to the donuts.
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola, vegetable, or shortening to ensure safe frying at the correct temperature.
Ensure oil temperature stays consistent between 350°F and 360°F to achieve a golden and non-greasy donut.
Filling with Nutella is best done after frying to maintain the warm creamy texture inside the donut.

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Nutella donuts, fried donuts, filled donuts, homemade donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts