Decadent Nutella-Filled Dough Treats

This indulgent Nutella-filled dessert has become my go-to crowd pleaser for weekend family gatherings. The crisp exterior gives way to warm, gooey chocolate hazelnut spread that creates the perfect sweet bite in just minutes.

When I first made these for my niece's birthday, they disappeared before I could even announce dessert was ready. Now they're requested at every family gathering, and I always make a double batch.

Ingredients

• Pillsbury Grand biscuits: Not the flaky layers variety for the perfect texture and easy separation
• Nutella: The star of the show that creates that irresistible molten center
• Unsalted butter: Melted for brushing to achieve that beautiful golden exterior
• Confectioners' sugar: For dusting adds a touch of elegance and balances the richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Biscuit Dough:

Take the Pillsbury biscuits from the can and carefully separate each into two layers by peeling them apart. Gently press each layer outward to form a 4-inch circle. The dough should be thin enough to fold but not so thin it tears. You'll end up with 16 circles ready for filling.

Fill with Nutella:

Place approximately one tablespoon of Nutella in the center of each biscuit circle. Resist the urge to overfill as this can cause leaking during cooking. The Nutella should take up about the center third of each circle, leaving enough dough around the edges to seal.

Form the Bombs:

Carefully fold the edges of each circle up and around the Nutella, pinching firmly at the top to create a secure seal. Roll gently between your palms to form a smooth ball shape. Ensure the dough thickness is consistent all around for even cooking and to prevent any Nutella from escaping.

Butter the Exterior:

Brush each formed ball thoroughly with melted butter on all sides. This helps achieve that beautiful golden brown color and adds a rich buttery flavor to the exterior. Make sure to coat them completely for the best results.

Prepare Air Fryer:

Spray your air fryer basket thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step is crucial as any leaking Nutella can create a sticky situation if not properly prepared.

Air Fry in Batches:

Place the prepared bombs in your air fryer basket allowing about 2 inches between each one. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in 2-3 batches to avoid overcrowding which can lead to uneven cooking.

Cook Until Golden:

Air fry at 330°F for 7-8 minutes until the exterior becomes beautifully golden brown. The bombs will puff up slightly as they cook. Keep a close eye during the last minute as they can go from perfect to overcooked quickly.

Cool Slightly:

Remove the bombs carefully from the air fryer and allow them to cool for 2-3 minutes. This cooling period is important as the Nutella inside will be extremely hot right after cooking.

Serve with Sugar Dusting:

Dust the slightly cooled bombs generously with confectioners' sugar just before serving. The sugar adds a beautiful finishing touch and balances the rich chocolate flavor.

Pin it

The first time I made these, I accidentally overfilled one with Nutella and created quite the mess in my air fryer. That taught me the importance of a good seal and proper portioning. Now I measure the Nutella with a cookie scoop for perfect consistency every time.

Storage and Reheating

These delightful treats are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer while the centers are warm and gooey. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat them in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore that fresh-made texture. Avoid using the microwave which can make the exterior soggy rather than crisp.

Filling Variations

While Nutella creates the classic version of these bombs, you can experiment with numerous filling alternatives. Try cookie butter for a spiced caramel flavor, peanut butter mixed with a touch of honey for a salty-sweet combination, or even fruit preserves for a jam-filled donut experience. For an extra decadent version, add a small piece of chocolate along with the Nutella for an even more molten center.

Serving Suggestions

These bombs make a delightful dessert on their own, but can be elevated into a more formal dessert experience. Serve them alongside vanilla ice cream and let the warm bombs create a beautiful temperature contrast. For a cafe-style presentation, place them on a plate with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and fresh berries. They also pair wonderfully with coffee or hot chocolate for an afternoon treat.

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Serve these delightful treats warm with a sprinkling of sugar for a dessert that will impress everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade dough instead of Pillsbury biscuits?

Yes, you can substitute homemade dough, but ensure it's not too soft. A basic sweet dough works well, but the Pillsbury biscuits provide convenience and a consistent texture that's ideal for air frying.

→ What can I use instead of Nutella?

Try other spreads like cookie butter, peanut butter, or chocolate-hazelnut alternatives. You could also use chocolate chips, caramel, or fruit preserves for different flavor variations.

→ Why did my Nutella bombs burst open?

This typically happens when the seams aren't properly sealed or when too much filling is used. Make sure to pinch the edges firmly and ensure the dough has even thickness all around. Using about 1 tablespoon of filling per bomb helps prevent overflow.

→ Can these be baked in a regular oven?

Yes, bake them at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. The texture may be slightly different from the air fried version.

→ How do I store leftover Nutella bombs?

Store cooled bombs in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 300°F to restore the crispy exterior and melty center. They're best enjoyed fresh but can be made ahead and reheated.

→ Can I freeze these before cooking?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled but uncooked bombs for up to 1 month. Freeze them individually on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, add 2-3 minutes to the air frying time, cooking from frozen.