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Fried Nutella Dumplings

Golden, crispy on the outside and luxuriously gooey on the inside, Fried Nutella Dumplings are the ultimate indulgent dessert you didn’t know you needed. With each bite, you're met with a warm, deep-fried shell that gives way to a rich, molten Nutella center — a contrast of textures that hits every craving. Dusted generously with powdered sugar, these little treats are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the palate.

Perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or just satisfying a late-night sweet tooth, these dumplings deliver instant joy. Think of them as bite-sized happiness — crispy, creamy, and irresistibly decadent. They’re incredibly simple to make but taste like they came straight out of a gourmet dessert menu.

Why You’ll Love This Fried Nutella Dumplings Recipe

  • They only require a handful of ingredients.
  • The crispy shell paired with warm Nutella is a texture lover’s dream.
  • A quick dessert idea perfect for parties or cozy nights in.
  • No need for fancy kitchen skills — beginner-friendly and fun!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

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

  • Deep Frying Pan or Dutch Oven: Essential for even oil temperature and safe frying.
  • Slotted Spoon or Fry Basket: Helps you lift the dumplings out of the hot oil safely while draining excess oil.
  • Mixing Bowls: Needed for making your batter and holding your Nutella dumplings before frying.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key for the batter, especially to get that perfect crisp.
  • Parchment Paper or Baking Tray: Ideal for prepping your filled dumplings and setting them before frying.

Each tool plays a role in creating a smooth workflow and ensuring safety while handling hot oil and sticky Nutella.

Preparation Tips

Before diving into the cooking, keep your Nutella chilled in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes. This helps it hold shape when wrapping and prevents leakage during frying. Always preheat your oil and keep a consistent medium heat to avoid burning the batter. Don't overcrowd the frying pan — it causes the temperature to drop and the dumplings to turn soggy instead of crispy. Finally, have your powdered sugar ready to sprinkle while they’re hot for that sweet finishing touch.

Ingredients for this Fried Nutella Dumplings Recipe

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • ¾ cup milk (adjust as needed for batter consistency)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chilled Nutella (scooped into teaspoon-sized portions and frozen for at least 30 minutes)
  • Vegetable oil for frying (canola or sunflower oil work well)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Step 1: Prepare the Nutella Centers

Scoop teaspoon-sized portions of Nutella onto a parchment-lined tray. Place the tray in the freezer for at least 30 minutes until the Nutella is solid. This makes them easier to wrap in batter and keeps them from melting too quickly in the oil.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, combine milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring, until a smooth, lump-free batter forms. The consistency should be thick enough to coat a spoon.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to about 2 inches deep. Heat over medium heat until the temperature reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy, as consistent temperature is key to perfect frying.

Step 4: Coat and Fry the Dumplings

Working quickly, take the frozen Nutella balls one by one, dip them into the batter using a spoon or fork, ensuring they are fully coated. Carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each dumpling for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Drain and Dust

Use a slotted spoon to remove the dumplings and transfer them onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Serve the Fried Nutella Dumplings hot and fresh. The center should be deliciously molten and the outside perfectly crisp. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for an elevated dessert experience.


Notes

For best results, always freeze the Nutella centers before battering. This step ensures they remain intact during frying and achieve that gooey lava-like center. Also, your batter should be thick enough to cling to the frozen Nutella but not so thick that it becomes doughy. If you're making a large batch, keep the fried dumplings warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 90°C) while finishing the rest.


Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

  • Skipping the Nutella freezing step: Warm Nutella melts too fast and leaks into the oil, making a mess.
  • Overcrowding the pan: This lowers oil temperature, resulting in soggy dumplings.
  • Using thin batter: It won't hold its shape and may fall off in the oil.
  • Oil not hot enough: You'll end up with greasy, undercooked dumplings.
  • Frying too long: The dumplings can burst or become overly hard. Stick to 2–3 minutes per batch.

Storage Instructions

Fried Nutella Dumplings are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes them soggy. Freezing is not recommended as it alters the texture.


Estimated Nutrition (per dumpling, approximate)

  • Calories: 120
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Protein: 1.5g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Sodium: 60mg
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the Nutella from leaking during frying?

Freeze the Nutella portions and make sure they are fully coated in thick batter before frying.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes, but results may vary. You can air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes, but they may not be as crispy.

What oil is best for frying?

Neutral oils with high smoke points like canola, sunflower, or vegetable oil work best.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance. Keep it refrigerated until ready to use.

Do I need a deep fryer?

Not at all. A deep frying pan or Dutch oven works perfectly as long as the oil depth is about 2 inches.

What can I serve with Fried Nutella Dumplings?

Vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel sauce are great additions.

Can I use other fillings besides Nutella?

Absolutely! Peanut butter, Biscoff spread, or fruit preserves make great alternatives.

How long do they stay crispy?

They stay crispy for about 1–2 hours. After that, the moisture starts softening the coating.


Conclusion

Fried Nutella Dumplings are the perfect marriage of crispy and creamy, giving you that deep-fried fairground joy right from your kitchen. Whether you're treating guests or yourself, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With just a bit of prep and the right techniques, you’ll be serving up golden bites of chocolate heaven in no time. Easy, delicious, and unforgettable!


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Fried Nutella Dumplings

  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 dumplings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Fusion

Description

Craving a quick dessert that’s crispy on the outside and oozing with warm chocolate inside? These Fried Nutella Dumplings are your go-to! This easy recipe delivers bite-sized golden perfection, ideal for dessert lovers seeking a quick fix. Whether you're after sweet breakfast ideas, cozy dinner treats, or easy snack recipes, these dumplings hit all the right notes. Wrapped in a fluffy batter and fried to golden crispness, the molten Nutella core is pure decadence. Perfect for dinner parties, celebrations, or an indulgent midnight snack, this is one easy recipe you’ll keep making on repeat.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 pinch salt

¾ cup milk

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup Nutella (chilled and pre-scooped)

Vegetable oil (for frying)

Powdered sugar (for dusting)


Instructions

1. Scoop Nutella into teaspoon-sized portions and freeze for at least 30 minutes until solid.

2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla, then combine with dry ingredients to form a thick, smooth batter.

4. Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).

5. Dip frozen Nutella balls in batter, fully coating each one.

6. Carefully fry in hot oil for 2–3 minutes, turning for even browning.

7. Use a slotted spoon to remove and place dumplings on paper towels.

8. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.


Notes

Always freeze Nutella before frying to prevent leaking.

Batter should be thick enough to coat but not clump — adjust milk if needed.

Serve immediately for the best crisp-to-gooey ratio.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 dumpling
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 60mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 1.5g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: quick dessert, fried Nutella balls, Nutella dumplings, easy dessert, chocolate snack

Recipe rating