The moment I opened the jar of Nutella, the rich, chocolate-hazelnut aroma surrounded me like a warm hug. Instinctively, I knew I had to create something truly special with this beloved spread. Enter my Nutella Pull-Apart Muffins—little bundles of joy that combine the softest, most pillowy dough with layers of gooey Nutella, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy Sunday brunch, a thoughtful gift for a neighbor, or an unexpected sweet fix after a hectic day, these muffins deliver on all fronts.
As I mixed the ingredients together, the anticipation built up; the simple act of baking transformed my kitchen into a haven of warmth and sweet nostalgia. What I love most about these muffins is their versatility—they can easily be dressed up with a drizzle of icing or enjoyed plain for a more rustic charm. Ready to fill your home with love and the irresistible scent of freshly baked muffins? Let’s dive into this recipe that’s bound to elevate your baking game and bring smiles to your family and friends!
Why are Nutella Pull-Apart Muffins a must-try?
Indulgent Flavor: Each muffin is a delightful blend of chocolate and hazelnut that creates an unforgettable taste experience.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these treats in no time.
Versatile Delight: Dress them up with icing or enjoy them warm and plain—the choice is yours!
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for brunches, gift-giving, or just a sweet pick-me-up after a long day, these muffins are sure to impress any guest.
Get ready to infuse your home with sweetness and joy; these Nutella Pull-Apart Muffins are a treat you won’t want to miss!
Nutella Pull-Apart Muffin Ingredients
For the Muffin Dough
- Whole milk – Provides moisture and richness for a soft dough.
- Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to counterbalance the chocolate.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor in every bite.
- Active dry yeast – Creates light and fluffy muffins as it helps the dough rise.
- Warm water – Activates the yeast, ensuring good leavening.
- All-purpose flour – The main structure of the muffins; use extra for dusting.
- Canola or vegetable oil – Keeps the muffins moist and tender.
- Large eggs – Binds the ingredients together and aids in rising.
For the Nutella Filling
- Nutella hazelnut spread – The star ingredient; it gives these muffins their irresistible flavor.
For the Icing
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens the muffins while providing a beautiful finishing touch.
- Ground cinnamon – Adds a warm and cozy spice note to the icing.
- Salt – Balances sweetness in the icing for a deeper flavor.
- Milk – Thins the icing to the perfect drizzling consistency.
These Nutella Pull-Apart Muffins are not only delicious but also fun to make! Get ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to a delightful treat that’s sure to bring smiles.
How to Make Nutella Pull-Apart Muffins
-
Heat Milk: Warm the milk in a small saucepan until it starts to simmer. Once heated, remove from the heat, stir in sugar and salt, and let it cool to lukewarm.
-
Proof Yeast: While the milk cools,** activate the yeast** by mixing the warm water and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes until bubbly.
-
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled milk with 3 ½ cups of flour, oil, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Stir until everything is nicely blended.
-
Knead Dough: Dust your counter with ¼ cup of flour, place the dough on top, and knead for 4-5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
-
First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball, grease another large bowl lightly, and place the dough inside. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise for 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
-
Prepare Muffin Pan: Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal later.
-
Roll Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×24 inch rectangle. Spread Nutella generously over the entire surface.
-
Cut Dough: Slice the rectangle into 6 strips lengthwise and then 8 strips widthwise to create 48 small rectangles of dough.
-
Stack and Fill: Take 4 rectangles, stack them together, and place them in the greased muffin cups vertically. Repeat with the rest of the dough, then let rise for another 30 minutes.
-
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 350°F to prepare for baking these delicious muffins.
-
Bake Muffins: Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
-
Cool and Ice: Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before icing them. Mix icing ingredients and drizzle over the muffins. Serve immediately.
Optional: Top with chopped hazelnuts for added crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Nutella Pull-Apart Muffins
-
Perfect Milk Temperature: Use lukewarm milk; too hot can kill the yeast, preventing your muffins from rising properly.
-
Knead Thoroughly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, about 4-5 minutes; this is crucial for a light and airy texture.
-
Plenty of Grease: Don’t skimp on greasing your muffin pan. Proper greasing ensures that your Nutella Pull-Apart Muffins release effortlessly after baking.
-
Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking muffins; every oven is different. They’re done when they’re golden brown and puffed up beautifully.
-
Don’t Rush Rising: Allow the dough to rise fully during both rises; this helps develop flavor and creates that soft, fluffy interior you crave.
Make Ahead Options
These Nutella Pull-Apart Muffins are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough and fill it with Nutella up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the point where the muffins are stacked in the muffin cups; then cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This will keep the dough fresh while it rises slowly, developing flavor. When you’re ready to bake, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before preheating the oven to ensure an even rise. You’ll have fresh, gooey muffins with just a little extra planning, making hectic mornings a breeze. Enjoy delightful, homemade treats without the rush!
How to Store and Freeze Nutella Pull-Apart Muffins
Room Temperature: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer them chilled, you can keep the muffins in the fridge for about a week. Allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: Freeze Nutella Pull-Apart Muffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or heat in the microwave for a quick treat.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore their delightful warmth and fluffiness.
