Imagine a Sunday morning, where the air is filled with the comforting scent of freshly baked bread, and your kitchen is the heart of the home. Today, that warmth transforms into something truly special: Milk Bread Nutella Donuts. This recipe is like a delicious hug, combining the light, fluffy texture of milk bread with the rich, velvety taste of Nutella.
I stumbled upon this delightful creation during a weekend baking adventure, trying to elevate the classic donut experience. These sweet treats don’t just satisfy your cravings; they embody the joy of a lazy brunch with family or a cozy chat with friends over coffee. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to whip up, requiring minimal ingredients and a little love.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just dipping your toes into baking, this recipe is sure to impress. Say goodbye to fast food and hello to the warmth of homemade indulgence with Milk Bread Nutella Donuts—your taste buds will thank you!
Why Love Milk Bread Nutella Donuts?
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fluffy milk bread and luscious Nutella creates a mouthwatering experience that no one can resist.
Fried to Perfection: Each donut is fried to a golden brown, making it a crispy outside but delightfully soft inside.
Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, anyone can create these sweet delights.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family brunch, a treat for friends, or just a cozy night in, these donuts are perfect for sharing.
Kid-Approved Fun: Get the little ones involved in the kitchen! Rolling and shaping the dough makes it a fun family activity.
Embrace the joy of homemade treats with this easy recipe and discover more delightful ideas in our section on baking essentials.
Ingredients for Milk Bread Nutella Donuts
Get ready to create a delightful treat that’s sure to charm your beloved ones!
For the Dough
- Bread Flour – 2 ½ tablespoons for the tangzhong, providing a soft texture.
- Water – ¼ cup to combine with the bread flour and bring it all together.
- Milk – 3 tablespoons for extra creaminess in the tangzhong.
- Whole Milk – ½ cup + 1 tablespoon adds richness to the dough.
- Instant or Active Dry Yeast – ½ tablespoon for that perfect rise.
- Bread Flour – 2 ¾ cups to form the base of your fluffy donuts.
- Granulated Sugar – ¼ cup sweetens the dough beautifully.
- Milk Powder – 1 tablespoon enhances the milky flavor.
- Salt – 1 teaspoon balances the sweetness.
- Large Egg – 1 brings moisture and richness to the dough.
- Unsalted Butter – 4 tablespoons, softened, for a rich and silky texture.
For Frying and Coating
- Vegetable Oil – Enough to fry the donuts until golden brown and crispy.
- Granulated Sugar – 1 cup for tossing, creating a delightful sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon adds a warm, cozy flavor to the coating.
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon to enhance the sweetness of the sugar.
For the Filling
- Nutella – 1 cup, it’s the star of the show, bringing indulgent chocolaty goodness.
With these ingredients on hand, your journey to creating Milk Bread Nutella Donuts is just around the corner. Let the magic of homemade baking unfold and watch as your kitchen transforms into a haven of tempting aromas!
How to Make Milk Bread Nutella Donuts
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Prepare the Tangzhong: In a saucepan over low heat, mix 2 ½ tablespoons of bread flour, ¼ cup of water, and 3 tablespoons of milk. Cook gently until it thickens slightly, then set aside to cool.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup + 1 tablespoon of whole milk, ½ tablespoon of instant yeast, 2 ¾ cups of bread flour, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 large egg, and 4 tablespoons of softened butter. Mix until a dough forms and starts pulling away from the sides.
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Add the Tangzhong: Incorporate the cooled tangzhong into the dough, and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the texture is smooth and elastic. It’s a great workout for your arms, or you can use a stand mixer!
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Let It Rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel and place it in a warm location. Allow it to rise until it doubles in size, which should take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
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Shape the Donuts: Roll out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Spread 1 cup of Nutella evenly across the dough, then roll it up tightly. You can shape it into rings or twist it for a fun presentation.
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Second Rise: Let the shaped donuts rise for another 30-45 minutes, until puffy and airy.
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Heat the Oil: In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (180°C). This is the perfect temperature for frying, ensuring a beautiful golden crust.
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Fry the Donuts: Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, frying a few at a time until they’re golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a cooling rack.
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Coat with Sugar: In a bowl, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Toss the hot donuts in this mixture while they’re still warm to create a sweet, crispy coating.
Optional: Drizzle with extra Nutella before serving for an extra indulgent treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Milk Bread Nutella Donuts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance: after kneading, refrigerate it in a covered bowl to slow down the rising process. When you’re ready to make the donuts, simply let the dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and frying. Additionally, you can roll out and fill the donuts with Nutella, then refrigerate them for up to 3 days before frying. Just remember to cover them well to prevent drying out. This way, you’ll have fresh and fluffy Milk Bread Nutella Donuts ready to serve with minimal effort on busy mornings!
What to Serve with Milk Bread Nutella Donuts?
Imagine pairing these tempting doughnuts with delightful accompaniments that perfectly elevate your homemade experience.
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Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a burst of brightness and balances the richness of Nutella beautifully. Their natural sweetness complements each bite.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a luscious contrast, melting into the warm donuts for an indulgent treat everyone will cherish.
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Espresso or Coffee: A strong cup of espresso or a rich brewed coffee offers a delightful counterpoint to the sweetness, making your brunch infinitely more enjoyable.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a touch of elegance, while the slight sweetness enhances the overall indulgence of the donuts.
