Description
Delight in these festive Nutella Puff Pastry Trees, perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. Crisp, flaky puff pastry encases a rich layer of creamy Nutella, baked to golden perfection and elegantly twisted into charming tree shapes. Finished with a glossy egg wash and optional powdered sugar dusting, these treats are as visually appealing as they are delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry, approximately 8.8 oz (250 g) each, thawed
Filling
- 4.2 oz (120 g) Nutella or chocolate-hazelnut spread
Finish
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare tray: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Spread filling: Unroll both sheets of thawed puff pastry on a clean surface. Evenly spread the Nutella over one sheet, leaving about a 0.4-inch (1 cm) border clear around the edges to help seal the layers.
- Assemble layers: Carefully place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the Nutella-covered sheet, aligning edges to enclose the filling evenly.
- Cut tree shapes: Using a sharp knife or a tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut out Christmas tree shapes measuring approximately 5–6 inches (12–15 cm) tall. Gather any scraps, re-roll the dough, and cut additional trees as needed.
- Create branches: Transfer the shaped trees onto the prepared baking tray. With a careful horizontal slicing on each side of the tree shapes—leaving the central trunk intact—create slits to represent branches. Gently twist each branch to enhance the tree’s decorative appearance.
- Apply egg wash: Brush the entire surface of each pastry tree evenly with the beaten egg to promote a golden, glossy finish during baking.
- Bake pastries: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is fully puffed and a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool and garnish: Remove the pastry trees from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. If desired, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant, snowy effect. Serve these delightful pastries warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry sheets are fully thawed before use for easy handling and best puffing results.
- Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter for clean, precise tree shapes.
- Twisting the branches gently helps to reveal the Nutella layers, adding visual appeal.
- Egg wash gives the pastry a shiny, golden finish; don’t skip this step.
- Powdered sugar dusting is optional but adds a festive touch resembling snow.
- Serve fresh for optimal texture and flavor; store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
