3-Ingredient Nutella Donuts

Golden, warm, and oozing with chocolatey richness, these 3-Ingredient Nutella Donuts are everything your sweet tooth dreams of. Each bite offers that crisp outer layer giving way to a soft, pillowy center, all finished with a generous swipe of creamy Nutella. They’re the kind of treat you whip up on a lazy weekend morning or to surprise your friends when they least expect it. Trust me, these donuts don’t just satisfy cravings, they create new ones.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe came about during one of those lazy Sunday mornings when I craved something indulgent but didn’t want to fuss with measuring cups and flour everywhere. That’s when I remembered a can of biscuit dough tucked away in the fridge, a nearly empty jar of Nutella, and a bit of oil waiting to be used. What followed was kitchen magic. Since that day, these donuts have become my go-to last-minute delight that never fails to impress.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Though donuts are widely known across the globe, this shortcut version using biscuit dough has its roots in Southern American kitchens where time-saving tricks are practically a legacy. The idea of stuffing or topping donuts with Nutella is more recent, born from the popularity of hazelnut spread in desserts worldwide. The simplicity of combining just three items into something this delicious is a testament to modern kitchen creativity.

Why You’ll Love 3-Ingredient Nutella Donuts

These donuts are more than just easy. They’re a joyful surprise in every bite.

Versatile: Enjoy them as breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack with coffee or milk.

Budget-Friendly: With only three simple items, they’re as wallet-friendly as they are tasty.

Quick and Easy: From fridge to plate in under 20 minutes.

Customizable: Add sprinkles, powdered sugar, or even dip in melted chocolate for a twist.

Crowd-Pleasing: Great for kids, teens, and adults alike — no one can resist them.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the dough and Nutella a few hours ahead, then fry on demand.

Great for Leftovers: Pop them in the microwave the next day and they’re just as dreamy.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Want that bakery-worthy finish at home? Here’s how to elevate your donut game:

• Make sure your oil is at the right temperature — too cool and the donuts absorb oil, too hot and they burn.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give each donut room to puff up and get golden.
• Let them rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the bottoms from going soggy.
• Slightly warm the Nutella for easier spreading or dipping.
• For a deeper flavor, use a spoon to hollow out the center a little and fill it with Nutella.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need a full bakery setup for these donuts, just a few essentials:

Deep Frying Pan or Pot: For frying the biscuit dough until golden.

Tongs or Slotted Spoon: To safely flip and remove donuts from hot oil.

Cooling Rack: Keeps donuts crisp and allows excess oil to drain.

Small Bowls or Ramekins: Perfect for serving or dipping Nutella.

Spoon or Butter Knife: For spreading or stuffing with Nutella.

Ingredients in 3-Ingredient Nutella Donuts

Every item here plays a role in building flavor and texture, with no extras needed.

1. Canned Biscuit Dough: 1 standard can (8-count) – These serve as the base, offering a tender, doughy texture when fried.
2. Nutella: About 1/2 cup – Adds creamy, sweet, chocolate-hazelnut flavor that elevates the donuts to dessert level.
3. Vegetable Oil: Enough for frying (around 2–3 cups depending on pan size) – Creates the golden, crispy outer layer essential for donut magic.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes you have to work with what’s on hand. Here’s how to pivot if needed.

Canned Biscuit Dough: Pre-made pizza dough or crescent rolls can work in a pinch.

Nutella: Any chocolate spread or peanut butter-chocolate combo can be a fun substitute.

Vegetable Oil: Canola or sunflower oil also work well for frying.

Ingredient Spotlight

Nutella: A beloved hazelnut spread with chocolate notes, Nutella adds a silky richness and nostalgic sweetness that transforms these donuts into a treat that feels both familiar and exciting.

Canned Biscuit Dough: This shortcut ingredient delivers on softness and fluff without the need for kneading or rising — a true time-saver that holds its own in the fryer.

