Nutella Churro Donut Holes: The Ultimate Bite-Sized Treat

When two dessert icons collide—crispy churros and creamy Nutella—you get an irresistibly indulgent bite-sized masterpiece: Nutella Churro Donut Holes. These mini donuts are soft, fluffy, and oven-baked (yes, no frying required!) with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating and a surprise Nutella center that oozes with every bite. They’re a perfect fusion of texture, flavor, and simplicity.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable and guaranteed to impress. Kids love them, guests swoon over them, and let’s be honest—once you taste one, there’s no going back. These make a brilliant treat for parties, brunches, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy Saturday at home with a hot cup of coffee.

Let’s dive into how to make these dreamy donut holes from scratch.

Who This Recipe is For

If you’re the kind of person who can’t walk past a donut shop without being lured in by the smell of warm cinnamon sugar, or if you spread Nutella on pretty much everything, this recipe was made for you.

This is also a fantastic option for:

• Busy parents looking for an easy but impressive treat for kids

• Churro lovers who want something easier and less messy than deep-frying

• Home bakers seeking a quick dessert with minimal equipment

• Entertainers who want a unique finger food for dessert buffets

No deep-frying, no yeast, and no stand mixer required. Just simple ingredients, a mini muffin tin, and a few minutes of your time.

Why You’ll Love Nutella Churro Donut Holes

• Baked, not fried: Less mess, less oil, more convenience.

• Nutella filling: Because everything’s better with Nutella.

• No special tools: Just a muffin tin and a piping bag (or a DIY alternative).

• Quick to make: From pantry to plate in under 30 minutes.

• Kid-approved: A fun recipe to make with little helpers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Donut Holes:

• 1 cup plain/all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 2 tablespoons canola oil

• 1 large egg

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• ½ cup milk

For the Filling:

• ⅓ cup Nutella, melted slightly for easier piping

For the Coating:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

• ⅓ cup white granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 24-count mini muffin tin

• Mixing bowls (large and small)

• Whisk

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Cooking spray

• Piping bag with a narrow nozzle (or a zip-top bag with a small cut in the corner)

• Cooling rack

• Pastry brush or small silicone brush

• Spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray your mini muffin tray with cooking oil and wipe away any excess using a paper towel.

2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.

3. Add the wet ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the canola oil, egg, vanilla, and milk. Whisk everything together until smooth and lump-free.

4. Fill the muffin tray: Spoon about 2 teaspoons of batter into each muffin cavity, filling them about ¾ full.

5. Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cool slightly: Let them sit in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

7. Coat in cinnamon sugar: Brush each donut with melted butter. In a shallow bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Toss each donut hole gently in the cinnamon sugar until well coated.

8. Add the Nutella filling: Fill a piping bag with the melted Nutella. Using a narrow nozzle, insert the tip into each donut hole and gently squeeze until they puff up. Be careful not to overfill.

Tips and Tricks

• No piping bag? Use a zip-top bag and snip a tiny hole in one corner.

• Warm Nutella slightly in the microwave (10-15 seconds) for easier piping.

• Don’t overfill the muffin holes—¾ full is the sweet spot for perfectly shaped donut holes.

• Use a toothpick or skewer to help guide the piping nozzle into the center of each donut.

• Roll while warm: The cinnamon sugar will stick better if the donuts are still slightly warm when coated.

Recipe Variations and Swaps

• Chocolate overload: Use chocolate chips in the batter and fill with Nutella for a double-chocolate version.

• Fruit twist: Swap Nutella with raspberry jam or apple butter for a fruity take.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar mix for seasonal flair.

• Vegan version: Use almond milk, egg replacer, and vegan butter and Nutella alternatives.

How to Store Leftovers

These donut holes are best enjoyed fresh, but if you do have leftovers:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Reheat: Pop in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore the soft texture.

• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unfilled donut holes for up to 2 months. Thaw, then coat and fill with Nutella before serving.

Note: Once filled with Nutella, they don’t freeze well due to texture changes in the filling.

Perfect Pairings

Pair these Nutella Churro Donut Holes with:

• Coffee or espresso for a sweet breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up

• Hot chocolate for a kid-friendly, indulgent snack

• A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an elevated dessert experience

• Mulled cider or spiced chai latte during the fall and winter months

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without a mini muffin tin?
Yes, but a mini muffin tin gives the best shape. Alternatively, try a cake pop pan or shape small dough balls and bake on a parchment-lined tray (though they may spread more).

Is there a healthier version?
You can try using whole wheat flour, cutting the sugar slightly, and using a sugar-free chocolate spread, but these are meant to be a treat!

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles well. Just be sure to work in batches or use multiple muffin tins.

Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the donut holes and coat in cinnamon sugar ahead of time. Fill with Nutella just before serving to keep the texture perfect.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines classic comfort with a rich Nutella twist, these Nutella Churro Donut Holes are your new go-to recipe. They’re fun to make, impossible to eat just one of, and totally Instagram-worthy.

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Happy baking!