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These fluffy Nutella bread bombs are the kind of treat you make when you want something warm and gooey without turning on the oven for an hour. Refrigerated biscuit dough wraps around a spoonful of Nutella and cooks up golden in minutes. I usually pull them together on weekend afternoons when the craving for something sweet hits hard.
The best part is the short ingredient list. Four staples, one air fryer or baking sheet, and about fifteen minutes stand between you and a plate of puffed, sugar-dusted bombs with a molten center.
The 4-ingredient lineup
Reach for a can of jumbo buttermilk biscuits, the homestyle kind rather than flaky layers. The dough needs to hold together when you split and stretch it. Good Nutella is non-negotiable here, and melted butter gives the outside a soft sheen rather than a dry crust.
- Refrigerated jumbo biscuits. Homestyle buttermilk dough splits cleanly into two thin rounds that cook through without raw centers.
- Nutella. The chocolate-hazelnut spread melts into a lava-like filling that stays rich and creamy.
- Unsalted butter. Brushed on before cooking, it helps the exterior turn lightly golden and soft.
- Confectioners' sugar. A fine dusting after cooling adds sweetness without overwhelming the hazelnut.
Shape, fill, and cook
- Split the biscuits. Open the can and separate the biscuits. Peel each one into two layers so you have sixteen thin rounds. Press each round into a four-inch circle with your fingers.
- Add the filling. Spoon about one tablespoon of Nutella into the center of each round. Do not overfill or the chocolate will squeeze out during cooking.
- Seal tight. Fold the edges up and over the filling, then pinch firmly to close. Roll gently into a ball and check for any gaps. Place seam side down.
- Brush and cook. Brush the tops and bottoms with melted butter. Arrange in the air fryer basket two inches apart and cook at 330°F for seven to eight minutes until golden brown. Alternatively, bake in a muffin tin at 375°F for twelve to fourteen minutes.
- Cool and dust. Let the bombs rest for three to five minutes so the filling sets slightly. Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve warm.
The seal is everything
A leaky bomb means a scorched air fryer basket and lost filling. Pinch the seam twice, then roll the ball gently in your palms to smooth it closed. If you spot a crack, patch it with a small scrap of dough from the edge. Uniform thickness also matters. Thick spots stay doughy while thin spots burst, so press the biscuit rounds as evenly as you can.
Air fryer or oven
The air fryer gives you a slightly crisper shell in less time, and the circulating heat browns the bombs evenly. The oven method in a muffin tin works just as well if you are making a double batch. The tin supports the shape so they stay round and puffy rather than flattening slightly on a sheet pan. If you love handheld desserts, try these chocolate chip cookie brownie bombs next.
Smart swaps
Refrigerated crescent dough or pizza dough will work in a pinch, though cook times will shift. For the filling, swap Nutella for cookie butter, peanut butter, or a thick raspberry jam. You can even add a miniature marshmallow with the Nutella for a s'mores version. For another Nutella-forward bake, our Nutella babka buns use a yeasted dough with the same spread.
Storing and reheating
Cool the bombs completely before storing them in a single layer in an airtight container. They keep at room temperature for two to three days. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for two to three minutes to revive the soft crust. You can also freeze them for up to two months. Thaw overnight and reheat the same way. For safe storage practices, see the FDA food-safety guide. If you want more quick sweet breads, try our sweet apple cinnamon quick bread.
FAQs
- Can I use flaky layer biscuits?
Flaky layers separate into thin sheets that tear when you try to seal them. Stick to homestyle or buttermilk biscuits for the cleanest result.
- Can I bake these in the oven instead?
Yes. Preheat the oven to 375°F and place the bombs in a greased muffin tin. Bake for twelve to fourteen minutes until the tops are golden and the dough sounds hollow when tapped.
- How do I stop the Nutella from leaking out?
Do not overfill, pinch the seam firmly, and keep the dough thickness uniform. A small tear will let the chocolate escape under heat pressure.
- Can I freeze Nutella bread bombs?
Absolutely. Freeze baked bombs in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months. Reheat from thawed or frozen in the air fryer at 300°F.
- What other fillings work?
Cookie butter, peanut butter, almond butter, or thick fruit preserves all work well. Avoid runny fillings that pool and steam inside the dough.
- How long do leftovers last?
Store them airtight at room temperature for two to three days. The sugar dusting may dissolve slightly, but the flavor stays great.
- Are these vegetarian?
Yes. Check your biscuit brand to confirm, but most refrigerated biscuits contain no meat products.