What to Serve with Nutella Pull-Apart Muffins?
Create a delightful breakfast or dessert experience that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your heart.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast to the rich muffins, balancing sweetness with a touch of tartness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on the side enhances the decadence of the muffins, creating a warm, melting sensation.
- Greek Yogurt: Whipped, tangy Greek yogurt provides a lovely tangy balance, making the muffins feel lighter and more indulgent at the same time.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzling warm maple syrup over the muffins infuses them with a sweet, earthy flavor that complements the chocolate-hazelnut goodness.
- Cappuccino: The rich, bold flavor of a cappuccino pairs beautifully with the Nutella muffins, making it a perfect pairing for a cozy brunch.
- Chopped Hazelnuts: Sprinkling toasted hazelnuts on top adds crunchy texture and enhances the nutty aroma, making each bite feel more luxurious.
- Chocolate Sauce: For true chocolate lovers, a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top amplifies the dessert-like quality, making every bite more indulgent.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds an airy touch that balances the muffins’ richness perfectly, making for a delightful treat.
Nutella Pull-Apart Muffins Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and add your own twist to the deliciousness!
-
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free alternative that’s just as soft.
Embracing a gluten-free lifestyle doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor! Enjoy the same rich, Nutella-filled goodness without the gluten. -
Chocolate Chip Boost: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the dough for an extra chocolatey experience.
Who can resist more chocolate? This simple addition takes your muffins to an even sweeter level, perfect for chocolate lovers. -
Nutty Texture: Add ½ cup of chopped hazelnuts to the Nutella filling for a delightful crunch.
Elevate the texture and flavor by incorporating your favorite nuts. Each bite will surprise you with a delightful nutty bite alongside the gooey Nutella. -
Vegan Style: Use almond milk and replace eggs with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg.
This variation proves you can still enjoy a moist muffin while keeping it vegan. Flax adds a subtle nuttiness, spreading joy with each bite! -
Spiced Twist: Mix in ½ teaspoon of nutmeg and ½ teaspoon of allspice with the flour for a warming spice profile.
Warm spices elevate the classic flavor profile, making these muffins perfect for fall gatherings or cozy winter afternoons. -
Fruit-Filled Pleasure: Layer in ½ cup of fresh raspberries or sliced bananas before stacking the dough rectangles.
Surprise! Adding fresh fruit brings a burst of flavor and natural sweetness. Your muffins will not only taste amazing but look stunning too! -
Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Before baking, sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mix (1 tablespoon sugar + ½ teaspoon cinnamon) over the tops of the muffins.
Get ready for a crinkly, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft, gooey interior. It’s a delightful touch that everyone will love! -
Coconut Dream: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical flair.
Let your taste buds escape to paradise! The coconut pairs wonderfully with hazelnut and chocolate, creating a truly unique muffin experience.
Nutella Pull-Apart Muffins Recipe FAQs
What type of milk is best for Nutella Pull-Apart Muffins?
I recommend using whole milk for these muffins as it provides the richest flavor and moisture. However, you can substitute with 2% milk if that’s what you have on hand.
How long can I store Nutella Pull-Apart Muffins?
Store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for about a week. Just be sure to let them come back to room temperature before indulging!
Can I freeze leftover muffins?
Absolutely! To freeze Nutella Pull-Apart Muffins, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer bag. They can last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge or pop them in the microwave briefly for a delicious warm treat.
What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?
If your dough doesn’t rise, check a few things: make sure your yeast is active (it should bubble when mixed with warm water), the milk wasn’t too hot, and that you’re allowing it to rise in a warm area. If all else fails, you can move to a warmer spot, like the oven with just the light on!
Are there any dietary concerns with Nutella Pull-Apart Muffins?
Yes, be mindful that these muffins contain gluten and dairy. If you’re making these for someone with gluten intolerance, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but results may vary. Also, Nutella contains hazelnuts, so be cautious if there are nut allergies in the mix. Always check ingredient labels for allergens!
How do I know when my muffins are perfectly baked?
Your Nutella Pull-Apart Muffins are ready when the tops are golden brown and puffed up beautifully. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. If it’s sticky with dough, give them a couple more minutes in the oven and check again. Happy baking!
Nutella Pull-Apart Muffins That Wow Your Taste Buds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Warm the milk in a small saucepan until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat, stir in sugar and salt, and let it cool to lukewarm.
- While the milk cools, activate the yeast by mixing the warm water and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes until bubbly.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooled milk with 3 ½ cups of flour, oil, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Stir until blended.
- Dust your counter with ¼ cup of flour, place the dough on top, and knead for 4-5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball, grease another bowl lightly, and place the dough inside. Cover and let it rise for 1 ½ hours.
- Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick spray.
- Once risen, punch the dough down and roll it out into a 16x24 inch rectangle. Spread Nutella generously.
- Slice the rectangle into 6 strips lengthwise and 8 strips widthwise to create 48 small rectangles.
- Stack 4 rectangles together, place in greased muffin cups vertically. Repeat with remaining dough and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
- Cool for 10 minutes before icing. Mix icing ingredients and drizzle over muffins. Serve immediately.