Name: Nutella Beignets Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Whole Milk (warmed to 105-110 degrees F); 1 1/2 tsp Active Dry Yeast; 1/4 cup Sugar, divided; 1 Egg; 1 Egg White; 1/2 cup Evaporated Milk; 2 cups Bread Flour; 2 cups All Purpose Flour; 1/4 tsp Baking Powder; 1 tsp Kosher Salt; 4 tbsp Salted Butter (room temperature); 2 cups Nutella; 2 cups Powdered Sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 4 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and a soft spot for classic French pastries, you are going to adore this Nutella Beignets Recipe. These pillowy, golden-fried dough pillows filled with luscious Nutella are simply irresistible. The crispy exterior dusted with powdered sugar perfectly balances the warm, gooey chocolate-hazelnut center, making each bite a heavenly experience. Whether you’re looking to impress at brunch or just want a decadent treat to share with friends, this Nutella Beignets Recipe is your new must-try indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five golden brown, square-shaped pastries frying in hot oil inside a dark cast iron pan. Each pastry has a smooth, slightly shiny surface with a soft texture and is evenly spaced across the oil that bubbles gently. The pastries have puffed up a bit, showing their soft doughy insides. The dark pan contrasts with the bright warm color of the pastries, and the background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Nutella Beignets Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create spectacular texture and flavor. Each ingredient is essential in delivering that perfectly soft yet slightly crispy dough and the rich Nutella filling everyone will love.

Whole Milk (warmed to 105-110 degrees F): Activates the yeast for that light, airy dough texture.
Active Dry Yeast: The magic behind the fluffy rise of the beignets.
Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to both the dough and yeast activation.
Egg and Egg White: Provides richness and acts as a binder for the dough.
Evaporated Milk: Enhances the dough’s tenderness and adds creamy flavor.
Bread Flour and All Purpose Flour: Combined for the perfect chew and softness.
Baking Powder: Helps with slight leavening for a tender interior.
Kosher Salt: Balances flavor and enhances sweetness.
Salted Butter (room temperature): Adds richness and creates a smooth, elastic dough.
Nutella: The star of the filling, delivering silky chocolate-hazelnut indulgence.
Powdered Sugar: A snowy finishing touch for that classic beignet look and extra sweetness.

How to Make Nutella Beignets Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by whisking the warm milk, active dry yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar in a mixing bowl until combined. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy—this signals that the yeast is alive and ready to help your dough rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Next, add the egg, egg white, and evaporated milk into the yeast mixture. Whisk everything together thoroughly to ensure your wet ingredients are well blended and smooth, which sets a great base for the dough.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In the bowl of your stand mixer, blend bread flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and the remaining sugar. These dry components create structure and help develop the dough’s texture, so mix them well before combining with the wet mixture.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and use a silicone spatula to mix for about 30 seconds until the dough begins to form. Then switch to a dough hook, kneading on medium speed for 3 minutes before gradually adding the butter one tablespoon at a time. Continue kneading for another 6-8 minutes until the dough is elastic and smooth, but still slightly sticky, which is perfectly normal.

Step 5: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer the dough to a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight. This slow rise enhances flavor and gives you that irresistible fluffy beignet texture.

Step 6: Shape the Beignets

Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release excess air, then roll it out to about a quarter-inch thickness. Cut into 3×3 inch squares and cover them while you heat the oil for frying. This short rest lets the dough relax and puff up again slightly.

Step 7: Fry to Perfection

Heat oil to between 340 and 360 degrees F. Fry 2-3 beignets at a time for 1-2 minutes per side until puffed and golden brown. If they puff up too quickly, your oil is too hot, so adjust accordingly. Remove beignets with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.

Step 8: Fill with Nutella

Fill a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with Nutella, cutting a small tip for piping. Carefully insert the tip into the side of each cooled beignet and gently squeeze to fill it with that rich, chocolaty goodness.

Step 9: Dust and Serve

Finally, dust the filled beignets generously with powdered sugar. This adds a classic touch and just the right amount of extra sweetness to complement the Nutella inside.

How to Serve Nutella Beignets Recipe

The image shows several small golden-brown round doughnuts covered with a thick layer of white powdered sugar. Each doughnut has a small dollop of smooth, dark brown chocolate filling on top, which looks creamy and rich. The doughnuts appear soft and slightly fluffy with a light crust on the edges. They are placed close together, creating a cozy and tasty arrangement on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the powdered sugar dusting is iconic and delicious, you can elevate your Nutella Beignets Recipe by adding fresh berries, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a sprinkle of crushed toasted hazelnuts. These little extras add color, crunch, and brightness to every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your beignets with a cup of rich espresso or creamy hot chocolate for a cozy indulgence. Fresh fruit or a light whipped cream can provide a refreshing balance to the warm sweetness of the beignets.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these beignets on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of fruit compote and whipped cream on the side. Or stack them in a pyramid dusted heavily with powdered sugar for an impressive dessert centerpiece at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For the best texture, avoid refrigeration as it can make them soggy, but be sure to enjoy them quickly for peak freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze unfried dough squares after shaping—simply place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. When ready, thaw, let rise, and fry as usual for fresh-from-the-fryer goodness.

Reheating

Reheat leftover filled beignets gently in a 300 degree F oven for about 5-7 minutes to crisp up the exterior without melting the Nutella inside too much. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture just right.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?

Yes, regular whole milk can be substituted, but evaporated milk adds extra creaminess and helps deepen the dough’s flavor and tenderness.

What if I don’t have bread flour?

All-purpose flour alone will work, but bread flour contributes to that chewy, elastic texture that makes the beignets so special.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make vegan Nutella beignets, use non-dairy milk and vegan butter substitutes, and swap the egg for flax or chia egg alternatives. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

A frying thermometer is best for precision. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough into the oil—it should sizzle and rise gently but not brown instantly, indicating the right temperature range.

Can I fill the beignets with something other than Nutella?

Absolutely! These beignets are versatile and can be filled with jams, custard, or even savory fillings to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Nutella Beignets Recipe is a delightful treat that brings a touch of French bakery magic into your kitchen with every bite. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with Nutella, these beignets are perfect for special occasions or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up. Don’t hesitate to give them a try—you’ll quickly see why they’ve become one of my all-time favorite indulgences to share with friends and family.