Nutella Filled Donuts

1. Punch down the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.
2. Cut out the donuts: Use a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out donut shapes. If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can use a large and a smaller cutter to make the ring shape. Gather any dough scraps, reroll them, and cut out more donuts.
3. Let the donuts rise: Place the donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them with a towel, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they puff up.

Step 3: Fry the Donuts

1. Heat the oil: In a large pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You’ll need enough oil to submerge the donuts.
2. Fry the donuts: Carefully lower the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Fill the Donuts

1. Fill the donuts with Nutella: Once the donuts have cooled slightly, use a pastry bag with a narrow tip or a small spoon to fill the donuts with Nutella. You can insert the tip into the side of the donut and squeeze gently to fill them with the creamy hazelnut spread.

Step 5: Coat the Donuts

1. Coat with sugar: After filling, roll the warm donuts in granulated sugar to coat them, or use cinnamon sugar for an extra twist.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and gooey Nutella filling! Enjoy these delightful Nutella filled donuts with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

Tips:

• Nutella filling: If the Nutella is too thick to pipe, you can warm it slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to make it easier to fill the donuts.
• Baking option: If you prefer baked donuts, you can place the shaped donuts on a baking sheet, brush them with melted butter, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden.
• Make ahead: The dough can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours for a slower rise, or you can freeze the fried donuts (before filling) for later.

Enjoy your Nutella Filled Donuts—crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, with a rich, chocolatey surprise inside!