Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Doughnuts Recipe

If you’re searching for a showstopping treat to wow your friends or family, look no further than these Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Doughnuts. Imagine golden, pillow-soft doughnuts piped full of luscious, chocolatey hazelnut cream, lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Every bite is a delightful mix of crisp exterior and silky, nutty filling that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re whipping these up for a weekend brunch or as a decadent dessert, they’ll quickly become your go-to indulgence.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Doughnuts is how simple the ingredients are, yet each plays its own magical role in creating the ultimate doughnut experience. These pantry staples come together for unbeatable taste, tempting texture, and a satisfyingly rich filling.

• Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): This brings the doughnuts to life, giving them a tender, airy texture.
• Warm milk (3/4 cup): Gently activates the yeast and enriches the dough with a delicate flavor and softness.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the dough and boosts browning for that golden, bakery-perfect exterior.
• All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Provides the essential structure, making your dough soft yet sturdy enough for frying.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and round out all the flavors.
• Unsalted butter, softened (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and a subtle, melt-in-your-mouth quality to each bite.
• Large egg yolks (2): For lushness and color, giving your doughnuts that inviting, golden hue.
• Vegetable oil (for frying): Creates that iconic crispy shell while keeping the insides fluffy and light.
• Chocolate hazelnut spread (1/2 cup, like Nutella): The star ingredient for that irresistibly creamy, chocolaty filling.
• Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Whipped to soft peaks, it turns the filling into a dreamy, airy mousse.
• Powdered sugar (1 tablespoon, plus extra for dusting): Sweetens the filling and adds a beautiful finishing touch on top.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors in the cream with a warm note of sweetness.

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Doughnuts

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, stir the warm milk and active dry yeast together and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture is foamy. This step is crucial for that sought-after fluffy doughnut texture. If your yeast doesn’t foam, grab a fresh packet—freshness is key for that perfect dough rise!

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter, egg yolks, and that lovely foamy yeast mixture. Mix everything until a soft dough forms. Then, get your hands (or a stand mixer) in there and knead for about 5 minutes. The dough should feel smooth and elastic—don’t skimp here, as the kneading gives your doughnuts that signature lightness.

Step 3: First Rise

Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm, cozy spot for about an hour. You’re aiming for a dough that doubles in size, so go ahead and take a peek at the magic happening while you tidy up or get your filling ingredients ready.

Step 4: Shape and Second Rise

After the dough has puffed up, roll it out to half-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Grab a biscuit cutter (or even a drinking glass), and cut out those perfect rounds. Place them on parchment paper, cover loosely with a kitchen towel, and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. This second rise is what gives Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Doughnuts their signature airy bite.

Step 5: Fry the Doughnuts

Heat your vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C), checking with a thermometer for accuracy. Fry the doughnuts in batches—don’t crowd them—turning once so both sides become beautifully golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Once done, drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. The kitchen aroma at this stage is irresistible!

Step 6: Make the Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Filling

In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with 1 tablespoon powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the chocolate hazelnut spread, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream. The result is a silky, dreamy filling that’ll have you sneaking a taste before it even meets the doughnuts.

Step 7: Fill and Finish

Once the doughnuts are cool enough to handle but still slightly warm, use a piping bag fitted with a small tip to fill each doughnut generously with your chocolate hazelnut cream. Dust liberally with powdered sugar—there’s just something magical about that snowy cap on top of each treat.

How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Doughnuts

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, try drizzling melted chocolate over the top, or add a sprinkle of chopped toasted hazelnuts for crunch and a hint of luxury. A little extra powdered sugar just before serving never hurts; it makes your Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Doughnuts look like they rolled straight out of a Parisian bakery.

Side Dishes

Pair these doughnuts with a rich cup of coffee or a velvety hot chocolate for the ultimate morning delight. If you want to lighten things up, serve with a platter of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream alongside—it’ll balance their rich, creamy center.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the doughnuts up on a tiered cake stand for brunch parties, or tuck them into pretty bakery boxes tied with ribbon for a heartfelt gift. You can even set up a DIY doughnut bar with different toppings and let guests customize their Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Doughnuts just the way they like them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare occurrence!), just pop your doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll retain their softness, and the filling will stay luscious, especially if you avoid overly humid environments.

Freezing

Want to plan ahead? You can freeze unfilled doughnuts for up to one month—simply let them cool, wrap tightly, and stash in the freezer. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature, then fill and dust just before serving. The chocolate hazelnut cream is best enjoyed fresh, so freeze the doughnuts alone and whip up the filling when needed.

Reheating

To revive that just-fried doughnut glow, gently warm them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. If you want a touch more crispness, a few minutes in a 300°F oven does the trick. Just remember to fill them after reheating if you’ve stored them plain.

FAQs

Can I make Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Doughnuts the night before?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge. In the morning, shape, rise, fry, and fill for a stress-free treat that’s freshly made with minimal morning effort.

Can I bake instead of fry these doughnuts?

While traditional for Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Doughnuts, frying guarantees that classic flavor and texture. Baking is possible but will yield a slightly different, denser result—still tasty, just not quite as fluffy.

What’s the best way to fill the doughnuts?

A piping bag with a round or Bismarck tip makes quick work of filling. Insert the tip into one side of the doughnut and squeeze gently until you feel a bit of resistance—then move on to the next for even distribution.

Can I use a different filling?

If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the chocolate hazelnut spread for peanut butter, fruit jam, or even a pastry cream. The doughnuts are a delicious canvas for all kinds of flavors, but that classic chocolate hazelnut combo is tough to beat!

How do I know when the oil is the right temperature?

An instant-read thermometer is your friend here—aim for 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have one, test by dropping in a tiny piece of dough; it should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly without browning too fast.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably joyful about making your own Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Doughnuts, watching them come together from a handful of humble ingredients to showstopping treats. Give them a try, share with someone you love, and let that first warm, creamy bite turn an ordinary day into an occasion worth savoring.

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