5 Easy Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry Recipes to Try This Holiday
Table of Contents
Introduction
Imagine pulling a golden, flaky Christmas tree out of the oven, its branches glistening with melted Nutella and dusted with snowy powdered sugar. This Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry isn’t just a dessert—it’s a holiday magic trick that’s so easy, even Santa’s elves could whip it up! Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch or need a last-minute treat for cookie swaps, this recipe is your edible glitter: simple, dazzling, and guaranteed to make everyone smile.
Did you know puff pastry was invented by a French chef who accidentally left butter layered in dough? Thankfully, our recipe is no accident—just pure, chocolatey genius. Think of it as the lovechild of a croissant and a gingerbread cookie, but ready in 30 minutes flat. Compared to our popular Nutella-Stuffed Cookies, this Christmas tree is even quicker, mess-free, and doubles as a centerpiece. Kids adore shaping the pastry, adults swoon over the gooey hazelnut filling, and you’ll love how it frees up time for actual relaxing. Ready to sleigh the holiday baking game? Let’s dig in!
What is Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry?
Why call it a “Christmas Tree” when it’s clearly too delicious to stay on the branches? (Unless you’re a chocolate-loving squirrel, of course.) The name is as literal as it gets: a buttery puff pastry rolled into a pine tree shape, slathered with Nutella, baked until crisp, and decorated like a tiny edible Tannenbaum. It’s the culinary version of wearing a festive sweater—extra, joyful, and impossible to resist.
Legend says the first person to make this dish accidentally dropped Nutella on a pastry sheet, panicked, then folded it into a tree to hide the mess. Voilà—a holiday hero was born! As the classic saying goes, “The way to someone’s heart is through their stomach,” and this recipe is basically Cupid’s arrow dipped in chocolate. Ready to spread some edible cheer? Grab a rolling pin and let’s go!
Why You’ll Love This Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry
- Hassle-Free Holiday Glam: No dough-making, no fancy tools—just store-bought puff pastry, Nutella, and 20 minutes of baking. It’s easier than untangling Christmas lights!
- Budget-Friendly Bliss: Skip the $8 bakery croissants. This recipe costs under $10 and serves 6–8. Cha-ching!
- Customizable Toppings: Go classic with powdered sugar, or try one of five fun twists: cinnamon-sugar sparkles, orange zest confetti, crushed hazelnuts, dried cranberries, or a white chocolate drizzle. (Psst: Our Nutella Hot Chocolate pairs perfectly!)
Compared to fussy Yule logs, this tree is a low-stress star. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly if you use dairy-free puff pastry! Whether you’re a baking newbie or a pro, this recipe is your ticket to holiday bragging rights. Ready to get started?
How to Make Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry
Quick Overview
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
- Star Qualities: Flaky layers, molten Nutella core, Instagram-worthy looks
Key Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
- ½ cup Nutella
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Toppings: Powdered sugar, sprinkles, crushed nuts, etc.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Pastry: Roll thawed puff pastry into a 10×12-inch rectangle.
- Spread the Love: Smear Nutella evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
- Shape the Tree: Cut the pastry into a triangle (wide base, tapered top). Make horizontal cuts along the sides to form branches. Twist branches gently.
- Bake: Brush with egg wash. Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until golden.
- Decorate: Dust with powdered sugar or add toppings while warm.
What to Serve With Your Christmas Tree
- Drinks: Spiced hot cocoa, peppermint mochas, or mulled wine.
- Sides: Vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or candied orange slices.
- Savory Pairings: Balance sweetness with a cheese board or rosemary-roasted nuts.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Tree
- 5 Flavor Twists:
- Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle before baking.
- Zesty Orange: Add orange zest to Nutella.
- Nutty Crunch: Press crushed hazelnuts into the pastry.
- Festive Berries: Top with dried cranberries post-bake.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Melt and drizzle post-bake.
- Avoid Soggy Branches: Don’t over-spread Nutella—it seeps when hot!
- Keep It Crisp: Serve immediately or reheat in the oven.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for 1–2 days.
- Reheat: 5 mins at 350°F to revive flakiness.
- Freeze: Wrap unbaked tree in foil; freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen (add 3–5 mins).
Final Thoughts
Whether you stick to the classic or try all five twists, this Nutella Christmas Tree is the ultimate holiday hack. Simple, speedy, and sure to steal the spotlight—what’s not to love?
