Easy Chocolate-Filled Mini Donuts

Introduction

Transform your coffee or tea break into a special occasion with these irresistible mini donuts filled with molten chocolate! Unlike traditional donuts that require yeast and hours of rising time, these delightful treats come together in just minutes using simple pantry staples. The secret to their quick preparation lies in a simple choux-like dough that creates a light, airy texture with a golden-brown exterior. Each bite reveals a warm, flowing Nutella center that perfectly complements the subtle sweetness of the donut. Perfect for impromptu gatherings, weekend family breakfasts, or whenever you need a quick sweet treat to brighten your day. These bite-sized indulgences are guaranteed to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

240ml (1 cup) water
30g (2 tablespoons) vegetable oil, plus extra for frying
13g (1 tablespoon) granulated sugar
Pinch of salt
120g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
1 large egg
10g (1 tablespoon) vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)

For the Filling and Coating:

100g (⅓ cup) Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread
3-4 teaspoons powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a medium saucepan, combine water, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Once boiling, remove from heat and immediately add all the flour at once.
Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Allow the dough to cool slightly for about 3-5 minutes (it should be warm but not hot).
Add the egg and vanilla sugar (or vanilla extract) to the dough.
Mix energetically until the egg is fully incorporated and the dough becomes smooth and glossy. This may take some effort by hand, or you can use an electric mixer.

Step 2: Shape the Donuts

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a round tip, or use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
Line a tray with parchment paper or lightly dust with flour.
Pipe small rounds of dough about 1.5 inches (4 cm) in diameter onto the prepared surface, leaving space between each one.
If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use two spoons to drop small portions of dough.
Slightly dampen your fingertip with water and gently smooth the tops of the piped dough if there are any peaks.

Step 3: Prepare Nutella for Filling

If your Nutella is firm, transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 15-20 seconds until it becomes more fluid and easier to work with.
Allow it to cool slightly so it won’t be too runny when filling the donuts.

Step 4: Fry the Donuts

In a medium saucepan or deep skillet, heat about 2 inches (5 cm) of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough – it should bubble immediately and rise to the surface.
Carefully lower 4-5 portions of dough into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown on all sides.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the donuts and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Continue frying the remaining dough in batches.

Step 5: Fill the Donuts

Once the donuts are cool enough to handle but still warm, use a small knife to make a small hole in the side of each donut.
Fill a piping bag or syringe with the prepared Nutella.
Insert the tip into the hole and squeeze gently to fill each donut with Nutella. Stop when you feel slight resistance.
If you don’t have a piping tool, you can cut the donuts halfway through and spread Nutella inside with a small spoon.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Place the filled donuts on a serving plate.
Dust generously with powdered sugar using a small sieve.
Serve warm while the chocolate center is still melted and gooey.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (2 mini donuts):

Calories: 215
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fat: 12g
Sugar: 13g
Fiber: 1g

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes Total Time: 25-30 minutes Yield: Approximately 12-15 mini donuts

Tips and Tricks

Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for perfect donuts. Too hot, and they’ll brown too quickly while remaining raw inside; too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil and become greasy.
Test Donut: Always fry a test donut first to check if your oil is at the right temperature and if your dough consistency is correct.
Resting the Dough: While these donuts don’t require rising time, letting the dough rest for 5-10 minutes after mixing can make it easier to handle.
Even Sizing: Try to keep your donut portions consistent in size for even cooking. Using a small ice cream scoop can help achieve uniform portions.
Preventing Oil Splatter: Add the dough to the oil carefully by lowering it close to the surface rather than dropping it from a height to prevent dangerous oil splashes.

Variations and Substitutions

Different Fillings

Replace Nutella with other spreads like peanut butter, cookie butter, or fruit preserves.
Try white chocolate spread or dulce de leche for a different sweet experience.
Create a savory version with herb-infused cream cheese for an appetizer variation.

Flavor Enhancements

Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
Incorporate 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest into the dough for citrus-infused donuts.
Replace some of the water with strong brewed coffee for mocha-flavored donuts.

Coating Options

Roll the warm donuts in cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar.
Dip in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Coat with melted chocolate and sprinkles for a festive touch.

Dietary Adaptations

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based chocolate spread.
Use a gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum) as a direct substitute for all-purpose flour.
For a lower-sugar option, use a sugar substitute in the dough and a sugar-free chocolate spread.

Common FAQs

Q: Why did my donuts deflate after frying?

A: This usually happens when the oil temperature is too low, causing the donuts to initially puff up but then collapse as they cool. Ensure your oil maintains a steady 350°F (175°C).

Q: Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?

A: While these are designed to be fried, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. The texture will be different—more like cream puffs than donuts—but still delicious.

Q: My dough seems too runny. What should I do?

A: If your dough appears too thin, it might be because the egg was too large or the flour measurement was off. Add 1-2 tablespoons of flour and mix well until you reach a pipeable consistency.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A: This particular dough is best used immediately after preparation. The leavening action happens during cooking, so storing the raw dough may affect the final texture.

Q: How do I know when the donuts are cooked through?

A: Properly cooked donuts will be golden-brown on the outside and will feel light when lifted with a slotted spoon. If you’re uncertain, cut one open—the interior should be cooked through with a soft, slightly moist crumb.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Best When Fresh: These mini donuts are at their absolute best when served warm, just after filling and dusting with powdered sugar.
Short-Term Storage: Store unfilled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a microwave (10 seconds) before filling.
Freezing Option: Unfilled fried donuts can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes before filling.
Filling Storage: If you have leftover donuts that have already been filled, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
Reheating: To restore some of the freshly-made texture, reheat unfilled donuts in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3-5 minutes, then fill and dust with powdered sugar.

These quick and delicious Chocolate-Filled Mini Donuts prove that homemade treats don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With their crisp exterior, soft interior, and molten chocolate center, they’re an impressive yet simple indulgence that’s perfect alongside your favorite hot beverage. Their small size makes portion control easy, while the endless possibilities for fillings and coatings mean you can customize them to suit any taste preference or occasion. Enjoy these little bites of happiness as a special breakfast treat, afternoon pick-me-up, or dessert to end your day on a sweet note!