Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s sure to impress without taking up your entire day, then the Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is just what you need! This delightful dessert combines the rich, creamy goodness of chocolate hazelnut Nutella with flaky puff pastry, creating a beautiful centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Not only is it fun to make, but it’s also a hit with family and friends, making it perfect for everything from cozy weeknight dinners to lively holiday parties.

What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it brings joy and cheer to the table. The warm aroma of freshly baked pastry fills your kitchen, and when you serve up slices of this stunning tree, everyone can’t help but smile. It’s a simple yet impressive way to celebrate the season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and steps, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping twist the branches and decorating the tree!
• Stunning Presentation: The shape of the tree makes it a showstopper on any dessert table.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and bake right before serving for extra freshness.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of crispy pastry and creamy Nutella will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. You probably have some of them at home already! Here’s what you’ll need to create your Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree:

• 1 – 17.3 oz package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed but still cold
• 4 – 6 tablespoons Nutella Hazelnut Spread
• 1 egg (beaten)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! You can easily mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Try Different Spreads: Swap out Nutella for almond butter or cookie butter for a unique twist!
• Add Some Spice: Mix in a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg with the spread for an extra flavor boost.
• Incorporate Fruit: Add thinly sliced bananas or strawberries between the layers for a fruity surprise.
• Use Different Shapes: Instead of a Christmas tree, cut out stars or hearts for other festive occasions!

How to Make Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your pastry bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace

Sprinkle a little flour on top of a sheet of parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make it easier to roll out your puff pastry.

Step 3: Roll Out First Sheet

Unfold one sheet of puff pastry onto the floured parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, gently roll it into an 11 x 13 inch rectangle. Carefully lift the parchment and transfer it onto your baking sheet.

Step 4: Spread the Nutella

Spread the Nutella hazelnut spread evenly over the puff pastry, leaving some space around the edges. This will keep everything contained while baking!

Step 5: Roll Out Second Sheet

Take your second sheet of puff pastry and roll it out into another 11 x 13 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.

Step 6: Layer and Seal

Gently place this second layer over the first one with Nutella. Press down lightly to seal them together; this step helps create that deliciously flaky texture when baked.

Step 7: Cut Out Your Tree Shape

Using printer or parchment paper as a template, cut out a Christmas tree shape from your layered pastry. Don’t forget to save those extra pieces – they can be used for decorations!

Step 8: Create Branches

Place a ruler down the center as a guide, then make horizontal cuts into both sides of the tree shape without going all the way through. This gives you those lovely twisted branches we all adore!

Step 9: Twist Those Branches

Starting at the bottom, gently twist each branch away from you. Press down firmly so they don’t untwist during baking—this creates that beautiful look when done!

Step 10: Make Decorations

With leftover puff pastry, use a star cookie cutter to create a star for your tree top and cut out a small piece for the stump.

Step 11: Brush with Egg Wash

Brush beaten egg over all exposed surfaces of your pastry. This step adds that golden color we all love.

Step 12: Bake Away!

Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes until puffy and golden brown. The smell will be irresistible!

Step 13: Finish with Powdered Sugar

Once baked, let cool slightly before dusting generously with powdered sugar. It adds just that perfect touch!

Now you have an absolutely stunning Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree that’s ready to be devoured! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Creating a Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is a delightful experience, and a few pro tips can make it even more enjoyable!

• Keep the pastry cold: Working with cold puff pastry helps to achieve maximum flakiness. If your pastry becomes too warm while you’re shaping it, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.
• Use a generous amount of Nutella: Spreading enough Nutella ensures that every bite is rich and chocolatey. Just be cautious not to spread it all the way to the edges, as this can lead to messy baking.
• Be precise with cuts: When cutting out your Christmas tree shape and branches, take your time! Neat cuts will result in a more attractive final product and will help the tree hold its shape better during baking.
• Twist carefully: When twisting the branches, do so gently but firmly. This creates those beautiful spirals and keeps your tree looking festive without falling apart.
• Add powdered sugar after cooling: Sprinkling powdered sugar too early can cause it to melt into the warm pastry. Wait until it has cooled slightly for a lovely snow-dusted look that lasts longer!

How to Serve Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Presenting your Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree can be just as fun as making it! With some thoughtful touches, you can impress your friends and family during festive gatherings.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint add a pop of color and a fresh aroma that complements the sweetness of the Nutella.
• Edible glitter: Sprinkle some edible glitter on top for a magical touch that enhances its holiday spirit without overwhelming flavors.

Side Dishes

• Fruit platter: A colorful assortment of fruits like strawberries, grapes, and kiwi provides a refreshing contrast to the rich Nutella. It also adds vibrant colors to your table!
• Cheese board: Pairing with assorted cheeses like brie or creamy goat cheese offers a savory counterpoint that balances out the sweetness.
• Hot cocoa: Serve this treat alongside steaming mugs of hot cocoa for an indulgent pairing that feels like a warm hug on chilly winter nights.
• Spiced nuts: A bowl of spiced mixed nuts adds crunch and depth, providing guests with something salty and savory to enjoy alongside their sweet treat.

With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, your Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is sure to be the highlight of any holiday gathering! Enjoy creating and sharing this delicious festive centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is not only a festive showstopper but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, store it properly, and enjoy it fresh whenever you need a sweet treat during the holiday season.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pastry to cool completely before storing.
• Place the leftover pieces in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree tightly in plastic wrap.
• Then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove the pastry from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delightful Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree.

Can I make the Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve!

What can I use instead of Nutella for the Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree?

If you’re looking for alternatives, try using chocolate spread, almond butter, or even a homemade hazelnut spread. They all work beautifully in this recipe!

How do I know when my Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is done baking?

Your pastry should be puffed up and golden brown when it’s done baking. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.

Can I decorate my Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree differently?

Definitely! Feel free to add sprinkles, edible glitter, or even melted chocolate drizzles on top after sprinkling with powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.

Final Thoughts

This Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is not just a treat—it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings. I hope you enjoy making this fun and delicious dessert as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to share your creations and let them shine on your festive table. Happy baking!