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Decadent Ferrero Rocher Inspired Donuts Easy Hazelnut Crunch Recipe

Ferrero Rocher inspired donuts - featured image

These donuts capture the essence of Ferrero Rocher chocolates with a soft, comforting texture, silky Nutella filling, and a crunchy hazelnut topping. Perfect for an indulgent yet fuss-free treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ยฝ cups (312g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • โ…“ cup (67g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ยผ tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
  • ยพ cup (180ml) warm milk (about 110ยฐF/43ยฐC)
  • 3 tbsp (43g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ยฝ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ยฝ cup (150g) Nutella or hazelnut chocolate spread
  • ยพ cup (90g) chopped roasted hazelnuts (skin-on preferred)
  • ยผ cup (30g) powdered sugar
  • ยฝ cup (90g) dark chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) heavy cream
  • Vegetable oil for deep frying, about 4 cups (950ml)

Instructions

  1. Proof the yeast: In a small bowl, combine ยพ cup warm milk, 1 tsp sugar, and 2 ยผ tsp yeast. Stir gently and let sit until foamy and bubbly, about 10 minutes.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together sifted flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, vanilla extract, egg, and the yeast mixture. Stir until dough starts to come together.
  3. Knead the dough: On a lightly floured surface, knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour if too sticky.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  5. Roll and cut donuts: Punch down dough, roll out to ยฝ inch thickness, and cut donut shapes using a donut cutter or two round cutters.
  6. Second rise: Arrange cut donuts on parchment-lined trays, cover loosely, and let rise for 30 minutes.
  7. Heat oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
  8. Fry donuts: Fry donuts in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding.
  9. Drain and cool: Transfer donuts to a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and cool slightly.
  10. Fill donuts: Using a piping bag, fill each donut with about 1 tablespoon of Nutella.
  11. Prepare glaze: Melt dark chocolate chips with heavy cream over simmering water until smooth and glossy.
  12. Dip and top: Dip the top of each filled donut into the chocolate glaze, then immediately sprinkle with chopped roasted hazelnuts. Let glaze set for 10 minutes.
  13. Dust with powdered sugar lightly before serving.

Notes

Roast hazelnuts at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 10 minutes before chopping for best flavor. Maintain oil temperature at 350ยฐF to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts. Dough can be refrigerated overnight after first rise. For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend. Donuts can be baked at 375ยฐF for 12-15 minutes as an alternative to frying.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ferrero Rocher donuts, hazelnut donuts, Nutella donuts, chocolate donuts, homemade donuts, hazelnut crunch, easy donut recipe