What’s So Special About Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Doughnuts?
If there’s one treat that can bring an instant smile on any face, it’s a freshly baked doughnut. Picture this: warm, fluffy doughnuts filled with rich chocolate hazelnut cream, completely satisfying your sweet tooth. I remember the first time I made these doughnuts; the joy on my family’s faces was priceless. I pulled them out of the oven, and the heavenly aroma filled the house. They disappeared before I could even put them on the table! This recipe is not just about crafting delicious treats; it’s about creating memorable moments with your loved ones.
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, having friends over for brunch, or even just celebrating a quiet evening at home, these Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Doughnuts will make any occasion feel special. Trust me, with this recipe, you’ll impress even the pickiest of eaters—and they’ll be begging for seconds.
Why Make This Recipe?
There are plenty of reasons to whip up these delightful doughnuts! First, they taste absolutely divine. The combination of soft, airy dough and creamy hazelnut filling creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Second, making these doughnuts is as easy as pie (or should I say, doughnut?). You don’t need any fancy equipment or specialized skills. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly dessert option that feels indulgent without breaking the bank.
Kids love getting involved in the kitchen, and this recipe provides a fun way to spend time with them. They’ll love helping to mix the batter and fill the doughnuts. If you’re a beginner in the baking world, don’t worry! This recipe walks you through each step, making it the perfect launchpad into the delightful realm of homemade sweets.
How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Doughnuts
Preparing these doughnuts is a breeze! You’ll need about 30 minutes to get everything ready and about 12 minutes of baking time. Once you’ve made your doughnuts, you can fill them and garnish them pretty quickly. The only special tool you need is a doughnut pan—a useful investment for anyone who loves baking. I promise, your efforts will result in light and fluffy doughnuts filled with creamy hazelnut goodness that everyone will adore.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup hazelnut spread
- Lindt EXCELLENCE Roasted Hazelnut bars (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a doughnut pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix will act as the foundation of our doughnuts.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if the batter looks a little lumpy.
- Spoon the batter into the doughnut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. This gives them enough room to rise while baking!
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The goal is a set, yet tender doughnut.
- Let the doughnuts cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the doughnuts cool, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the hazelnut spread until it’s well mixed, creating a luscious filling.
- Once the doughnuts are cool, fill them with the hazelnut cream using a piping bag or by making a small hole with a knife and spooning it in.
- Top with grated or chopped Lindt EXCELLENCE Roasted Hazelnut bars before serving. This adds a delightful crunch!
How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Doughnuts?
These doughnuts shine on their own, but you can also serve them alongside a rich cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a tasteful pairing. Consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for those who want an extra sweet treat. They work wonderfully as a dessert but can also surprise your guests at brunch gatherings. If you want to make them extra festive, serve them with some fresh berries on the side.
How to Store Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Doughnuts?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which I doubt!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The doughnuts will stay deliciously moist. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature, and give them a quick zap in the microwave for a couple of seconds to bring back the freshness.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Doughnuts
Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense doughnuts.
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test if the doughnuts are baked through. If it comes out clean, they’re ready!
Fill Generously, But Not Excessively: When filling the doughnuts with hazelnut cream, don’t be shy! But avoid overfilling to prevent leaks.
Let Them Cool Completely: Fill the doughnuts only after they’re completely cool; this prevents the filling from melting away.
Experiment With Toppings: Get creative! You can add different chocolates or even sprinkle some crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are a few ideas:
Nut-Free: Substitute the hazelnut spread with sunflower seed butter or chocolate spread for a nut-free option.
Fruit Filling: For a twist, add fruit preserves instead of hazelnut cream for a fruity punch.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and make sure your cocoa powder is certified gluten-free for a gluten-free version.
FAQs about Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Doughnuts
Can I substitute cocoa powder with chocolate instead?
Yes, you can melt chocolate and add it to the wet ingredients instead of cocoa powder. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sugar since chocolate is typically sweeter.
Why did my batter curdle?
Curdling happens if the ingredients are too cold or if you mix them too vigorously. Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before starting, and whisk gently.
Will it work if I reduce sugar?
You can reduce the sugar slightly; however, too much reduction may alter the texture. Start with a small reduction, and see how you like it!
Now, roll up your sleeves and get ready to make these Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Doughnuts. I promise they will delight your taste buds and become a favorite in your household!
Print
Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Doughnuts
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful homemade doughnuts filled with rich chocolate hazelnut cream, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup hazelnut spread
- Lindt EXCELLENCE Roasted Hazelnut bars (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a doughnut pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the doughnut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the doughnuts cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the doughnuts cool, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold in the hazelnut spread to create a filling.
- Fill the cooled doughnuts with the hazelnut cream using a piping bag or spoon.
- Top with grated or chopped Lindt EXCELLENCE Roasted Hazelnut bars before serving.
Notes
Serve with coffee or milk, and consider adding powdered sugar or chocolate syrup for extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: doughnuts, chocolate, hazelnut, dessert, baking, homemade