I adore crafting my very own Puffed Pastry Christmas Tree filled with Nutella. The crispy, flaky puff pastry paired with the luscious chocolate hazelnut spread is irresistible. A delicate egg wash lends a captivating sheen while a light dusting of powdered sugar creates a festive look perfect for holiday indulgence.

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I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen lately and I’ve come up with something that might just refresh your holiday dessert game. This Puff Pastry Nutella Christmas Tree is a twist on your regular holiday treats.

I start with 1 sheet of thawed frozen puff pastry measuring about 9 x 13 inches, spreading it out and layering in about 1 cup of my favorite Nutella. Then, I brush it with a mixture made from 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon water to get that shiny, golden finish once baked.

The aroma that fills your kitchen is simply irresistible. When it comes out of the oven, the pastry turns beautifully golden brown and melts in your mouth with every bite.

It’s not your everyday recipe and it makes for some fun Nutella Xmas Tree moments paired with delightful dinner Christmas ideas and innovative New Year cooking ideas. Give it a try and let your tastebuds celebrate!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s really simple to put together even if I sometimes mess up in the kitchen. I love how the puff pastry turns all golden and flakey when baked, and its buttery taste goes so well with the rich Nutella inside. It also makes me feel really festive since cutting it into a Christmas tree shape and dusting it with powdered sugar reminds me of the holiday season. Plus, every bite fills me with a mix of warm, chocolaty goodness that instantly brings back happy childhood memories.

Ingredients

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Puff pastry is flaky, buttery, offering carbs for quick energy despite low nutritional fiber quality.
Nutella is a sweet hazelnut spread rich in sugars; adds indulgent flavor with healthy fats.
Egg contributes protein and aids browning, ensuring a glossy, golden finish on the pastry.
Water helps blend the egg into a smooth wash, guaranteeing even pastry coloration upon baking.
Powdered sugar lightly finishes the pastry with extra sweetness and a snowy, festive perfect appearance.
Together, these ingredients form a dessert with sweet, rich flavor and a crisp buttery bite.
A golden, festive treat perfect for sharing during seasonal celebrations.

Ingredient Quantities

1 sheet frozen puff pastry (about 9 x 13 inches), thawed

1 cup Nutella (or your favorite chocolate hazelnut spread)

1 large egg, lightly beaten (for the egg wash)

1 tablespoon water (to mix with the egg for a smooth wash)

Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional but adds a nice touch)

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. Lay the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface so it doesn’t stick.

3. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut the pastry into a Christmas tree shape; try to keep a neat border around the edge.

4. Spread Nutella generously inside the tree shape, leaving about a 1/4 inch border unspread.

5. Mix the beaten egg with the water in a small bowl then lightly brush the exposed borders with this egg wash.

6. Place the tree shaped pastry onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the pastry becomes golden and flaky.

8. Remove the pastry from the oven and allow it to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

9. Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a festive look.

10. Enjoy your Nutella Christmas Tree while it’s still warm for the best taste!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheat to 400°F)
2. Baking sheet (lined with parchment paper)
3. Lightly floured work surface
4. Knife or cookie cutter
5. Small bowl (for mixing the egg and water)
6. Pastry brush (for applying the egg wash)

FAQ

Q: Do I have to thaw the puff pastry completely before using it?

A: Yes, you really need to let it thaw fully so it rolls out easier and bakes evenly

Q: Can I use a different chocolate hazelnut spread if I don't have Nutella?

A: Sure thing! Any chocolate hazelnut spread will work, but the taste might vary a bit

Q: How do I know when the pastry is done?

A: Look for a golden brown color along the edges and a nice puffy texture. Every oven is different so keep an eye on it

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: You can prep it ahead, but it is best to bake it right before serving for that fresh, crisp taste

Q: What if I dont have powdered sugar for dusting?

A: No worries, the tree still looks and tastes great without it. It’s just a little extra touch for presentation

Puff Pastry Nutella Christmas Tree Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of puff pastry, you could try using phyllo dough, although it might give your treat a lighter, crispier texture.
If Nutella isnt your thing or you dont have it on hand, you can mix almond butter with a bit of cocoa powder till smooth as a quick fix.
Not keen on egg wash? A drizzle of milk or even heavy cream works just fine to get that nice golden brown finish.
If you dont have water, a splash of any plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) can mix with the egg and provide a tad extra flavor.
And for dusting, if you run out of powdered sugar, just blitz some granulated sugar in your blender until its fine – it works pretty well in a pinch.

Pro Tips

1. Let the puff pastry rest on a lightly floured surface for a few extra minutes if it seems too soft; that way it won’t tear as you cut out your tree shape.
2. When you spread the Nutella, try to be as even as possible so some parts don’t end up super thick and risk burning when baked.
3. Mix your egg and water just until they’re combined – you don’t wanna overdo the egg wash cuz that can make the borders get too heavy or soggy.
4. If you want your tree to look extra festive, dust it lightly with powdered sugar while it’s still a bit warm; it gives a neat touch without overwhelming the chocolate flavor.