If you have a sweet tooth and a soft spot for all things chocolatey, this Nutella Muffins Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Picture tender, moist muffins with an irresistibly rich cocoa base, enhanced by a gooey, frozen Nutella center that melts into every bite. These muffins are not only a perfect treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack, but they also boast a beautiful swirl of Nutella right on top, making each one look as delightful as it tastes. Whether you’re baking for company or just craving something cozy and comforting, this Nutella Muffins Recipe hits all the right notes with its blend of classic baking ingredients and the luscious hazelnut spread we all adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple with everyday baking staples, but each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering those soft, chocolatey bites that make these muffins special. From the cocoa powder that gives depth and color to the buttermilk that keeps everything tender, here’s exactly what you’ll need.
- 2 cups All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for your muffins.
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings rich chocolate flavor and a deep hue.
- 2 1/2 tsp Baking powder: Helps the muffins rise beautifully and become fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda: Works with acidic ingredients to enhance rise and tenderness.
- 1/2 tsp Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup White granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Infuses richness and moistness.
- 1/2 cup Sour cream (room temperature): Keeps the crumb tender and adds a subtle tang.
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract: Lifts the chocolate flavors and adds warmth.
- 2 Large eggs (room temperature): Bind ingredients together and add moisture.
- 3/4 cup Buttermilk (room temperature): Reacts with baking soda for lift and gives a soft texture.
- 2/3 cup Nutella: The star of the show, adding creamy hazelnut and chocolate swirls in every bite.
How to Make Nutella Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Freeze Nutella Drops
Begin by scooping 12 heaping tablespoons of Nutella onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Spread them out so they don’t touch, then pop them into the freezer for about an hour until they become solid. This step is crucial, as frozen Nutella centers will hold their lovely shape inside the muffins instead of melting away.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
While the Nutella chills, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the salt and sugar to distribute everything evenly. Sifting ensures no lumps and helps create a tender crumb.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted and cooled butter, sour cream, vanilla extract, eggs, and buttermilk. These wet ingredients contribute moisture and richness, making your muffins incredibly soft and flavorful.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Components
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Cover the batter and allow it to rest for 30 minutes — this little pause helps the cocoa powder hydrate, leading to more tender muffins.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners. A handy tip is to fill every other muffin cup for a higher, domed top on your muffins — a simple trick that makes these treats all the more impressive.
Step 6: Assemble Muffins with Nutella Centers
Use a small cookie scoop to place one dollop of batter into each muffin liner. Then, take one frozen Nutella drop and gently press it into the center of the batter. Cover each drop with another dollop of batter, spreading it evenly to enclose that creamy surprise.
Step 7: Swirl Nutella on Top
Scoop a teaspoon of Nutella onto the top of each muffin. Use a butter knife to softly swirl the Nutella over the surface—this gives a gorgeous marbled effect and adds an extra hit of hazelnut goodness with every bite.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake at 400°F for 6 minutes. Afterward, reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake for 10 more minutes. This two-stage baking helps set the muffin tops while ensuring the insides stay moist and tender.
Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying
Once baked, allow the muffins to rest in the tin for 10 minutes. This lets them firm up so they don’t crumble when removed. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy warm if you’re impatient like me!
How to Serve Nutella Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
While the Nutella swirls on top look beautiful as is, you can add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few chopped toasted hazelnuts for an extra crunch and visual appeal. A light dusting of cocoa powder or mini chocolate chips also pairs wonderfully with these muffins.
Side Dishes
Serve these Nutella muffins alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the deep chocolate flavor with some brightness. A hot cup of coffee, cappuccino, or even a cold glass of milk completes this delightful snack.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or brunch, place your Nutella muffins in colorful muffin liners or nestle them into decorative cupcake wrappers. You can even stack them on a tiered cake stand to make a stunning display that invites everyone to grab one (or two!). Adding small flags or little signs with fun messages will charm your guests even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These Nutella muffins stay fresh for up to 3 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping them covered ensures they retain their moisture and the rich flavors do not fade.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these muffins later, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. This way, you can pop them out and thaw whenever a sudden craving strikes.
Reheating
To warm frozen or room temperature muffins, microwave them for about 15-20 seconds or heat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This revives the soft texture and melts the Nutella center slightly, making them taste like freshly baked indulgence.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the acidity. This helps activate the baking soda for a fluffy texture.
Is there a way to make these muffins dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut yogurt or a non-dairy sour cream substitute. Also, choose a dairy-free Nutella-style spread, and you’re good to go.
Can I make these muffins without eggs?
While eggs help bind and add moisture, you can substitute each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) if you prefer an eggless version.
Why should I freeze the Nutella before adding it to the batter?
Freezing the Nutella drops prevents them from melting into the batter during baking, ensuring each muffin has a lovely, molten center rather than just a plain chocolate flavor.
How do I get perfectly domed muffin tops every time?
Filling every other muffin cup instead of all of them, as well as starting at a higher oven temperature before lowering it, helps encourage those beautiful, domed tops by allowing the muffins room to rise and set properly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Nutella Muffins Recipe enough if you want to impress your family, friends, or simply treat yourself to an extraordinary bake that feels both fancy and homey. The blend of fluffy chocolate batter and that signature Nutella swirl creates something truly magical. So gather your ingredients, freeze that luscious Nutella, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked happiness. Trust me, these muffins will be a new favorite in your recipe box!
Print
Nutella Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 36 minutes
- Total Time: 56 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously rich and moist Nutella muffins featuring a luscious swirled Nutella center and topping. These muffins combine cocoa, buttermilk, and sour cream for a tender crumb, with a decadent frozen Nutella dollop inside for an irresistible surprise. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special snack, these muffins offer a perfect balance of chocolate and hazelnut flavors with an easy-to-follow baking method.
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
Nutella
- 2/3 cup Nutella (divided: for freezing drops and swirling on top)
Instructions
- Freeze Nutella Drops: On a cookie sheet lined with wax paper, scoop 12 heaping tablespoons of Nutella spaced apart. Place the cookie sheet in the freezer and freeze for 1 hour until solid.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Add salt and sugar, then whisk to combine. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the melted and cooled unsalted butter, sour cream, vanilla extract, eggs, and buttermilk until well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the batter until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender muffins. Cover the batter and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Prepare Muffin Pan: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with muffin liners. For extra domed tops, fill only every other muffin cup.
- Assemble Muffins: Using a small cookie scoop, drop a dollop of batter into each muffin liner. Firmly press one frozen Nutella drop into the center of each and cover with another dollop of muffin batter. Spread lightly to even out the surface.
- Swirl Nutella Topping: Spoon 1 teaspoon of Nutella on top of each muffin. Use a butter knife or toothpick to lightly swirl the Nutella into the top batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake the muffins at 400°F for 6 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near (not in) the Nutella center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Freezing the Nutella drops prevents them from melting completely into the batter, giving a gooey center.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins light and fluffy.
- Using every other muffin cup creates the coveted domed muffin tops.
- Room temperature eggs, buttermilk, and sour cream help the batter mix evenly and create a tender crumb.
- For best results, use unsweetened cocoa powder for deep chocolate flavor without added sweetness.
