Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes

If you love Nutella, then these Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes are about to become your new favorite treat. These soft, moist cupcakes are packed with all the rich, creamy flavor of Nutella, topped with a luscious Nutella frosting, and finished with crunchy hazelnuts for a bit of texture and that extra nutty goodness. It’s like biting into the best Nutella jar ever, but in cupcake form!

I first stumbled upon the idea for these cupcakes when I was craving something that combined my love for Nutella with a soft, fluffy cake. And let me tell you—these cupcakes did not disappoint. They are the perfect balance of sweetness, rich hazelnut flavor, and the kind of treat that makes you want to keep going back for “just one more.”

These cupcakes are perfect for any occasion: birthdays, special celebrations, or even as an afternoon pick-me-up. Whether you’re a Nutella lover or just looking for a fun new dessert to add to your baking repertoire, you’re going to love these little indulgent bites.

Why You’ll Love These Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes

• Rich Nutella flavor in every bite: The cupcakes themselves are infused with Nutella, and the frosting is made from it too. It’s Nutella heaven!
• Perfect texture: The cupcakes are moist, light, and fluffy—just the right balance to hold all that Nutella goodness without feeling too heavy.
• Easy to make: You don’t need to be a professional baker to whip up these cupcakes. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll have a batch of delicious cupcakes to impress your friends or family.
• Nutella frosting that steals the show: If the cupcake itself wasn’t enough, the frosting made with Nutella, butter, and powdered sugar is creamy and rich, making these cupcakes totally irresistible.
• Great for special occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, a bake sale, or just a day when you need a sweet treat, these cupcakes are sure to bring joy to any gathering.
• Nutty, crunchy finish: The toasted hazelnuts on top add a delightful crunch and deepen the flavor, making every bite a little bit more exciting.
• You can make them ahead: They store well in an airtight container and stay fresh for several days, making them great for prepping in advance.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes:

For the Cupcakes:

• All-purpose flour – This is the base of your cupcake batter.
• Baking powder – This helps the cupcakes rise and stay fluffy.
• Salt – Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – This gives the cupcakes a rich chocolate flavor that complements the Nutella.
• Butter – Softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetness to balance the other ingredients.
• Eggs – These help the cupcakes rise and bind everything together.
• Vanilla extract – For a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Milk – To help make the batter smooth and give the cupcakes a soft crumb.
• Nutella – The star ingredient! This will be both in the cupcakes and in the frosting for a double dose of Nutella goodness.

For the Nutella Frosting:

• Butter – Softened to room temperature for a smooth frosting.
• Powdered sugar – For sweetness and smoothness.
• Nutella – Of course! This is the heart of the frosting.
• Heavy cream or milk – To achieve the perfect consistency for the frosting.
• Vanilla extract – A touch of vanilla to round out the frosting flavor.

For the Topping:

• Hazelnuts – Lightly toasted to bring out their flavor and add a satisfying crunch.

(Note: A complete list of ingredients with exact measurements is included in the instructions section below.)

How to Make Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Step 1: Preheat your oven and prep the pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. This will ensure your cupcakes don’t stick and are easy to remove after baking.

Step 2: Combine dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this bowl aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream together butter and sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the eggs and Nutella

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Once the eggs are fully incorporated, add the Nutella and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth. This will give the cupcakes that perfect Nutella flavor.

Step 5: Add dry ingredients and milk

Now, add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in 3 parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cupcakes dense.

Step 6: Scoop the batter into the cupcake liners

Scoop the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. This will allow the cupcakes to rise perfectly without overflowing.

Step 7: Bake the cupcakes

Bake the cupcakes for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end to make sure they don’t over-bake. When they’re done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Nutella frosting

While the cupcakes are cooling, it’s time to make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and Nutella until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the heavy cream or milk 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired frosting consistency. Finally, beat in the vanilla extract.

Step 9: Frost the cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, it’s time to frost! Use a piping bag or a spatula to spread a generous amount of Nutella frosting on top of each cupcake.

Step 10: Add the finishing touch

To finish, sprinkle each cupcake with a few toasted hazelnuts for added texture and flavor. You can either chop them roughly or leave them whole, depending on your preference.

Helpful Tips

Don’t overmix the batter: This will keep your cupcakes light and fluffy. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, and then stop.

Toasted hazelnuts: Toasting the hazelnuts brings out their nutty flavor and adds a crunchy texture to the frosting. Simply place the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast them at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through. Let them cool before using.

Frosting consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add more milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar to thicken it up.

Make ahead: The cupcakes can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost the cupcakes on the day you plan to serve them to keep the frosting fresh.

No piping bag? No problem! You can simply use a knife or offset spatula to spread the frosting on top of the cupcakes. The beauty of Nutella frosting is that it’s so creamy and smooth that it’s easy to work with.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cupcakes a day or two ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them right before serving for the best texture.

Can I make these cupcakes without Nutella?
If you’re not a fan of Nutella (though I can’t imagine why!), you can substitute it with another hazelnut spread or chocolate spread of your choice.

Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes without frosting. Simply bake and cool the cupcakes, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw before frosting and serving.

Can I make a cake instead of cupcakes?
Absolutely! You can use this recipe to make a 9-inch round cake or a 9×13-inch cake. Just adjust the baking time—check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center, and bake until it comes out clean.

These Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes are seriously a dream come true. Whether you’re making them for a celebration, a weekend treat, or just because you’ve got a Nutella craving (no judgment here!), they’ll definitely hit the spot. The moist, rich cupcakes, the creamy Nutella frosting, and the crunch of toasted hazelnuts make these cupcakes a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Try these cupcakes out and let me know how they turn out! They’ve become a staple in my baking rotation, and I can’t wait for you to experience how delicious they are. Happy baking!