Soft, chocolatey, and filled with gooey hazelnut cream, Christmas Nutella Cupcakes are the perfect festive treat for the holiday season. Imagine unwrapping a cupcake liner like a little Christmas present, taking that first bite, and discovering a rich Nutella center hiding inside a tender cocoa cake. Top it off with a swirl of creamy chocolate buttercream frosting, festive sprinkles, and maybe even a dusting of edible gold—and you’ve got a dessert that’s merry, bright, and completely irresistible.
These cupcakes capture the warmth and joy of Christmas baking. The deep, dark cocoa base delivers a rich chocolate flavor, while the Nutella filling adds a cozy nutty sweetness. They’re finished with silky frosting and garnished in full holiday style—think red and green sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or shimmering sugar crystals. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, a family gathering, or simply to enjoy by the fire with a cup of coffee, these cupcakes bring Christmas cheer in every bite.
For more on chocolate’s health perks, see this Healthline article.
Christmas Nutella Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder or regular cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened or use neutral oil for a moister cupcake
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- ½ cup whole milk or buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup Nutella or other chocolate-hazelnut spread
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened for frosting
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder for frosting
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream add more as needed
- festive garnishes such as red & green sprinkles, chopped hazelnuts, mini candy canes, or edible glitter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with festive cupcake liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the texture resembles fine crumbs.
- Add eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and glossy.
- Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cupcakes in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely—about 30 minutes.
- Use a cupcake corer or small knife to remove a small section from the center of each cupcake.
- Fill each cupcake center with Nutella using a piping bag or spoon.
- To make the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
- Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Frost each cupcake with a swirl of chocolate buttercream.
- Decorate with festive toppings like sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or edible glitter.
Notes
Ingredients & Substitutions for Christmas Nutella Cupcakes
The combination of chocolate and Nutella is already magic—but adding festive garnishes makes them holiday-ready.
For the Cupcakes
- All-Purpose Flour – Creates structure; cake flour will give a lighter crumb.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetness to balance dark cocoa.
- Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa Powder – Deepens the chocolate flavor. Regular cocoa works if you prefer a lighter chocolate profile.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Give the cupcakes their lift.
- Salt – Enhances all the other flavors.
- Unsalted Butter – Softened; can be swapped with neutral oil for a moister cupcake, but butter gives a richer taste.
- Eggs – Room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Whole Milk – Adds richness; buttermilk gives a slight tang and even softer crumb.
- Vanilla Extract – Complements both chocolate and hazelnut.
For the Filling
- Nutella – The star of the show. You can substitute with any chocolate-hazelnut spread or even peppermint chocolate spread for a seasonal twist.
For the Frosting
- Unsalted Butter – Creates a creamy base.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens.
- Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa Powder – Matches the deep flavor of the cupcakes.
- Heavy Cream – Loosens the frosting for piping.
- Festive Garnishes – Chopped hazelnuts, red & green sprinkles, mini candy canes, edible glitter.
How to Make Christmas Nutella Cupcakes
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with red or green cupcake liners for holiday flair.
Step 2 – Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3 – Reverse Cream the Butter
Add softened butter directly to the dry ingredients. Mix until the mixture looks like fine crumbs. This coats the flour in fat for a soft, tender cupcake crumb.
Step 4 – Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
Step 5 – Bake the Cupcakes
Fill liners ¾ full and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6 – Cool Completely
Cool cupcakes in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully—about 30 minutes.
Step 7 – Fill with Nutella
Use a cupcake corer or small knife to cut out a small section from the center of each cupcake. Fill generously with Nutella using a piping bag or small spoon.
Step 8 – Make the Frosting
Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in cocoa powder and heavy cream until smooth and spreadable.
Step 9 – Frost & Decorate for Christmas
Pipe or spread frosting onto each cupcake. Top with festive garnishes—try chopped hazelnuts, red & green sprinkles, or crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist.
Holiday Decorating Ideas
- Snowy Effect – Dust with powdered sugar to look like fresh snow.
