Nutella Beignets

by
Print Recipe

Introduction

Nutella Beignets are a warm, decadent treat that combines the fluffy, golden goodness of French-style beignets with the creamy, irresistible taste of Nutella. These bite-sized delights are perfect for sharing with a loved one on Valentine’s Day. Each bite offers a combination of soft dough and rich hazelnut chocolate filling, dusted with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. Whether you’re celebrating with a cozy breakfast in bed, serving them as a romantic dessert, or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, Nutella Beignets are a guaranteed way to spread love and joy this Valentine’s Day.

I remember the first time I made these for a special morning with my partner. The warm, comforting aroma filled the kitchen, and the smile on their face when they took the first bite was priceless. What’s great about Nutella Beignets is how versatile they are—you can enjoy them with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, or get creative with a drizzle of extra Nutella or even a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The fluffy dough and the creamy Nutella filling create a perfect balance of texture and flavor that’s sure to impress.

These beignets are surprisingly easy to make, too. With just a few basic ingredients and some simple frying, you can whip up a batch in no time. Whether you’re looking to impress someone special or indulge in a little self-love, Nutella Beignets are always a hit, spreading warmth and sweetness to anyone lucky enough to enjoy them!

Perfect for:

  • Valentine’s Day celebrations
  • Cozy breakfasts or brunches
  • Romantic evenings
  • Sharing with loved ones
  • Dessert trays

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Nutella Beignets will become your go-to treat this Valentine’s Day:

  • Irresistible Nutella Filling: The creamy, chocolaty filling makes these beignets extra special and indulgent.
  • Light and Fluffy Texture: The soft, airy dough gives each bite a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
  • Quick and Easy: These beignets are surprisingly easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients and steps.
  • Perfect for Sharing: Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for sharing with your special someone or serving to guests.
  • Valentine’s Day Perfect: Dusting with powdered sugar and maybe a drizzle of extra Nutella makes them a sweet and romantic treat.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including frying)
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes
  • Servings: 12-15 beignets
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 180-220 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make Nutella Beignets:

For the Beignet Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • ½ cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ tsp salt

For the Filling:

  • ½ cup Nutella (or your favorite hazelnut chocolate spread)

For Frying and Dusting:

  • 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
  • ½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Nutella: The rich hazelnut chocolate spread is the star of this recipe, offering a creamy, nutty sweetness that’s hard to resist.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of the beignet dough, giving it the perfect structure for frying.
  • Yeast: The yeast ensures the dough rises and becomes light and airy.
  • Butter and Milk: These ingredients create a tender, moist dough that fries up beautifully.
  • Egg: The egg helps bind the dough and contributes to the richness of the beignets.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Nutella Beignets:

Prepare the Dough:

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
  2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and melted butter. Pour in the yeast mixture, add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
  3. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 45-60 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

Fill the Beignets:

  1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
  2. Cut the Dough: Cut the dough into small squares (around 2-3 inches per side).
  3. Fill with Nutella: Place a small teaspoon of Nutella in the center of each square. Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket, sealing the edges by pressing them together.

Fry the Beignets:

  1. Heat the Oil: In a deep pan or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry the Beignets: Carefully drop the filled beignets into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beignets from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  3. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the beignets are slightly cooled but still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar.

Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Serve Warm: Serve the Nutella Beignets warm, straight from the fryer, and enjoy the gooey Nutella center. They’re perfect with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea.

How to Serve

  • With Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a sweet, tangy contrast to the rich Nutella.
  • As a Romantic Dessert: Perfect for an after-dinner treat on Valentine’s Day.
  • With Hot Beverages: Pair with coffee, espresso, or hot chocolate for a cozy Valentine’s Day snack.
  • On a Dessert Tray: These bite-sized treats are perfect for sharing at a Valentine’s Day gathering or party.
  • With Extra Nutella Drizzle: Drizzle extra Nutella on top for an extra indulgent treat.

Additional Tips

  • Be sure to seal the beignet edges tightly to prevent the Nutella from spilling out during frying.
  • If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of dough into the oil—if it browns in 2-3 minutes, the oil is at the right temperature.
  • Let the beignets cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth on the hot Nutella filling.

Recipe Variations

  1. Strawberry Nutella Beignets: Add a small slice of fresh strawberry along with the Nutella for a fruity twist.
  2. Cinnamon Sugar Beignets: Roll the beignets in cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar for a spiced flavor.
  3. Chocolate Chip Nutella Beignets: Add mini chocolate chips to the Nutella for an extra chocolatey bite.
  4. Almond Nutella Beignets: Add a pinch of almond extract to the dough for a nutty flavor.
  5. Vegan Nutella Beignets: Use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and a vegan Nutella alternative.
  6. Hazelnut Nutella Beignets: Add crushed toasted hazelnuts to the Nutella filling for extra crunch and flavor.
  7. Caramel Nutella Beignets: Drizzle with caramel sauce for a sweet, gooey finish.
  8. Raspberry Nutella Beignets: Add a spoonful of raspberry jam along with the Nutella for a fruity contrast.
  9. Peanut Butter Nutella Beignets: Swap Nutella with peanut butter for a sweet and salty combo.
  10. Mint Chocolate Nutella Beignets: Add a few mint chocolate chips or a drop of mint extract for a refreshing twist.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze unfilled dough squares for up to a month. When ready to fry, stuff with Nutella and fry as usual.
  • Storage: Store leftover beignets in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat by warming in the oven for 5-10 minutes for the best texture.

Special Equipment

  • Deep frying pan or pot
  • Slotted spoon
  • Candy thermometer (optional)
  • Rolling pin
  • Pastry brush (optional)

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use a different filling? Yes, you can fill the beignets with fruit jams or even peanut butter.
  2. Can I bake these instead of frying? Baking them won’t give the same crispy result, but you can try baking at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
  3. Can I make these ahead of time? The dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated overnight.
  4. Can I use store-bought Nutella? Yes, store-bought works perfectly!
  5. Can I make these vegan? Use plant-based milk, butter, and a vegan-friendly Nutella substitute.

Conclusion

These Nutella Beignets are an indulgent treat that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day. With their warm, pillowy texture and gooey Nutella filling, every bite is a sweet moment of pure bliss. Whether you’re sharing them with a loved one or savoring them as a special treat to yourself, these beignets will definitely steal the spotlight.

The best part? They’re easy to make and perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to any occasion. The combination of soft dough, melted Nutella, and a dusting of powdered sugar creates a dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

I’d love to see how your Nutella Beignets turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your sweet creations. Enjoy and happy baking!

Leave a Comment