Fried Nutella Dumplings

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Crispy on the outside, molten and gooey on the inside—Fried Nutella Dumplings are a sweet tooth’s dream come true. These golden bites of bliss offer the perfect contrast of textures: a crunchy shell encasing a velvety, warm Nutella center that oozes with every bite. Finished with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, they’re irresistible at first glance and unforgettable at first taste.

Perfect as a quick dessert, party snack, or indulgent treat, Fried Nutella Dumplings turn a few simple ingredients into a show-stopping creation. Whether you’re serving them hot from the fryer or pairing them with a scoop of ice cream, they’re bound to be the centerpiece of any dessert table. Once you taste one, you’ll understand why these little dumplings are making big waves in the sweet snack world.

Why You’ll Love This Fried Nutella Dumplings Recipe

This recipe is all about ease and indulgence. It’s fast, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a punch of decadent flavor with every bite. If you’re a fan of Nutella or love dessert recipes that feel like comfort food, these dumplings hit the spot. They’re fun to make, kid-approved, and impressive enough to serve to guests—no oven needed!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Fried Nutella Dumplings at home, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• Deep Fryer or Heavy-Bottomed Pot – Ensures even frying and consistent heat, which is crucial for that golden crust.
• Slotted Spoon or Frying Spider – Lets you safely remove dumplings from hot oil without excess grease.
• Mixing Bowls – For preparing batter and holding dumpling ingredients.
• Small Cookie Scoop or Spoon – Helps with portioning the Nutella for an even fill and consistent size.
• Tongs or Chopsticks – To handle the dumplings while coating or flipping them during frying.

Each tool plays a role in making the process smooth and safe while also improving the final result. Proper tools mean better control and, ultimately, a better-tasting dumpling.

Preparation Tips

Freeze your Nutella spoonfuls ahead of time—this makes it far easier to wrap and fry without melting too quickly. Use a simple pancake batter or biscuit dough as the outer layer for best texture. Always test your oil temperature (around 350°F/175°C is ideal) before frying to avoid soggy or burnt dumplings. Don’t overcrowd the pot, as it lowers the oil temperature and causes uneven cooking. Finally, drain them well on paper towels and dust immediately with powdered sugar for that perfect, bakery-style finish.

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Ingredients for This Fried Nutella Dumplings Recipe

• 1 cup Nutella (chilled or pre-frozen in small dollops)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Optional:

• A pinch of cinnamon (for extra flavor in the batter)
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

Step 1: Prep the Nutella Centers

Scoop teaspoon-sized dollops of Nutella onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This helps keep the Nutella firm during the wrapping and frying process, preventing premature melting.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until you get a smooth, lump-free batter. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Fill a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot with vegetable oil (at least 2 inches deep). Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature closely to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Coat the Nutella

Remove the frozen Nutella dollops from the freezer. Using a spoon or small scoop, coat each one with batter. You can also dip them directly into the batter using a toothpick or small fork. Make sure each dollop is evenly coated to avoid leaks during frying.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully place 3–4 coated dumplings at a time into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Turn them halfway through for even browning.

Step 6: Drain and Dust

Use a slotted spoon or frying spider to remove the dumplings from the oil. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Immediately dust with powdered sugar while they’re still warm so the sugar sticks beautifully.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot for the best gooey Nutella center experience. Pair them with vanilla ice cream, drizzle with extra Nutella, or serve as-is for a rich, delightful bite. These dumplings are best enjoyed fresh but can also be gently reheated in an air fryer or oven.

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Notes

Fried Nutella Dumplings are best when served fresh, right after frying. If you’re making them for a crowd, prepare the Nutella centers in advance and freeze them until you’re ready to fry. You can also prep the batter ahead and store it in the fridge for a few hours. If you’re serving with ice cream, choose plain vanilla to balance out the rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor. And don’t skip the powdered sugar—it adds a sweet touch and a bakery-style finish.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using warm Nutella: If the Nutella isn’t firm or frozen, it will melt too fast and leak during frying.
• Frying at the wrong temperature: Too hot and the outside burns before the inside heats; too cold and they become greasy. Stick to 350°F (175°C).
• Overcrowding the pot: This lowers oil temperature and causes uneven frying.
• Uneven coating: If the batter is too thin or patchy, the filling will leak. Ensure each piece is completely and evenly coated.
• Skipping the draining step: Not draining on paper towels can lead to soggy dumplings.

Storage Instructions

Although these dumplings are best served fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose their crispiness and become soggy.

Estimated Nutrition

Per dumpling (approximate):

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Fiber: 1g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these dumplings in an air fryer?

Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and spray the coated dumplings lightly with oil. Air fry for 6–8 minutes or until golden brown.

What batter works best?

A simple pancake batter or biscuit dough works well. Avoid overly thin batters—they won’t hold the Nutella in.

Can I freeze them after frying?

It’s not recommended. The texture suffers after freezing and reheating. Instead, freeze the Nutella dollops and make fresh dumplings on demand.

What oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil.

Do I need to chill the batter?

Not necessarily, but letting it rest for 5–10 minutes improves texture and makes for a crispier finish.

Can I add flavors to the batter?

Absolutely! A pinch of cinnamon or a few drops of almond extract can add extra depth to the flavor.

Why is my Nutella leaking?

Most likely, the coating was too thin or had gaps. Ensure full coverage before frying.

Can I use other fillings?

Yes! Peanut butter, cookie butter, or fruit preserves can be delicious alternatives or additions.

Conclusion

Fried Nutella Dumplings are proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients to make a crowd-pleasing dessert. They combine the rich, creamy flavor of Nutella with a crispy golden crust for an indulgent treat that’s simple yet spectacular. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just yourself, this recipe delivers joy in every bite. Keep those Nutella centers frozen, the oil hot, and your sweet tooth ready—because these dumplings disappear fast!

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