Nutella Filled Waffles

Golden, crispy waffles with warm, gooey Nutella at their center are the kind of treat that makes mornings magical. As soon as you cut into them, the rich hazelnut chocolate filling oozes out, blending with the buttery crisp edges of the waffle. The aroma alone is enough to make you close your eyes and smile, and trust me, these waffles taste even better than they smell.

Behind the Recipe

I first stumbled upon Nutella-filled waffles on a trip to a cozy café tucked away in a quiet European street. The memory of biting into that first waffle—crispy outside, molten chocolate-hazelnut inside—still lingers. Bringing that café magic into my own kitchen felt like the perfect way to recreate that joy at home, and now, it’s become a weekend ritual worth savoring.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Nutella itself was born in Italy in the 1960s, a creative response to make chocolate more affordable after cocoa shortages. Waffles, however, have a much older story, tracing back to medieval Europe. The pairing of the two is a modern indulgence that blends history and innovation. In Belgium, waffles are often served with sugar, fruits, or cream, but adding Nutella takes this beloved dish to a whole new level of decadence.

Why You’ll Love Nutella Filled Waffles

These waffles aren’t just delicious, they’re an experience. Here’s why they’ll win your heart:

Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a late-night treat.

Budget-Friendly: Everyday ingredients that don’t break the bank but still deliver big flavor.

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and cooking time mean you can enjoy them in under 30 minutes.

Customizable: Add sliced bananas, strawberries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for your own twist.

Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by both kids and adults, they make gatherings instantly sweeter.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Batter can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a day.

Great for Leftovers: Reheat in a toaster for that same crispy texture without losing the gooey center.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

If you want your Nutella waffles to feel bakery-quality, keep these tips in mind:

1. Always chill your Nutella dollops on parchment before stuffing to prevent leaks.
2. Grease your waffle iron lightly to keep waffles from sticking but still let them crisp.
3. Don’t overfill your waffle iron—too much batter or Nutella will spill out.
4. Let the waffles rest on a wire rack to keep them from going soggy.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To bring this recipe to life, you don’t need much—just the right essentials:

Waffle Iron: The heart of the recipe, where the magic happens.

Mixing Bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients with ease.

Whisk: Ensures your batter is smooth and lump-free.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy makes for the fluffiest waffles.

Spatula: Handy for spreading batter and lifting cooked waffles gently.

Ingredients in Nutella Filled Waffles

Every ingredient here plays its part in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

1. All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups Provides the structure and body of the waffles.
2. Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons Adds just the right touch of sweetness.
3. Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons Helps the waffles puff up light and airy.
4. Salt: 1/2 teaspoon Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
5. Eggs: 2 large Bind everything together and give richness.
6. Whole Milk: 1 3/4 cups Adds moisture and keeps the batter smooth.
7. Unsalted Butter (melted): 1/2 cup Brings in richness and crisp texture.
8. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon Adds a warm, sweet aroma.
9. Nutella: 1 cup (chilled spoonfuls) The star of the show, creating that molten filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Cooking should always feel flexible. Here’s how you can switch things up:

All-Purpose Flour: Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.

Whole Milk: Swap with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.

Unsalted Butter: Coconut oil works beautifully for a subtle twist.

Nutella: Any chocolate-hazelnut spread or even peanut butter for a different flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight

Nutella: Creamy, chocolatey, with roasted hazelnuts—it’s the perfect filling for waffles, making them indulgent and memorable.

Vanilla Extract: A little goes a long way in deepening flavor and giving the waffles their irresistible aroma.

Instructions for Making Nutella Filled Waffles

Making these waffles is easier than you think, and the process is just as fun as the first bite. Here’s how you’ll do it:

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Heat your waffle iron until it’s hot and ready.
2. Combine Ingredients: In one bowl whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry until smooth.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lightly grease the waffle iron to prevent sticking.
4. Assemble the Dish: Pour a spoonful of batter, place a chilled Nutella dollop in the center, then cover with more batter.
5. Cook to Perfection: Close the waffle iron and cook until golden brown and crisp.
6. Finishing Touches: Transfer cooked waffles to a wire rack and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of extra Nutella.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The joy of these waffles comes from contrasts. The outside crisps beautifully while the inside stays fluffy. Cut into one and the warm Nutella flows like molten gold, blending with the buttery batter. Sweet, nutty, and slightly toasty flavors mingle in each bite, creating pure comfort.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here are a few quick tricks that can make a big difference:

• Chill Nutella ahead of time to keep it from seeping out.
• Avoid overmixing the batter—gentle whisking keeps the texture light.
• Keep cooked waffles warm in a 200°F oven until serving.

What to Avoid

Sometimes small mistakes can affect results, but here’s how to sidestep them:

• Don’t overload the waffle iron, as it can cause batter and Nutella to spill.
• Avoid skipping the wire rack—stacking hot waffles makes them soggy.
• Don’t use cold butter in the batter, it won’t mix evenly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 380

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These waffles can easily fit into your schedule. Prepare the batter the night before and keep it in the fridge. Cooked waffles store well in an airtight container for two days, or you can freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster for that fresh-off-the-iron crunch.

How to Serve Nutella Filled Waffles

These waffles shine on their own, but you can elevate them even more. Pair with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For brunch, serve alongside a cappuccino or fresh orange juice.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Turn leftovers into waffle sandwiches with sliced bananas or even break them into chunks for a decadent sundae topping. Another fun option is to cube them up for a chocolate-hazelnut bread pudding.

Additional Tips

Sprinkle cinnamon into the batter for warmth, or top with crushed hazelnuts for extra crunch. Keeping a small batch of Nutella dollops in your freezer makes it easier to whip up waffles anytime the craving strikes.

Make It a Showstopper

Stack the waffles high, drizzle with extra Nutella, scatter fresh strawberries, and dust lightly with powdered sugar. A sprig of mint on top makes the plate look like something straight out of a café.

Variations to Try

1. Nutella Banana Waffles: Add banana slices between batter and Nutella.
2. Strawberry Nutella Waffles: Layer fresh strawberry slices inside.
3. Double Chocolate Waffles: Add cocoa powder to the batter for extra indulgence.
4. Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts into the batter.
5. Cinnamon Swirl Waffles: Add a swirl of cinnamon-sugar mixture with the Nutella.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make these waffles without a waffle iron?

No, the unique crisp texture comes from the iron, though you could adapt the recipe into pancakes.

2. How do I keep the Nutella from leaking?

Freeze spoonfuls before adding them to the batter for best results.

3. Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

4. Are these waffles freezer-friendly?

Absolutely, freeze them and reheat in a toaster for quick breakfasts.

5. What toppings pair best?

Berries, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or even more Nutella.

6. Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free blend works well.

7. How do I make them dairy-free?

Swap butter for coconut oil and milk for almond milk.

8. Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, cut sugar in half if you prefer less sweetness.

9. Do they stay crispy after cooling?

They stay crisp longer if cooled on a wire rack.

10. Can I use pancake mix instead of making batter from scratch?

Yes, pancake mix works, just prepare it slightly thicker than usual.

Conclusion

Nutella Filled Waffles are more than just breakfast—they’re little bites of joy wrapped in crisp golden layers. Whether you serve them at a family brunch, as a weekend indulgence, or simply to brighten your own morning, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles. Trust me, this one’s worth every bite.

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