These soft, fluffy Nutella heart donuts are bursting with creamy chocolate hazelnut filling—so easy to make, delicious, and perfect for Valentine’s Day!
Nutella heart donuts are the ultimate Valentine’s Day dessert, perfect for sharing with someone special. These soft, fluffy donuts are shaped like hearts and filled with rich, creamy Nutella, making them an indulgent treat for any chocolate lover. Whether you’re planning a romantic breakfast, a sweet surprise, or just want to enjoy a homemade Nutella recipe, these donuts are easy to make and irresistibly delicious. The golden, pillowy dough pairs beautifully with the smooth Nutella filling, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Serve them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra Nutella for a picture-perfect Valentine’s Day recipe that’s sure to impress!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Perfect for Valentine’s Day – These Nutella heart donuts are a festive and romantic treat, making them ideal for sharing with someone special or indulging in a little self-love. They’re a delicious way to celebrate Valentine’s Day and make any meal feel special.
- Soft, fluffy, and filled with Nutella – The dough is light and airy, with a rich, creamy Nutella center that makes every bite irresistible. Whether fried or baked, the texture will keep you coming back for more.
- Easy to make at home – No need for a trip to the bakery. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, these homemade Nutella donuts come together effortlessly. You’ll love how easy it is to create such an indulgent treat from the comfort of your own kitchen.
- Fun and creative – The heart shape adds a special touch, making these Nutella heart donuts perfect for a Valentine’s Day breakfast, dessert, or even a homemade gift. They’re not only delicious but also a thoughtful, romantic way to celebrate the occasion.
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Last year, I posted a video of me and my sister making these Nutella heart donuts for Valentine’s Day, and it quickly became a hit! Everyone loved how they turned out, and we received so many requests for the recipe. However, when we sat down to post it on the website, we realized we had accidentally erased all the footage of the process—what a disaster! Since so many of you were asking for the Valentine’s Day recipe, we decided to recreate the whole thing and share it with you this year. These Nutella-filled donuts are perfect for a romantic dinner or a special breakfast treat, and I’m so excited to finally post the full recipe! If you’re looking for a homemade dessert to impress your loved one, these donuts are definitely the way to go.
Ingredients you need for Nutella Heart Donuts:
- Warm water – Activates the yeast, helping the dough rise for light and fluffy Nutella heart donuts.
- Active dry yeast – Essential for creating soft, airy donuts with the perfect texture.
- Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness and helps feed the yeast for a better rise.
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure while keeping the dough soft and tender.
- Milk – Enhances moisture and richness, giving the donuts a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Egg – Adds structure and helps bind the ingredients together for a smooth, elastic dough.
- Softened butter – Contributes to a soft, rich, and buttery flavor, making these Valentine’s Day donuts even more irresistible.
- Nutella – The star of the filling, bringing a creamy, chocolate hazelnut center to every bite.
- Ground cinnamon – For coating, it adds a warm, aromatic flavor to finish off these Nutella-filled donuts perfectly.
Make Nutella donuts using different yeast options:
If you’d like to use fresh yeast instead of active dry yeast, you’ll need 11 grams of fresh yeast, which is roughly 2.5 times the amount of active dry yeast. Crumble the fresh yeast into the warm water with sugar, just like you would with active dry yeast, and let it dissolve before mixing it into the dough.
This recipe is made with active dry yeast, but if you’re using instant yeast, you can use the same quantity—1 ½ teaspoons—and simply mix it with the dry ingredients without the resting step.
Equipment for Nutella Heart Donuts:
- Stand mixer – For effortless dough kneading and smooth consistency.
- Food scale – To measure ingredients accurately for the perfect texture.
- Rolling pin – Helps flatten the dough evenly.
- Heart-shaped cutter – To create those adorable heart shapes.
- Frying pan or deep fryer – For frying the donuts to golden perfection.
- Pastry bag – To pipe Nutella into the center of the donuts.
- Slotted spoon – To safely remove the donuts from the hot oil without making a mess.
Tips for Perfect Nutella Heart Donuts:
- Avoid adding too much flour – Adding extra flour will make the dough tough, resulting in dense donuts.
