If you love the rich, irresistible combination of chocolate and hazelnuts, then you are going to adore this Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes Recipe. These cupcakes are a tender, moist delight with a luscious swirl of Nutella in every bite and a silky hazelnut-infused frosting that truly takes the experience to the next level. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these cupcakes hit the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting cupcakes that are rich, moist, and bursting with flavor. From the cocoa powder that deepens the chocolate notes to the buttermilk that keeps things tender, every item is essential to achieving that perfect texture and taste.

1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for these delicate cupcakes.
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that deep, chocolatey richness that pairs perfectly with Nutella.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully, keeping them light and fluffy.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens while keeping the crumb light.
1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses flavor and extra moisture.
1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cupcakes tender and moist throughout.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and ensures a soft crumb.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the batter.
1/3 cup Nutella for filling or swirling: The star ingredient adding creamy hazelnut-chocolate yumminess inside each cupcake.
For hazelnut frosting: A luscious blend of butter, Nutella, powdered sugar, cream, and a pinch of salt for balance.
Chopped toasted hazelnuts (optional): Provides a satisfying crunch and extra nutty flavor as garnish.

How to Make Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cupcake Liners

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to make sure your cupcakes bake evenly and come out with that perfect shape.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ahead ensures they’re evenly distributed and prevents clumps in your batter.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your granulated and brown sugars, vegetable oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This mix is where the magic begins — it’s the base that keeps your cupcakes moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix here; you want the batter to be smooth but still light.

Step 5: Add the Nutella Swirl

Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter. Then, add a teaspoon of Nutella to the center of each and lightly swirl it in with a skewer or toothpick for that delightful hazelnut surprise inside every cupcake.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cupcakes for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Hazelnut Frosting

Beat together the softened butter and Nutella until creamy and smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, salt, and cream or milk a tablespoon at a time to reach the perfect fluffy frosting texture that’s not too thick or runny.

Step 8: Frost and Garnish

Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. If you want to take things up a notch, sprinkle with chopped toasted hazelnuts for extra crunch and nutty flavor.

How to Serve Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes Recipe

Garnishes

For a little flair and texture, chopped toasted hazelnuts are a wonderful garnish addition. Not only do they add a visually appealing crunch, but their nutty aroma complements the cupcakes beautifully. You can also dust a pinch of cocoa powder or drizzle a bit extra Nutella on top to make them even more indulgent.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance their richness. If it’s a brunch or tea party, fresh berries on the side add a refreshing burst of color and a slightly tart contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes Recipe on a pretty cake stand or nestled in a decorative cupcake box for gifting. You can pipe the frosting in elegant swirls, top each with a whole toasted hazelnut, or even create a layered mini dessert by slicing cupcakes in half and adding extra Nutella and frosting between layers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, keep leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their freshness and moisture. If you prefer, refrigeration is also fine; just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep these delightful treats longer, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature, then frost before serving to keep the frosting fresh and creamy.

Reheating

For a freshly baked feel, warm cupcakes in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or the cupcakes might dry out. If frosted, heating for a few seconds with a paper towel on top helps keep the frosting intact.

FAQs

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?

Absolutely! You can use melted butter instead of vegetable oil, which will add a slightly richer flavor to the cupcakes. Just melt it and cool slightly before mixing into the batter.

What if I don’t have buttermilk? Is there a substitute?

No worries! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using it in the recipe.

Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?

Yes, by swapping the butter and milk ingredients for dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter and almond or oat milk, you can create delicious dairy-free Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes. Just be sure your Nutella or spread of choice is also dairy-free.

How long do these cupcakes last fresh?

Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, these cupcakes stay fresh for about two days. Refrigeration can extend this by a few days, but always bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Is there a way to make these cupcakes more chocolatey?

Definitely! To deepen the chocolate flavor, you can increase the cocoa powder to 1/2 cup or add mini chocolate chips into the batter. Just remember, a little extra cocoa may call for a slight adjustment in sugar to keep the perfect balance.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Nutella Hazelnut Cupcakes Recipe that makes it a favorite for all occasions. From the moist, chocolatey cake to the creamy Nutella frosting and crunchy hazelnut garnish, this cupcake delivers pure joy in every bite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new go-to dessert to share with friends and family!