If you’re daydreaming about the ultimate chocolate-hazelnut treat, these Nutella Cupcakes will make your dessert fantasies come true. Imagine fluffy cocoa cake with a molten Nutella surprise baked right inside, crowned with a rich dollop of everyone’s favorite creamy spread. The contrast between the soft cupcake and the gooey Nutella center is simply heavenly. They’re perfect anytime: birthdays, casual get-togethers, or just because you deserve something truly special. Nutella Cupcakes are delightfully easy to bake, but taste like they came straight from a fancy bakery!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Nutella Cupcakes is in the carefully chosen, straightforward ingredients—each one brings something magical, whether it’s richness, softness, or that deep cocoa flavor. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters.

All-purpose flour: Gives your cupcakes their classic, tender crumb and structure.

Unsweetened cocoa powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor, transforming each bite into a chocoholic’s delight.
Baking soda: Helps your cakes puff up fluffy and light.

Salt: Just a pinch to enhance and round out all the sweet flavors.

Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and that buttery melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly and helps create a tender crumb.
Large eggs: These bind everything together and help with the rise.

Vanilla extract: Infuses a gorgeous warmth and aroma that pairs perfectly with Nutella and cocoa.

Milk: Keeps your cupcakes moist and soft on the inside.
Nutella (for batter, filling, and topping): The star of the show! Delivers that signature hazelnut-chocolate flavor swirled throughout the cupcakes.

Chocolate sprinkles or chopped hazelnuts (optional): For a crunchy, decorative finish that takes things up a notch.

How to Make Nutella Cupcakes

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper cupcake liners—this makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your cupcakes looking adorable and ready to devour.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This simple step ensures an even distribution so every cupcake has the same rich, chocolatey flavor and a lovely, consistent rise.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large bowl and an electric mixer (or just some good old-fashioned elbow grease), cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like. This is key for moist, tender Nutella Cupcakes because air gets trapped in the batter, helping them rise beautifully.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla & Nutella

Beat in the eggs one at a time to create a luscious, smooth mixture. Now, stir in the vanilla and half a cup of Nutella—rich, nutty, chocolatey goodness right in the batter. This deepens that signature Nutella Cupcakes flavor we all love.

Step 5: Alternate Milk and Dry Mix

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with milk. Gently mix just until everything is incorporated; overmixing can make the cupcakes tough, and we want them light-as-air!

Step 6: Fill, Swirl, and Bake

Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Then, drop a teaspoon of Nutella right into the center of each one. You can gently swirl it for a marbled effect, or simply press it down—the center will stay gooey and glorious! Pop them in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the edge (not center!) comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Top

Let your Nutella Cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack. Once they’re at room temperature, crown each with a generous dollop of Nutella and, if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle on some chopped hazelnuts or chocolate sprinkles for added crunch and pizzazz.

How to Serve Nutella Cupcakes

Garnishes

The best part: adding that final flourish! A swirl of extra Nutella, a handful of chocolate sprinkles, or a few crushed hazelnuts on top make these cupcakes look and taste irresistible.

Side Dishes

Although Nutella Cupcakes easily steal the show, pair them with a cold glass of milk, a cappuccino, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring a touch of whimsy by serving each cupcake on mini cake stands, wrapping them with fancy paper, or stacking them in a tower for a jaw-dropping party centerpiece. Your guests will be wowed before their first bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Nutella Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Their softness and gooey center hold up beautifully—if they last that long!

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead, freeze the unfrosted Nutella Cupcakes for up to three months wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw at room temperature, then add your Nutella topping and garnishes fresh before serving.

Reheating

For that just-baked experience, give an unfrosted cupcake 10–15 seconds in the microwave. This brings back that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth Nutella center every time.

FAQs

Can I use another chocolate-hazelnut spread instead of Nutella?

Absolutely! While Nutella gives these cupcakes their classic flavor, feel free to substitute your favorite chocolate-hazelnut spread if you prefer or if that’s what you have on hand.

How can I make Nutella Cupcakes extra moist?

Be careful not to overmix your batter, and don’t overbake the cupcakes. Both of these factors help keep Nutella Cupcakes soft and deliciously moist.

Can these cupcakes be made gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The cupcakes come out beautifully soft without compromise.

Is it possible to make these cupcakes vegan?

It is! Use your favorite plant-based butter, a flax egg instead of eggs, a dairy-free milk, and check your chocolate-hazelnut spread for dairy-free status. They’ll still be a dreamy treat.

What’s the best way to fill cupcakes with Nutella?

If you want a super oozy center, use a piping bag or small spoon to place a dollop of Nutella in the middle before baking. After baking, you can use a small knife to core a little out and add even more Nutella if you’re feeling especially indulgent.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, these Nutella Cupcakes are pure happiness in cupcake form. They’re so simple to make, but every bite delivers that rich, chocolatey comfort and surprise gooey middle that makes people instantly ask for the recipe. Treat yourself, bake a batch, and watch little moments of joy unfold in your kitchen!

Nutella Cupcakes Recipe