- Get the oil temperature just right – The oil should be hot, but not smoking. If the oil is too cold, the donuts will absorb excess oil; if it’s too hot, the outside will burn while the inside stays raw. A medium heat works best for perfect frying.
- Use paper towels to absorb excess oil – After frying, place your donuts on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any leftover oil. This helps keep your Nutella heart donuts light and not greasy.
- Coat immediately while hot and moist – The sugar-cinnamon coating sticks best when the donuts are still warm and moist. If you wait too long, the coating won’t adhere properly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – Only fry a few donuts at a time. If you have a large pan, 3 or 4 donuts can fry at once, but in a smaller pan, it’s best to fry just one at a time to prevent overcrowding and uneven cooking.
- Use a deep frying pan or deep fryer – For the donuts to cook evenly, make sure your pan has enough oil and is deep enough for them to float while frying. This ensures your Valentine’s Day donuts fry perfectly on all sides.
Common Mistakes when making donuts and How to Avoid Them:
— Burnt bottom of the donut – This happens when the pan is too small and doesn’t have enough oil. Ensure your pan has enough oil for the donuts to float and cook evenly. If the oil level is too low, the donuts will burn on the bottom while remaining raw inside.
— Raw donuts but golden brown on the outside – When the oil is too hot, the donuts cook too quickly on the outside but remain raw inside. Keep the oil at a medium heat to allow the donuts to cook through evenly, avoiding this common mistake.
— Too dense – This usually happens when you add extra flour or haven’t kneaded and proofed the dough long enough. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, and make sure to let it proof until it doubles in size for light, fluffy Nutella heart donuts.
— Too greasy – If the oil is too cold, the donuts will absorb excess oil and become greasy. Always check the oil temperature to ensure it’s not too hot or too cold. A thermometer can help keep it at the perfect temperature for frying.
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Variations and Substitutions for Nutella Heart Donuts:
Shape and Size Options:
Feel free to get creative with the shape of the donuts! While these Nutella-filled donuts are perfect in a heart shape for Valentine’s Day, you can easily make them round, mini, or even baked donut holes. The sky’s the limit, so don’t hesitate to explore different forms for various occasions.
Different Fillings:
While Nutella is the star of these donuts, there are plenty of other fillings you can try. Consider filling them with jam, Biscoff spread, or even white chocolate for a unique twist. These alternatives will still give your donuts a rich, indulgent center, but with an exciting flavor variation. You can also try chocolate hazelnut spread for a similar yet distinct taste.
Coatings:
You can switch up the coating depending on your style or theme. A pink strawberry glaze would add a vibrant touch, or you could go for a sugar-dry strawberry powder coating for a unique finish. Another great option is to dip them in pink white chocolate for a romantic touch. If you’re aiming for something more festive, try confetti or even a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nutella Heart Donuts:
To keep your Nutella-filled donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer them fresh, you can also freeze them and reheat them in the oven or microwave.
While Nutella is a favorite filling, you can also use Biscoff spread, jam, or even white chocolate for a different flavor. Get creative and experiment with your favorite spreads and fillings to create unique Valentine’s Day desserts.
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to fry or bake, let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping. This will save you time and make your Valentine’s Day recipe easier to manage.
For frying, we recommend using sunflower oil as they have a high smoke point and won’t impart any strong flavors.
Hi!
If you try making these Nutella heart donuts for Valentine’s Day, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a review below and let me know what you think—your feedback helps others and makes my day. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media, and tag us so we can see your delicious donuts!
Check more Valentine’s Day recipes!
Recipe for Nutella heart donuts
Recipe in cups and grams. You can find the cup measurements in the printable recipe scrolling down at the end.
Ingredients:
dough
- 50 grams warm water
- 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 270 grams all-purpose flour
- 50 grams granulated sugar
- 50 grams milk
- 1 egg
- 40 grams softened butter
frying
- 2 to 3 liters sunflower seed oil (depends on the size of your pan)
filling
- Nutella
coating
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Step by step:
1) step one, Activate the yeast
Start by dissolving active dry yeast in warm water with sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This ensures the yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise.
