Ultra-soft, sugar-dusted, generously filled — but protein-boosted so you can enjoy them without the crash.
These doughnuts are inspired by classic bakery Nutella donuts, but reworked to be higher in protein, lighter on sugar, and baked instead of fried (with an optional air-fry method). They’re fluffy, tender, and perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert that actually satisfies.
🕒 Servings & Timing
- Makes: 10–12 doughnuts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 60 minutes
- Bake Time: 12–14 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 35 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
🍞 High-Protein Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unflavored or vanilla whey protein powder
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sweetener (or sugar)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (dairy or unsweetened almond)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
🍫 High-Protein Nutella-Style Filling
- ½ cup chocolate hazelnut spread (or sugar-free version)
- ¼ cup chocolate protein pudding or thick Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (optional, richer flavor)
✨ Topping
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ¼ cup fine sugar or sugar-free sweetener
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk:
- Flour
- Protein powder
- Yeast
- Sweetener
- Salt
Add:
- Warm milk
- Egg
- Greek yogurt
- Butter
- Vanilla
Mix until a soft dough forms.
2️⃣ Knead
- Knead by hand or mixer for 6–8 minutes
- Dough should be soft, smooth, and slightly tacky
(Add 1 tbsp flour only if too sticky)
3️⃣ First Rise
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl
- Cover and let rise 45–60 minutes, until doubled
4️⃣ Shape Doughnuts
- Roll dough to ½-inch thickness
- Cut into rounds using a cookie cutter or glass
- Place on parchment-lined trays
- Cover and rest 15 minutes
5️⃣ Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Bake 12–14 minutes until lightly golden
(Do not overbake — softness matters!)
6️⃣ Sugar Coat
- Brush warm doughnuts with melted butter
- Roll in sugar or sweetener mixture
7️⃣ Fill
- Whisk filling ingredients until smooth
- Pipe into the side of each doughnut until generously filled
🧮 Nutrition (Approx Per Doughnut)
- Calories: ~210
- Protein: 15–18g
- Carbs: ~22g
- Fat: ~7g
✔ Baked
✔ High protein
✔ Soft & fluffy
✔ Dessert-approved
🔥 Air Fryer Option
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C)
- Cook 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway
- Brush + coat after cooking
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- With coffee or tea
- As a post-workout treat
- Kids’ snack with better macros
- Dessert platter centerpiece
🔄 Variations
🍓 Berry-Filled
Swap Nutella filling for protein strawberry cream.
🍌 Banana Chocolate
Add mashed banana to the filling.
🥜 Peanut Butter Lava
Use peanut butter + chocolate protein spread.
🍩 Glazed Version
Skip sugar coating and drizzle with protein chocolate glaze.
🧊 Storage
- Room temp: 1 day
- Fridge: 3–4 days
- Freeze (unfilled): Up to 1 month
Reheat briefly before filling.
