Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes

Who doesn’t love a little indulgence now and then? These Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes are the ultimate treat for anyone with a sweet tooth (and a love for Nutella). Picture this: fluffy, moist cupcakes with a subtle hint of hazelnut flavor, crowned with a creamy, decadent Nutella frosting. Every bite is like a little taste of heaven, and they’re the perfect way to satisfy that chocolate craving. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, or you simply want a sweet snack to enjoy, these cupcakes will make you feel like you’re biting into a piece of pure magic. Trust me—you’ll be reaching for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes

Decadent Flavor: The rich Nutella and hazelnut flavors come together beautifully in every bite, making these cupcakes totally irresistible.

Soft and Moist: These cupcakes are light, fluffy, and stay moist for days, thanks to the combination of ingredients that keep them tender and delicious.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, party, or just a casual afternoon, these cupcakes are the perfect sweet treat to share with friends and family.

Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward, even for beginner bakers! The hardest part is waiting for them to cool before you dive in.

Nutella Frosting: The frosting is a game-changer! It’s thick, creamy, and rich, with the perfect balance of sweetness and hazelnut flavor.

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

Ingredients in Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes

Here’s everything you need to make these sweet little treasures:

All-Purpose Flour

The base of the cupcakes, giving them structure and a soft texture.

Baking Powder

The leavening agent that helps the cupcakes rise and stay fluffy.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

Adds a rich, deep chocolate flavor to balance the sweetness.

Salt

A pinch of salt enhances the other flavors and brings out the sweetness of the Nutella.

Eggs

Essential for structure and moisture, making the cupcakes light and fluffy.

Sugar

For sweetness, of course! It works with the cocoa powder to give that perfect cupcake flavor.

Milk

Helps create a moist batter and adds to the soft texture.

Vegetable Oil

Adds moisture and helps keep the cupcakes soft even after a few days.

Vanilla Extract

For a hint of warmth and depth that complements the Nutella.

Nutella

The star of the show! Nutella adds both flavor and moisture to the cupcakes and makes the frosting extra delicious.

Hazelnuts

Chopped hazelnuts add a delightful crunch and enhance the hazelnut flavor in the cupcakes.

Instructions

Let’s get baking!

Prepare Your Equipment

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in Nutella until well combined.

Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cupcakes light and airy.

Fill the Cupcake Liners

Divide the batter evenly between the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

Bake the Cupcakes

Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Nutella Frosting

While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a bowl, mix together Nutella, butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk. Beat until smooth and creamy. You can adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.

Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes have cooled, generously frost each one with the Nutella frosting. Sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts for an extra crunch if you like.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve these cupcakes at room temperature and get ready for compliments!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes

These cupcakes are a delicious treat on their own, but they pair wonderfully with:

Coffee or Tea: Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a light contrast to the rich Nutella.

Vanilla Ice Cream: Why not make it an indulgent dessert and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side?

Fresh Berries: For a pop of freshness, serve with fresh strawberries or raspberries on top.

Additional Tips

Store Them Properly: Keep your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week.

Frozen Hazelnuts: If you want to use frozen hazelnuts, be sure to chop them and toast them for extra flavor before using them in the frosting.

Make a Mini Version: These cupcakes can easily be made into mini cupcakes—just adjust the baking time to about 10-12 minutes.

Nutella Overload: If you’re a Nutella lover, add a small spoonful of Nutella to the center of each cupcake before baking for an even more decadent treat!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use Nutella in the cupcake batter?
A1: Yes! Nutella is already in the batter, and it’s the star ingredient. It gives the cupcakes a deliciously rich flavor.

Q2: Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
A2: Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and you’re good to go.

Q3: Can I freeze these cupcakes?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes without the frosting. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost when you’re ready to enjoy!

Q4: How do I make the frosting smoother?
A4: If your frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Q5: Can I use store-bought Nutella instead of making the frosting from scratch?
A5: Yes, you can use store-bought Nutella as a frosting, but you might want to mix it with butter and powdered sugar to get a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Q6: Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
A6: Yes! You can bake the cupcakes the day before and frost them just before serving for maximum freshness.

Q7: Can I make these cupcakes without Nutella?
A7: You can, but you’d lose the iconic Nutella flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute Nutella with another chocolate hazelnut spread, but Nutella is definitely the best choice.

Q8: Can I make the frosting without butter?
A8: You can use a dairy-free margarine or shortening as a butter substitute, though it will change the flavor slightly.

Q9: How do I know when my cupcakes are done?
A9: Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cupcakes are ready!

Q10: Can I make these cupcakes into a cake?
A10: Yes! You can bake this batter in a cake pan (8-inch or 9-inch round) and adjust the baking time to about 25-30 minutes.

Conclusion

These Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes are a sweet indulgence that everyone will love. With their rich, chocolatey flavor and creamy Nutella frosting, they’re the perfect dessert for any occasion. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy a moment of pure bliss with these dreamy cupcakes!

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