2) step two, Prepare the dough
In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, milk, and egg. Add the activated yeast mixture and softened butter, then mix everything together. Knead for about 15 minutes until smooth and elastic. Use a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment on medium speed.
3) step three, Proof the dough
Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm place for about an hour and thirty minutes (1h 30 min), or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for light, fluffy Nutella-filled donuts. If you have a dough proofing machine set it at 30°C or 86°F
4) step four, Roll and shape the dough
Once the dough has proofed, punch it down gently. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thickness. You want it thick enough so that your donuts hold their shape but not so thick that they won’t fry properly. Use a cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough into heart shapes. You can also experiment with different shapes or sizes if you prefer!
5) step five, Second proofing
After cutting the dough into shapes, cover the donuts with a clean towel and let them proof for an additional 30 minutes in a warm place. This allows the donuts to puff up and ensures they’ll be soft and fluffy after frying.
6) step six, Fry the donuts
Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). It’s crucial to have the oil at the right temperature—too hot, and the donuts will burn on the outside but stay raw inside; too cold, and they’ll absorb too much oil. Fry the donuts in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. It will take about 4 minutes on each side. Use a scooper to remove them from the oil once they’re golden brown and crispy.
7) step seven, Coat and fill
Place the fried donuts on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. While they’re still warm, coat them in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon to give them that perfect sweet touch. Allow them to cool slightly, then make a small slit in each donut and fill them generously with Nutella using a piping bag.
8) step eight, Serve and enjoy!
Your Nutella heart donuts are now ready to enjoy! These are perfect for a Valentine’s Day breakfast or dessert. Serve them warm, and get ready to share the love with your special someone (or enjoy them on your own)!
Nutella heart donuts
Equipment
- Stand mixer – For effortless dough kneading and smooth consistency.
- Food scale – To measure ingredients accurately for the perfect texture.
- Rolling pin – Helps flatten the dough evenly.
- Heart-shaped cutter – To create those adorable heart shapes.
- Frying pan or deep fryer – For frying the donuts to golden perfection.
- Pastry bag – To pipe Nutella into the center of the donuts.
- Slotted spoon – To safely remove the donuts from the hot oil without making a mess.
Ingredients
dough
- 50 grams warm water
- 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 270 grams all-purpose flour
- 50 grams granulated sugar
- 50 grams milk
- 1 egg
- 40 grams softened butter
frying
- 2 to 3 liters sunflower seed oil depends on the size of your pan
filling
- Nutella
coating
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
step one, Activate the yeast
- Start by dissolving active dry yeast in warm water with sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This ensures the yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise.
step two, Prepare the dough
- In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, milk, and egg. Add the activated yeast mixture and softened butter, then mix everything together. Knead for about 15 minutes until smooth and elastic. Use a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment on medium speed.
step three, Proof the dough
- Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm place for about an hour and thirty minutes (1h 30 min), or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for light, fluffy Nutella-filled donuts. If you have a dough proofing machine set it at 30°C or 86°F
step four, Roll and shape the dough
- Once the dough has proofed, punch it down gently. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thickness. You want it thick enough so that your donuts hold their shape but not so thick that they won’t fry properly. Use a cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough into heart shapes. You can also experiment with different shapes or sizes if you prefer!
step five, Second proofing
- After cutting the dough into shapes, cover the donuts with a clean towel and let them proof for an additional 30 minutes in a warm place. This allows the donuts to puff up and ensures they’ll be soft and fluffy after frying.
step six, Fry the donuts
- Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). It’s crucial to have the oil at the right temperature—too hot, and the donuts will burn on the outside but stay raw inside; too cold, and they’ll absorb too much oil. Fry the donuts in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. It will take about 4 minutes on each side. Use a scooper to remove them from the oil once they’re golden brown and crispy.
step seven, Coat and fill
- Place the fried donuts on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. While they’re still warm, coat them in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon to give them that perfect sweet touch. Allow them to cool slightly, then make a small slit in each donut and fill them generously with Nutella using a piping bag.
step eight, Serve and enjoy!
- Your Nutella heart donuts are now ready to enjoy! These are perfect for a Valentine’s Day breakfast or dessert. Serve them warm, and get ready to share the love with your special someone (or enjoy them on your own)!
Notes
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