Puff Pastry Nutella Desserts- Twists, Christmas Tree, Braids and Bites

DessertChristmas

Dec 2

Here I’m sharing all the tips and tricks for making easy Puff Pastry Nutella Desserts- Christmas Tree and Twists. Puff pastry and Nutella make perfect desserts because we are taking the help premade pastry and filling!

Note: to make the braid, keep the twist strips long and braid them together and pinch the ends. To make the bites, but the strips into small squares.

Author: Lauren Lane

Puff Pastry Nutella Desserts

Puff pastry and a Nutella or a combination made in heaven. Whether you're making this Christmas tree or simple Nutella bite or twits appetizers, these tips will give you everything you need to know about making easy, delicious desserts

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Ingredients

2 sheets puff pastry, thawed in refigerator
4-6 tablespoons Nutella
1 egg yolk
optional topping:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar (or 1 tablespoon sugar mixed with 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon)

Instructions

Puff Pastry Nutella Twists

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Thaw the puff pastry as per the package directions.
On a Silpat or parchment paper, roll out the first puff pastry into 11×13-inch rectangles and spread some Nutella on it, leaving a very small border. If the Nutella is hard to spread on, you are more than welcome to melt in the microwave for a few seconds just to soften it up.
Once you are finished spreading it on, add the second puff pastry sheet on top and use a knife or a pizza cutter to make lengthwise strips and then cut across the middle to cut them in half. You don’t have to cut them in half if you want extra long twists.
Take each strip and twist is with your hands and press down the ends. Place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix one egg and lightly brush on each twist or use cooking spray instead.
Bake at 400F for 15-20 minutes or until golden and flakey. Powdered sugar on top is optional and enjoy.
Optional: Lightly brush pastry with the melted butter (you may not use it all), and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Pufff Pastry Tree

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
Gently lay out the two puff pastry sheets on parchment paper or a Silpat mat. and gently roll them into 11×13-inch rectangles. Be sure to roll the very bottom and the top of the rectangle (not just the middle) so it puffs evenly.
Lay the cold puff pastries on top of each other (be sure they are cold or else they will stick together). Cut a large triangle for the Christmas tree shape be sure to end at the bottom corners of the puff pastry. I use a pizza cutter.
You can use a clean ruler to help you do this evenly rather than free-hand. Or the side of the puff pastry box if you are as lazy as I am. Move the top tree to another piece of parchment so they don't stick.
If the Nutella is really hard to spread on, melt it in the microwave for a few seconds just to soften it up.
Evenly spread Nutella on one sheet of pastry. Place the other cut-out sheet of puff pastry on top.
Transfer parchment and tree to baking sheet if. Cut slits on both sides, spacing them about 1-inch apart, leaving a one-inch center down the middle.
Twist each pastry strip away from you twice, pressing the ends into the baking sheet. You may need to twist a little closer the to trunk so it stays in the twisted position. And the top branches will only twist one.
Cut out two star shapes with the leftover pastry, spread one with Nutella and place the other on top like a sandwich. Place the star on the top of the tree.
With a fork, whisk the egg yolk. Brush pastry with egg yolk. Bake on the middle rack for 15-30 minutes at 400°F until golden. All ovens are different so keep and eye on it.
Optional: Lightly brush pastry with the melted butter (you may not use it all), and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Notes

Your Puff pastry Christmas tree Nutella can be made the day before you intend to serve it. All you need to do is add the egg glaze and then you can simply cook it in the oven just prior to when you want to serve it. You can even freeze the Christmas tree and cook it from frozen later.

To keep puff pastry warm for a party you can bake it fresh just before serving or leave your puff pastry dessert in the oven as it cools. This will keep your dessert warm and if you are worried about the pastry burning cover it with silver foil.

Save the leftover pieces and make extra little trees, starts or twists.

Filling Variations:

Spinach and ricotta:
Olive tapenade: homemade or store-bought.
Cheesy garlic butter
Jam .
Strawberry cheesecake: add a fairly neutral cream cheese layer beneath strawberry jam (or your fruit jam of choice) or compote.
Cinnamon sugar: brush a layer of melted butter, then sprinkle liberally with cinnamon sugar.
Parmesan topping: sprinkle the pastry tree appetizer with a bit of parmesan cheese and some dried herbs like oregano.