Instructions for Making 3-Ingredient Nutella Donuts

These donuts come together like magic, and here’s how to make it happen:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Pour oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat over medium until it reaches 350°F (use a thermometer or test with a small piece of dough — it should sizzle).
2. Combine Ingredients:
   Open the canned biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Flatten them slightly with your palm for even frying.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Ensure your frying pot is deep enough for donuts to float. Have a cooling rack set up with paper towels underneath.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Carefully lower 2–3 biscuit rounds into the hot oil, making sure not to crowd the pan.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Fry for 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Flip gently using tongs. Remove and drain on the rack.
6. Finishing Touches:
   While warm, use a spoon or piping bag to fill the center with Nutella or spread it generously over the top.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Enjoy warm with a glass of milk or coffee. They’re best eaten fresh and slightly gooey.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The outer layer crisps beautifully in hot oil, creating that satisfying crunch when you bite in. Inside, the dough stays soft and pillowy. The warm Nutella contrasts perfectly with the texture, oozing slightly with each bite and delivering that chocolate-hazelnut sweetness that melts on the tongue.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here are a few extra pointers to make sure your donuts shine:

• Use a thermometer for consistent frying temperature.
• Don’t press the dough too thin or it might overcook fast.
• For stuffed donuts, use a small piping tip to insert Nutella inside once cooled slightly.
• Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.

What to Avoid

Mistakes happen, but here’s how to dodge the common ones:

• Avoid oil that’s too cold — it’ll soak into the dough and make donuts greasy.
• Don’t fry too many at once — it lowers the oil temp and unevenly cooks.
• Don’t skip the resting rack — soggy bottoms are no fun.
• Don’t overfill with Nutella or it’ll ooze messily.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 280

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can flatten and prep the dough rounds ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge. Nutella can be portioned or warmed in advance too. Once fried, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven for best texture. Freezing is not recommended, as they lose their softness.

How to Serve 3-Ingredient Nutella Donuts

Serve them warm right out of the fryer with a tall glass of cold milk or a hot coffee. For a little flair, top with crushed hazelnuts, powdered sugar, or dip one side in melted chocolate. They’re great for brunch spreads, afternoon treats, or party platters.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftovers? Turn them into dessert sandwiches by slicing and adding ice cream in the middle. Or chop them up and layer into a parfait with whipped cream and strawberries.

Additional Tips

• Warm the Nutella for just a few seconds in the microwave for smooth spreading.
• Use a wire rack to cool completely before storing to avoid sogginess.
• Want extra crispness? Let them fry an extra 15–20 seconds per side.

Make It a Showstopper

Arrange your donuts in a spiral on a cake stand or stack them into a mini tower. Dust lightly with powdered sugar and drizzle extra Nutella on top for that irresistible glossy finish. Add a few whole hazelnuts for a photo-ready touch.

Variations to Try

• Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Toss freshly fried donuts in a cinnamon-sugar mix before topping with Nutella.
• Stuffed Nutella Bombs: Flatten dough, add a spoonful of Nutella, seal, then fry.
• Mini Donuts: Cut dough into smaller circles using a cookie cutter for bite-sized treats.
• Nutella Dip: Serve plain fried donuts with a bowl of warm Nutella for dipping.
• Topped with Berries: Add sliced strawberries or raspberries on top of the Nutella for fruity contrast.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I bake these instead of frying?

A1: You can, but they won’t have the same crispy finish. Bake at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes until golden.

Q2: How do I know if the oil is hot enough?

A2: Use a thermometer to check for 350°F or drop a small dough piece — it should sizzle and float.

Q3: Can I use homemade biscuit dough?

A3: Absolutely, if you have a favorite recipe, go for it. Just make sure it fries evenly.

Q4: Do these keep well overnight?

A4: They’re best fresh but can be stored in an airtight container and microwaved for 10–15 seconds before eating.

Q5: What oil is best for frying?

A5: Use neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or sunflower for best results.

Q6: Can I stuff the donuts with Nutella before frying?

A6: It’s better to stuff or top them after to avoid messy leaks and oil splatter.

Q7: How do I make them extra fluffy?

A7: Don’t press the dough too thin and let it rest a few minutes before frying.

Q8: Is there a way to reduce the sweetness?

A8: Use less Nutella or mix it with a bit of cream cheese for a tangy twist.

Q9: Can I freeze the dough?

A9: It’s best to use fresh canned dough. Freezing may affect texture.

Q10: Are these safe for nut allergies?

A10: Nutella contains hazelnuts, so use a chocolate spread without nuts if needed.

Conclusion

If you’ve been searching for a dessert that’s quick, indulgent, and nearly impossible to mess up, these 3-Ingredient Nutella Donuts are your answer. They bring the joy of homemade baking without the hassle, and once you take that first gooey bite, you’ll understand why they’ve become a staple in so many kitchens. Go ahead, treat yourself — it’s worth every bite.

Print