Hazelnut Cream Donuts: Soft, Tasty, and Totally Irresistible!

There are desserts, and then there are Hazelnut Cream Donuts, the kind that make people pause mid-conversation just to enjoy every bite. These golden, sugar-dusted snacks combine light, airy dough and a rich, nutty filling.

This impressive recipe involves making a soft yeast dough, frying it, rolling it in sugar, and generously filling it with creamy hazelnut goodness. You don’t need to be a pro baker, just a little patience, a few basic ingredients, and the willingness to enjoy something truly special. You can enjoy this as a breakfast, dessert, or a well-earned snack.

What are Hazelnut Cream Donuts?

Donuts have been delighting sweet-toothed fans for centuries, but the addition of hazelnut cream is a new addition. Traditional fried dough has roots in many cultures, from Dutch "olykoeks" to German "Berliners" and Italian "bomboloni." The love for stuffed donuts grew over time, leading to countless recipes, including custard, jam, and, of course, hazelnut cream.

Hazelnuts themselves have been a prized ingredient for centuries, especially in European baking and it was only a matter of time before someone had the genius idea of stuffing a fluffy donut with it.

Pro Tips for The Best Hazelnut Cream Donuts

• Good donuts need a well-risen dough. Give it time to double in size.
• Maintain oil temperature when frying your doughnuts to ensure even cooking without absorbing too much oil.
• Place fried donuts on a paper towel to prevent them from becoming greasy.
• Coat the donuts in sugar while they’re still warm so it sticks beautifully.
• These donuts are at their best the same day they’re made. But don’t worry, leftovers can still be delicious.

Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying Them?

While frying gives them a classic golden crispness, baking is a good alternative. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 12-15 minutes or until they turn lightly golden. They’ll be slightly different in texture but still delicious.

What Type of Hazelnut Cream Should I Use?

You can use store-bought hazelnut spread or make your own by blending roasted hazelnuts with a bit of sugar, cocoa, and oil. If you prefer something less sweet, go for a hazelnut pastry cream instead.

Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?

You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. This slow fermentation can actually enhance the flavor and texture.

How Do I Know When my Oil is The Right Temperature?

If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of dough in the oil. If it bubbles and rises to the surface within a few seconds, it’s ready. If it sinks and takes too long, the oil is too cold and if it browns too quickly, it’s too hot.

How Do I Prevent my Donuts From Deflating?

Handle the dough gently after proofing and don’t press too hard when rolling them out. Let them rest before frying to maintain their fluffiness.

How to Make Hazelnut Cream Donuts

Step 1

Step 1

In a large bowl, mix the lukewarm milk, sugar, and yeast.

In a large bowl, mix the lukewarm milk, sugar, and yeast.

Step 2

Step 2

Add the egg, oil, flour, and salt to your mixture. Mix until combined, then knead into a soft dough. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour.

Add the egg, oil, flour, and salt to your mixture. Mix until combined, then knead into a soft dough. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour.

Step 3

Step 3

Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a round shape.

Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a round shape.

Step 4

Step 4

After shaping your dough, press it lightly in the center. Let them rest for another 20 minutes.

After shaping your dough, press it lightly in the center. Let them rest for another 20 minutes.

Step 5

Step 5

Heat oil in a deep pan and carefully fry the donuts until golden brown, flipping halfway through.

Heat oil in a deep pan and carefully fry the donuts until golden brown, flipping halfway through.

Step 6

Step 6

While still warm, roll each donut in granulated sugar for a sweet crunch. Then, use a piping bag to fill each donut with a generous amount of hazelnut cream. Serve fresh and savor every bite.

While still warm, roll each donut in granulated sugar for a sweet crunch. Then, use a piping bag to fill each donut with a generous amount of hazelnut cream. Serve fresh and savor every bite.