- Candy Cane Crunch – Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the frosting for peppermint flavor and sparkle.
- Golden Glow – Add edible gold leaf or gold sugar sprinkles for an elegant holiday look.
- Christmas Tree Swirls – Tint frosting green and pipe tall swirls, topping with a star-shaped sprinkle.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Nutella Cupcakes
- Festive Liners Matter – Use red, green, or gold liners for an instant holiday vibe.
- Warm the Nutella Slightly – This makes it easier to pipe without tearing the cupcake.
- Let Them Cool Fully – Filling while still warm may cause the Nutella to melt into the cake.
- Add Decorations Right Before Serving – Keeps sprinkles and candy canes fresh and crisp.
Serving Suggestions for the Holidays
- Christmas Eve Dessert Tray – Pair these cupcakes with keto chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, truffles, and hot cocoa.
- Gift Box Treats – Wrap each cupcake in a festive cupcake dome for edible Christmas gifts.
- Holiday Brunch Sweet Table – Display alongside choco chips cake and coconut toffee chocolate chip cookie bars.
- After-Dinner Coffee Pairing – Serve with espresso or peppermint mocha for a cozy end to a holiday meal.
Variations of Christmas Nutella Cupcakes
- Peppermint Nutella Cupcakes – Add 1 tsp peppermint extract to the batter and garnish with candy canes.
- Nutella & Raspberry Christmas Cupcakes – Fill with Nutella and top with fresh raspberries for festive red accents.
- Snowball Cupcakes – Frost in white buttercream, roll in coconut flakes, and add a Nutella center.
- Nutella Gingerbread Cupcakes – Mix gingerbread spices into the batter for a seasonal twist.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips for Christmas Nutella Cupcakes
Room Temperature – Store Christmas Nutella Cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days to keep them soft and moist.
Refrigerate – If you need to store them longer, place the cupcakes in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving so the frosting softens.
Freeze – Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then fill with Nutella and decorate.
Holiday Prep Hack – Bake the cupcakes the day before your Christmas gathering, store them unfrosted, and add the Nutella filling and festive decorations on the day of the event for the freshest taste and look.
People Also Ask
1. Can you put Nutella in the middle of a cupcake?
Absolutely! With Christmas Nutella Cupcakes, the secret to keeping that signature creamy center is to bake the cupcakes first, let them cool completely, and then fill them. If you add the Nutella before baking, it can either sink to the bottom or dry out in the heat. Use a cupcake corer or small knife to make a well in the center, then pipe in smooth Nutella. For an extra festive touch, you could even mix in a bit of crushed candy cane or cinnamon with the Nutella filling for holiday flavor.
2. Should chocolate cupcakes be refrigerated?
If you’re enjoying your Christmas Nutella Cupcakes within two days, you can safely keep them at room temperature in an airtight container. This helps maintain their soft texture and prevents the frosting from hardening. For longer storage—especially if you’re preparing them ahead of a busy holiday week—refrigeration will keep them fresh for up to 5 days. Just be sure to let them return to room temperature before serving so the frosting softens and the flavors fully bloom.
3. How long do chocolate cupcakes take to cook?
Most chocolate cupcakes, including Christmas Nutella Cupcakes, bake in about 18–22 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, the type of cupcake liners you use, and how full you fill them. Always test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs), they’re ready to come out. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep a close eye during the last few minutes.
4. Can I use Nutella as frosting for cupcakes?
You can spread Nutella straight from the jar onto your cupcakes, but for holiday gatherings, it’s better to create a more stable, pipeable frosting. For Christmas Nutella Cupcakes, mix Nutella with unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of heavy cream to achieve a fluffy, pipe-ready texture that holds its shape on the dessert table. This also allows you to tint the frosting with edible gold shimmer or add festive sprinkles without them sliding off.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Christmas-Ready Look – Festive colors and toppings for the holiday table.
- Rich Chocolate & Hazelnut Flavor – Perfect winter comfort food.
- Flexible Decorating Options – From elegant gold accents to playful candy cane crunch.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Easy to prep before busy holiday events.
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