Nutella Beignets

Warm, pillowy, and filled with creamy Nutella, these Nutella Beignets are the kind of treat that makes your kitchen smell like a Parisian café. The moment you bite through that golden crust and hit the soft chocolate center, you’ll know it was worth every second. They’re fluffy, sweet, and just a little indulgent, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or those cozy moments when you crave something special.

Behind the Recipe

There’s something so nostalgic about the sound of dough sizzling in hot oil, isn’t there? Beignets have always reminded me of weekend mornings in New Orleans or lazy afternoons in small European cafés. When I first tried stuffing them with Nutella, it felt like pure magic — the blend of French charm and chocolate hazelnut comfort. Now, it’s a recipe I return to whenever I want to surprise guests or spoil myself a little.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Beignets originated in France and were brought to Louisiana by French settlers. Traditionally, they’re square-shaped, deep-fried pastries dusted generously with powdered sugar. Nutella, on the other hand, hails from Italy and was created in the 1940s as a clever way to stretch limited cocoa supplies. Combining these two classics is a delicious meeting of European favorites that has become a modern comfort food phenomenon.

Why You’ll Love Nutella Beignets

Every bite feels like a tiny vacation, and here’s why you’ll fall for them:

Versatile: Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a sweet afternoon snack.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry ingredients and a single jar of Nutella.
Quick and Easy: The dough comes together quickly, and frying takes just minutes.
Customizable: Try filling them with peanut butter, jam, or caramel if you want a twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves the surprise of warm Nutella inside.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the dough and refrigerate it overnight.
Great for Leftovers: Reheat them in the oven, and they’ll taste freshly fried again.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Making perfect beignets isn’t hard, but these insider tips will make them even better:

1. Use room-temperature ingredients to help the dough rise evenly.
2. Do not overfill with Nutella, or they may burst during frying.
3. Keep oil at 350°F (175°C) for that golden brown color and airy texture.
4. Dust with powdered sugar right after frying so it sticks beautifully.
5. Serve immediately while the centers are still warm and gooey.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have these essentials ready:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining and resting the dough.
• Rolling Pin: To flatten the dough evenly.
• Cookie Cutter or Knife: To cut perfect beignet squares.
• Deep Frying Pot: For consistent frying temperature.
• Slotted Spoon: To safely remove beignets from oil.
• Cooling Rack: To drain excess oil before dusting with sugar.

Ingredients in Nutella Beignets

There’s something magical about how these ingredients come together into soft, airy pastries with a velvety chocolate heart.

1. All-Purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups, forms the structure of the dough.
2. Active Dry Yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons, gives the beignets their signature fluff.
3. Warm Milk: ¾ cup, activates the yeast and adds richness.
4. Granulated Sugar: 3 tablespoons, lightly sweetens the dough.
5. Egg: 1 large, adds moisture and binds everything together.
6. Unsalted Butter: 3 tablespoons, melted, for a tender crumb.
7. Salt: ½ teaspoon, balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
8. Nutella: 1 cup, for the smooth, chocolate-hazelnut filling.
9. Vegetable Oil: For frying, gives that golden crisp exterior.
10. Powdered Sugar: For dusting, adds a sweet, snowy finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re missing something, here’s how to make it work:
Milk: Substitute with warm water or almond milk.
Butter: Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Nutella: Try any chocolate spread or homemade hazelnut cream.
All-Purpose Flour: Use bread flour for slightly chewier beignets.

Ingredient Spotlight

Nutella: This creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread melts perfectly inside the warm beignet, creating that irresistible molten center.
Yeast: The secret behind the light, airy texture that makes every bite feel like a cloud.

Instructions for Making Nutella Beignets

Let’s dive into the fun part — cooking. Here’s how you’ll bring these irresistible treats to life.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the dough.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Add egg, butter, flour, and salt. Mix and knead until soft and smooth.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lightly grease a bowl, place the dough inside, and cover. Let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Assemble the Dish: Roll out the dough to ¼ inch thickness. Cut into squares, place a small spoon of Nutella in the center of half of them, and cover with the remaining squares. Seal edges firmly.
5. Cook to Perfection: Fry 2–3 at a time for 1 minute per side, or until golden brown.
6. Finishing Touches: Place on a cooling rack and dust immediately with powdered sugar.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and let that first bite of melting Nutella do the talking.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The secret lies in contrast — a crisp golden shell giving way to a pillowy, cloud-like inside filled with molten chocolate. The fried exterior has that perfect crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy Nutella center, making every bite a dance of textures and flavors.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here are a few little secrets to make your beignets irresistible:

• Let the dough rest properly for a lighter texture.
• Chill Nutella before filling to keep it firm during frying.
• Always fry in small batches for even cooking.
• Dust generously with sugar for that signature café-style look.

What to Avoid

A few easy mistakes can make or break your beignets:

• Don’t overwork the dough; it can turn dense.
• Avoid letting oil get too hot or they’ll brown too fast.
• Don’t skip sealing the edges tightly, or the Nutella will leak.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: Approximately 280

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can make the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. Once fried, store cooled beignets in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to revive their crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy.

How to Serve Nutella Beignets

Serve these beauties warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. They also pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream or a dusting of cinnamon for extra flair. For brunch, arrange them in a basket lined with parchment and let guests grab their own.

Creative Leftover Transformations

If you somehow have leftovers, turn them into something new:

• Slice them in half and fill with whipped cream.
• Serve with fruit and drizzle with chocolate sauce.
• Chop and use as a topping for ice cream sundaes.

Additional Tips

To keep them soft, store in a paper bag instead of plastic. For a deeper flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. Always fry in fresh oil for best results.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve your Nutella Beignets piled high on a rustic platter dusted with extra powdered sugar. Add a small bowl of warm Nutella for dipping. A light sprinkle of cocoa powder makes them look straight out of a bakery window.

Variations to Try

• Strawberry Jam Beignets: Swap Nutella for your favorite jam.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Beignets: Mix Nutella with peanut butter for a richer taste.
• Cinnamon Sugar Beignets: Skip the filling and coat with cinnamon sugar.
• Banana Nutella Beignets: Add a thin banana slice before sealing the dough.
• Vanilla Cream Beignets: Fill with custard for a bakery-style twist.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I bake Nutella Beignets instead of frying?
A1: Yes, but they’ll be more like soft rolls. Bake at 375°F for about 12 minutes.

Q2: Can I use an air fryer?
A2: Absolutely. Air fry at 350°F for 7–8 minutes until golden.

Q3: Can I make them dairy-free?
A3: Yes, substitute butter with coconut oil and milk with almond milk.

Q4: How do I prevent Nutella from leaking?
A4: Chill it before filling and seal the dough edges well.

Q5: Can I freeze the dough?
A5: Yes, freeze after the first rise, then thaw and shape before frying.

Q6: What oil is best for frying?
A6: Neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil work perfectly.

Q7: Can I make mini versions?
A7: Definitely, just reduce frying time slightly.

Q8: Do I need a deep fryer?
A8: No, a heavy-bottomed pot works just fine.

Q9: How do I know when the oil is ready?
A9: Drop a small piece of dough in; it should sizzle and float to the top quickly.

Q10: Can I use store-bought dough?
A10: Yes, but homemade gives a much better flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Warm, golden, and filled with silky Nutella, these beignets are the ultimate comfort treat. They bring together the best of French pastry and Italian indulgence in every bite. Trust me, you’re going to love this recipe — it’s simple, satisfying, and absolutely worth every moment spent in the kitchen.

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