If you’re a Nutella lover (and let’s be real, who isn’t?), these Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes are about to become your new obsession. Imagine biting into a soft, chocolatey cupcake with a surprise swirl of Nutella inside and a creamy, dreamy frosting on top that’s practically a dessert cloud. Oh, and did I mention they’re sprinkled with crunchy hazelnuts for the perfect finishing touch? These cupcakes are rich, moist, and packed with flavor but somehow still light enough that you’ll absolutely want more than one. Trust me, you’re going to love this decadent little treat.

Why You’ll Love Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for birthdays, brunches, bake sales, or when you’re just craving something chocolatey and fabulous.

Budget-Friendly: You don’t need fancy ingredients just pantry staples and a jar of Nutella can take these cupcakes to the next level.

Quick and Easy: Whip them up in under an hour and let your oven do the heavy lifting. Great for bakers of all skill levels!

Customizable: Don’t like hazelnuts? Leave them out or swap in almonds, chocolate chips, or even a caramel drizzle.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes

These cupcakes are a beautiful blend of chocolatey richness and nutty crunch. Here’s what makes them so special:

All-Purpose Flour: The base that holds everything together with just the right crumb.

Cocoa Powder: Deep, rich chocolate flavor that pairs like a dream with Nutella.

Sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to balance the richness.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Our leavening duo to give the cupcakes a lovely rise.

Salt: A pinch to bring out all the other flavors.

Eggs: They help bind everything while adding structure and moisture.

Milk or Buttermilk: Makes the cupcakes soft and tender.

Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter: For extra moisture nobody likes a dry cupcake!

Nutella: The star ingredient, swirled into the batter and dolloped on top.

Chopped Hazelnuts: Toasted for extra crunch and sprinkled for flair.

Vanilla Extract: A dash of warmth that ties all the flavors together.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Fill each cupcake liner about ¾ full with batter. Drop a teaspoon of Nutella into the center of each and swirl lightly with a toothpick.

Assemble the Dish: Optionally, sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top before baking for added texture and a nutty crunch.

Cook to Perfection: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake (not the Nutella center) comes out clean.

Finishing Touches: Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, frost with Nutella or chocolate buttercream, and add more hazelnuts if desired.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve with a cold glass of milk or a warm latte pure indulgence in every bite.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 320

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve with espresso or coffee for a café-style dessert moment.
Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty and simple finish.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Don’t overmix the batter—gentle folding keeps the cupcakes fluffy.
Use room temperature eggs and milk for a smoother batter.
If Nutella is too stiff to swirl, microwave it for 10 seconds to loosen it up.
Toast your hazelnuts before chopping for a deeper flavor.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for future cravings.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use a different nut instead of hazelnuts?
Yes! Almonds or walnuts make great substitutes if you’re not a fan of hazelnuts.

2. Can I make these gluten-free?
You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though results may vary slightly in texture.

3. How should I store these cupcakes?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer.

4. Can I make them in advance?
Absolutely. Bake and store them unfrosted, then frost just before serving.

5. Do I need to refrigerate Nutella?
Nope! Nutella is shelf-stable and should be stored at room temperature.

6. Can I skip the Nutella swirl?
You can, but then they’re just chocolate cupcakes and you’ll miss that gooey surprise!

7. What’s the best frosting for these cupcakes?
Nutella buttercream, chocolate ganache, or even a simple whipped cream topping all work beautifully.

8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure you use two pans or bake in batches.

9. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Go for it! It’ll make them even richer.

10. Can I use cupcake mix as a shortcut?
Sure, start with a chocolate cupcake mix and add Nutella and hazelnuts to make it special.

Conclusion

Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes are what dessert dreams are made of rich, chocolatey, slightly nutty, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re baking them for a celebration or just to brighten up your week, these cupcakes are guaranteed to spread joy with every bite. So grab your whisk, open that jar of Nutella, and get baking because happiness is just a cupcake away.

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