Nutella Swirl Donut Muffins: The Ultimate Recipe for a Delicious Treat
Prepare to discover your new favorite breakfast, brunch, or anytime treat: Nutella Swirl Donut Muffins! These delightful creations ingeniously combine the best characteristics of two beloved baked goods. Imagine the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of a classic donut, but baked conveniently in a muffin tin, eliminating the need for deep frying. The result is an impossibly soft, fluffy, and moist pastry that boasts a rich, fudgy Nutella swirl at its heart. It’s a truly irresistible hybrid that promises to brighten even the dreariest of days.
Life can sometimes throw unexpected curveballs, pulling us away from our usual routines, even from our beloved kitchens. I recently experienced this when my dear grandfather underwent surgery. Family truly comes first, so I packed my bags and journeyed to what I affectionately call “Cow Country” – a place where the pace slows down, and homemade food becomes the ultimate comfort. As his favorite (and only!) granddaughter, it was my duty and privilege to ensure he was pampered and well-fed, helping him on his road to recovery.
My time in Cow Country was a whirlwind of caregiving and, naturally, a lot of cooking. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about nourishing loved ones, especially during a time of healing. I spent hours in the kitchen, experimenting with new recipes and perfecting old favorites. One notable success was a fantastic Country Tomato and Bacon Pie, a recipe I discovered from The Country Cook. It was an absolute revelation! My grandmother, a discerning critic when it comes to pies, couldn’t stop raving about it. She loved it so much that it even made a special appearance at her breakfast table one morning. I also dedicated myself to perfecting my homemade pizza dough, a labor of love that I promise to share with you all very soon. But among all the dishes prepared with care and affection, the Nutella Donut Muffins held a special place, marking my very first venture into #MuffinMonday.
The Joy of Baking: A Grandfather’s Delight
These particular Nutella Swirl Donut Muffins weren’t just a treat; they were a source of genuine joy for my grandfather. Watching his face light up as he took his first bite was truly heartwarming. He adored them so much that he devoured three in one sitting – a true testament to their deliciousness and his resilient spirit! With a twinkle in his eye, as he reached for his third muffin, he declared, “Well, it’s not like I get these often, so I’m eating another one.” Go right ahead, Pop-pop! I was secretly cheering him on from the sidelines, beaming with pride at the simple pleasure these homemade donut muffins brought him. It’s moments like these that remind us of the powerful connection between food, comfort, and family.
Banish the Monday Blues with Sweetness
I don’t know about you, but for many of us, Monday holds a certain reputation. It signifies the bittersweet end of a cherished weekend. The lazy Sunday fun days, the luxury of sleeping in, the carefree hours spent baking to our heart’s content, the freedom to be footloose and fancy-free, and those late-night cocktail hours all fade into memory. Monday often ushers in a return to the grind, a stark reminder of all work and no play. It’s a day often greeted with a sigh and a sense of impending tasks.
Ah, Monday, how I sometimes dread your inevitable arrival. But I have found a secret weapon to combat that impending sense of Monday blues: these glorious Nutella Swirl Donut Muffins. They are absolutely guaranteed to inject a much-needed dose of cheer and sweetness into your week. Picture this: a warm, freshly baked muffin, emanating the comforting aroma of cinnamon and vanilla, with a surprise burst of rich hazelnut spread. It’s a small indulgence that can make a monumental difference in your outlook, turning a mundane morning into a moment of pure bliss.
Is it a donut? Is it a muffin? It’s both, and it’s arguably one of the most delicious creations you’ll ever bake. The texture is exquisitely moist and tender, reminiscent of a perfectly baked cake. And that dollop of Nutella, lovingly nestled in the center and swirled through the batter, transforms into a decadent, fudgy core as it bakes. The combination of the light, airy muffin and the gooey, chocolatey hazelnut spread is pure magic. As soon as you sink your teeth into one of these delightful Nutella donut muffins, the worries of Monday and the upcoming work week will instantly melt away, replaced by the simple joy of a truly extraordinary homemade treat. They are easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and destined to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Don’t just take my word for it; bake a batch and experience the blissful transformation yourself!
Nutella Swirl Donut Muffins
Yield: 10-12 muffins
Total Time: 22 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 and 1/2 cups, plus 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (finely grated)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup Nutella (hazelnut spread)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a standard muffin tin by greasing it with cooking spray or lining it with paper cupcake liners. This ensures easy removal of your delicious Nutella swirl donut muffins.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the granulated sugar and the large egg until the mixture is light and well combined. This forms the foundational wet ingredients for your muffin batter.
- To the wet mixture, add the dry ingredients: the measured all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, aromatic orange zest, and ground cinnamon. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Next, incorporate the remaining wet ingredients: the vegetable oil, whole milk, and fragrant vanilla extract. Stir the batter until it is just combined and smooth, taking care not to develop the gluten too much.
- Fill each prepared muffin cup approximately two-thirds full with the batter. Then, add a generous dollop of Nutella directly into the center of each muffin cup. Using a knife, skewer, or toothpick, gently swirl the Nutella through the batter to create beautiful marbled patterns.
- Bake the muffins for 12-15 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
- Once baked, allow the Nutella Swirl Donut Muffins to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm for the best experience!
All images and text ©One Sweet Mess.