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Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: For those who can’t get enough, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce takes the chocolate experience even higher, creating a decadent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
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Cinnamon Sugar Pancakes: For a playful brunch, serve your donuts alongside fluffy cinnamon sugar pancakes, infusing breakfast with warmth and cozy flavors.
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Nutella and Banana Toast: Spread some Nutella on toasted bread and top it with banana slices for a fun side dish that echoes the flavors in your donuts.
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Sparkling Lemonade: A refreshing sparkling lemonade cleanses the palate perfectly, enhancing the flavors of the rich and sweet donuts.
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Mocha Smoothie: A frothy mocha smoothie offers a delightful chocolate and coffee blend that will make brunch feel luxurious.
Consider these pairings to turn your Milk Bread Nutella Donuts into an unforgettable feast that everyone will adore!
Variations & Substitutions for Milk Bread Nutella Donuts
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own with these delightful twists!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute all milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter for a creamy touch without dairy.
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Nutella Alternatives: Try using peanut butter or a homemade chocolate hazelnut spread for a nutty flavor twist that’s just as indulgent.
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Add Spices: Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or a hint of nutmeg for an aromatic kick that elevates the taste.
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Whole Wheat: Replace half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nutty flavor and added nutrition without sacrificing texture.
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Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute such as erythritol or stevia in place of granulated sugar for a guilt-free indulgence.
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Extra Crunch: Add chopped nuts like hazelnuts or almonds into the dough for a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft bread.
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Fruit Filling: Instead of Nutella, opt for a fruit spread or jam to create a fruity delight that shines during spring and summer picnics.
Embrace these flavorful variations to craft a unique version of Milk Bread Nutella Donuts that will charm your taste buds and impress those around you!
How to Store and Freeze Milk Bread Nutella Donuts
Room Temperature: Keep these delicious donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and enjoy the delightful flavors.
Fridge: To extend their life, refrigerate the donuts in a sealed container for up to 5 days, although this may slightly alter their texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-lock bag for up to 3 months, ensuring they’re well protected.
Reheating: To enjoy your Milk Bread Nutella Donuts warm, simply reheat them in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes until they’re warm and comfy again!
Expert Tips for Milk Bread Nutella Donuts
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Perfect Temperature: Ensure the oil is at 350°F (180°C) for even frying; too hot can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
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Knead it Well: Kneading the dough properly develops gluten, resulting in fluffier donuts. Aim for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Don’t Rush Rising: Allow the dough to fully double in size during both rises; this step is key to achieving a light texture in your Milk Bread Nutella Donuts.
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Let it Cool: After frying, let the donuts drain on a rack to maintain a crisp exterior. This prevents sogginess from occurring.
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Experiment with Shapes: Get creative while shaping your donuts; whether traditional rings or fun twists, remember that the fun shapes can also attract little ones to join in!
Indulge in this delightful recipe and don’t hesitate to share your moments of joy!
Milk Bread Nutella Donuts Recipe FAQs
What type of bread flour should I use?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using high-protein bread flour, as it creates a fluffy texture and strong dough structure in the Milk Bread Nutella Donuts. Check the package; you’re looking for flour with about 12-14% protein content.
How long can I store Milk Bread Nutella Donuts?
You can keep these delightful donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to enjoy their best flavor. If you prefer longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Just remember that cold storage might slightly affect their fluffiness.
Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your Milk Bread Nutella Donuts, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent sticking. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours, then transfer the donuts to a zip-lock bag for up to 3 months. Remember to squeeze out as much air as possible from the bag before sealing.
What should I do if my dough isn’t rising properly?
If your dough doesn’t rise in the specified time, it could be due to inactive yeast. Check the expiration date on the yeast package. Also, ensure that your chosen rising spot is warm—ideally around 80°F (27°C). If it’s too cold, try moving the dough to a slightly warmer area or placing it in an oven with the light on for gentle warmth.
Are these donuts suitable for people with nut allergies?
Since this recipe features Nutella, which contains hazelnuts, it is not suitable for those with nut allergies. An alternative could be to replace Nutella with a nut-free chocolate spread or a homemade filling, ensuring it aligns with dietary considerations. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens!
Milk Bread Nutella Donuts: Indulge in a Sweet Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Tangzhong: In a saucepan over low heat, mix 2 ½ tablespoons of bread flour, ¼ cup of water, and 3 tablespoons of milk. Cook gently until it thickens slightly, then set aside to cool.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup + 1 tablespoon of whole milk, ½ tablespoon of instant yeast, 2 ¾ cups of bread flour, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 large egg, and 4 tablespoons of softened butter. Mix until a dough forms and starts pulling away from the sides.
- Add the Tangzhong: Incorporate the cooled tangzhong into the dough, and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the texture is smooth and elastic.
- Let It Rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel and place it in a warm location. Allow it to rise until it doubles in size, which should take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Shape the Donuts: Roll out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Spread 1 cup of Nutella evenly across the dough, then roll it up tightly.
- Second Rise: Let the shaped donuts rise for another 30-45 minutes, until puffy and airy.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (180°C).
- Fry the Donuts: Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, frying a few at a time until they're golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Coat with Sugar: In a bowl, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Toss the hot donuts in this mixture while they’re still warm to create a sweet, crispy coating.