Nutella Hazelnut CupcakesNutella Hazelnut CupcakesNutella Hazelnut Cupcakes

Oh, these Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes—just imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, moist cupcake that’s bursting with the rich, creamy flavor of Nutella, and then a little crunch from the hazelnuts. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel like you’re having a little indulgence without going over the top. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself (because who doesn’t deserve a sweet moment?), these cupcakes are guaranteed to hit the spot. Trust me, they’re a game-changer for any chocolate lover.

Why You’ll Love Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating sweet moments. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy afternoon, or to spoil yourself (we all deserve that, right?), these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. Here’s why they’re a favorite:

Versatile: You can easily double the recipe for a crowd or mix in a few extra ingredients like mini chocolate chips or a touch of coffee for added depth. The base recipe is super flexible!

Budget-Friendly: With just a few pantry staples and Nutella, you can whip up a batch of indulgent cupcakes without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy: These cupcakes are easy to mix up, bake, and frost. No need for complicated techniques—just simple ingredients and a bit of love.

Customizable: Love Nutella? Add more to the frosting! Want a lighter twist? Swap out the hazelnuts for almonds. These cupcakes are totally adaptable to your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or a birthday party, these cupcakes always steal the show. Nutella + hazelnuts = irresistible.

Ingredients in Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes

Here’s what makes these Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes so irresistible:

Nutella: The creamy, dreamy chocolate-hazelnut spread that brings everything together. It’s in both the cupcake and the frosting, for a double dose of hazelnut magic.

All-Purpose Flour: The base for the cupcakes, creating that perfect fluffy texture.

Baking Powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and gives them that light, airy texture.

Salt: A pinch of salt helps balance out the sweetness of the Nutella and enhances the flavors.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds a rich chocolatey depth without making the cupcakes too sweet.

Eggs: The binding agent that holds everything together while adding richness and moisture.

Butter: Softened butter for a tender, moist crumb. It also adds flavor and richness to the cupcakes.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes to perfection, giving them a golden color.

Whole Milk: For the right consistency in the batter and a light, airy texture in the cupcakes.

Hazelnuts: Chopped hazelnuts to give the cupcakes a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. They add texture and that irresistible nutty bite.

Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances all the flavors and gives the cupcakes a warm, aromatic undertone.

Powdered Sugar: Used in the frosting, giving it that smooth, silky texture.

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

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create these delectable cupcakes:

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.

Add Eggs and Nutella: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next. Then add 1/4 cup of Nutella and vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Add Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Fold in Hazelnuts: Gently fold in the chopped hazelnuts, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 of the way full.

Bake to Perfection: Bake the cupcakes for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting: While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a bowl, beat together the softened butter and Nutella until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, until the frosting is thick and fluffy. You can adjust the consistency by adding a bit of milk if it’s too thick.

Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them generously with the Nutella frosting using a spatula or piping bag. If you want to take them to the next level, sprinkle some chopped hazelnuts on top.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cupcakes as a sweet treat at any occasion or enjoy them with a cup of coffee for a cozy moment of indulgence.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 400
(Note: approximate values)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes

These Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes pair wonderfully with a variety of drinks and sides. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience:

• Pair them with a rich cup of coffee or a frothy cappuccino for a perfect afternoon treat.
• Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
• Serve alongside fresh berries for a balance of sweetness and freshness.
• Pair with a glass of sweet dessert wine like port or Moscato for an elegant touch.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• If you want to make these cupcakes even more decadent, try adding a spoonful of Nutella in the center of each cupcake before baking.
• You can freeze the cupcakes without frosting for up to 3 months. Just defrost them before frosting and serving.
• For a smoother frosting, sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the Nutella mixture.
• If you want to make these cupcakes gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
• Don’t skip the cooling step! Frosting warm cupcakes can cause the frosting to melt.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different frosting instead of Nutella frosting?
Yes! You can use cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache if you prefer.

2. How do I store leftover cupcakes?
Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week.

3. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. How do I make the cupcakes more chocolatey?
You can add more cocoa powder to the batter or even swirl in some melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.

5. Can I use a different nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or pecans would be great substitutions for hazelnuts.

6. How do I prevent my cupcakes from sinking in the middle?
Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can cause the cupcakes to sink. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking.

7. Can I make mini cupcakes?
Yes, just adjust the baking time to about 12-15 minutes for mini cupcakes.

8. What if I don’t have hazelnuts?
You can omit them entirely or replace them with another nut or even chocolate chips.

9. How do I get a smooth, glossy frosting?
Make sure your Nutella is at room temperature and beat the frosting ingredients for at least 2-3 minutes for a silky finish.

10. Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the butter for dairy-free margarine and use a non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk.

Conclusion

Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes are the ultimate treat for any chocolate and Nutella lover. With their fluffy texture, rich Nutella flavor, and a touch of crunch from the hazelnuts, these cupcakes are truly irresistible. Whether you’re baking them for a celebration or just treating yourself to something sweet, these cupcakes are sure to delight everyone who tries them. Happy baking!

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