If you have a soft spot for rich chocolate combined with the irresistible creaminess of hazelnut, then this Nutella Muffins Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, fluffy muffins packed with chocolate flavor and a molten Nutella center that oozes out with every bite – it’s truly a heavenly treat that’s as delightful for breakfast as it is for dessert or a midday pick-me-up. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of moistness and sweetness, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and one you’ll reach for time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Nutella Muffins Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each playing a starring role in building flavor, texture, and that gorgeous muffin crumb. From the cocoa powder adding deep chocolate notes to the tangy buttermilk creating an ultra-moist bite, every element is thoughtfully chosen to make these muffins unforgettable.
- 2 cups All-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft yet sturdy muffin structure that holds everything together perfectly.
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides a rich chocolate flavor without extra sweetness, balancing the Nutella perfectly.
- 2 1/2 tsp Baking powder: Helps the muffins rise beautifully and stay light and airy.
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda: Adds extra lift and works with the buttermilk to tenderize the crumb.
- 1/2 tsp Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness from being overwhelming.
- 1 cup White granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins just right, letting the chocolate and Nutella shine.
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Adds richness and moistness for that luscious texture.
- 1/2 cup Sour cream (room temperature): Contributes to a tender crumb and subtle tanginess.
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- 2 Large eggs (room temperature): Provides structure and moisture, uniting the ingredients perfectly.
- 3/4 cup Buttermilk (room temperature): Keeps the muffins tender and adds a pleasant tang that complements the chocolate.
- 2/3 cup Nutella: The star ingredient – creamy, hazelnut-chocolate spread that takes these muffins over the top.
How to Make Nutella Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Freeze the Nutella Dollops
This step might sound unusual, but it’s the secret to getting that perfect molten Nutella center in each muffin. Start by scooping 12 heaping tablespoons of Nutella onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Spread them out so they don’t stick together, then pop them into the freezer for one hour until they’re firm and solid. This ensures the Nutella won’t completely melt into the batter during baking, providing a delightful surprise in every bite.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Then add the salt and sugar, mixing everything evenly. This thorough blending of dry elements guarantees that every muffin will have an even chocolate flavor and the perfect rise.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the melted and cooled butter, sour cream, vanilla extract, eggs, and buttermilk. Make sure the eggs and buttermilk are room temperature to help the batter come together smoothly and avoid any curdling.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold them together with a rubber spatula. It’s important to mix only until just combined – overmixing can make muffins tough instead of soft and tender. After mixing, cover the batter and let it rest for 30 minutes to enhance the texture and depth of flavor even more.
Step 5: Prepare Muffin Pan and Batter
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners. For extra domed muffin tops, a cool trick is to fill every other cup with batter, giving the muffins more room to rise. Use a small cookie scoop and add one dollop of batter to each muffin cup, then gently press one frozen Nutella dollop into the center. Top with another scoop of batter, spreading evenly around the Nutella.
Step 6: Add the Nutella Swirl
To finish them off, scoop a teaspoon of Nutella on top of each muffin and lightly swirl it with a butter knife. This extra touch makes the muffins look rustic and inviting while adding a bit more gooey Nutella flavor on top.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the muffins at 400°F for 6 minutes, then lower the oven temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This two-step baking process helps develop a golden exterior with the perfect soft and moist interior.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Once baked, let your muffins rest in the hot pan for 10 minutes – this helps them firm up so they won’t fall apart. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, or enjoy them warm if you can’t wait!
How to Serve Nutella Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts adds a pretty and tasty finishing touch. For a decadent twist, drizzle some melted chocolate or extra Nutella over the top for a luscious presentation that will wow guests.
Side Dishes
Pair your Nutella muffins with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For breakfast, a side of fresh berries or a cup of rich, creamy coffee elevates the experience to something truly special.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, serve these muffins stacked on a beautiful plate with a little pot of warmed Nutella for dipping. You can also slice them in half and add fresh banana or strawberry slices for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Nutella muffins store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them moist and delicious while maintaining their fresh-baked charm.
Freezing
If you want to keep these muffins even longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months, making them perfect for quick treats anytime.
Reheating
To bring frozen muffins back to life, pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. The gooey Nutella center will become perfectly melty again, just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While you can substitute regular milk, adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to the milk simulates buttermilk’s tanginess and helps tenderize the muffins for the best texture.
Is it necessary to freeze the Nutella dollops?
Freezing the Nutella dollops is key to preventing the Nutella from completely melting into the batter, which keeps a delicious gooey center intact inside each muffin.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder for best results to keep the muffins tender and structured.
How long will these muffins stay fresh?
Properly stored at room temperature in an airtight container, these muffins remain fresh for about three days, though they taste best within the first 24 hours.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Absolutely! Chopped hazelnuts or chocolate chips folded gently into the batter add lovely texture and extra chocolatey bursts that complement the Nutella filling beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and indulgent about the Nutella Muffins Recipe that makes it impossible not to smile while eating. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or treating yourself to a sweet escape, these muffins bring joy with every bite. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to baked treats – you won’t regret it!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 56 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these luscious Nutella Muffins featuring a soft chocolate base filled with creamy frozen Nutella centers and topped with a beautiful Nutella swirl. Perfectly baked for a rich and decadent treat with a tender crumb and a gooey chocolate surprise in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 1/2 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 cup White granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 1/2 cup Sour cream (room temperature)
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 2 Large eggs (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup Buttermilk (room temperature)
Filling & Topping
- 2/3 cup Nutella
Instructions
- Freeze Nutella: On a cookie sheet lined with wax paper, scoop 12 heaping tablespoons of Nutella spaced apart. Place in the freezer for 1 hour until the dollops are solid and easy to handle.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir in salt and sugar. Set this dry mix aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted and cooled butter, sour cream, vanilla extract, eggs, and buttermilk until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Gently fold with a rubber spatula until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender. Cover the batter and let it rest for 30 minutes to hydrate.
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. For extra domed tops, fill every other muffin cup.
- Scoop Batter and Add Nutella: Using a small cookie scoop, place a dollop of muffin batter into each liner. Firmly press a frozen Nutella dollop into the center of each muffin, then cover with another scoop of batter. Spread gently to level.
- Add Nutella Swirl: Place 1 teaspoon of Nutella atop each muffin. Use a butter knife to carefully swirl the Nutella on the surface to create a marbled effect.
- Bake Muffins: Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 6 minutes to set. Then reduce oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and continue baking for another 10 minutes until a toothpick inserted near the edge comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Muffins: Let muffins cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best results, ensure eggs, buttermilk, and sour cream are at room temperature for smooth batter.
- Resting the batter for 30 minutes improves muffin texture by allowing flour to fully hydrate.
- Using frozen Nutella dollops prevents the filling from melting into the batter during baking, creating a molten surprise.
- Filling every other muffin cup helps develop a nice dome on the muffins.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Rewarm muffins gently in a microwave for a few seconds to enjoy the gooey Nutella center warm.
