Description
Delightful Christmas Tree Puff Pastries, made with flaky puff pastry and a sweet chocolate hazelnut filling, are a simple yet impressive holiday treat perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface or directly onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into 8-10 triangles of similar size. You can also cut one large rectangle and then cut out tree shapes.
Step 3: Spread a thin, even layer of chocolate hazelnut spread over half of each puff pastry triangle. Be careful not to go too close to the edges.
Step 4: Place another puff pastry triangle directly on top of the chocolate-covered triangle, aligning the edges. Lightly press down.
Step 5: Using your knife, make horizontal cuts on both sides of each tree, starting from the trunk and moving upwards, leaving a central "trunk" untouched. These will be the branches. Do not cut all the way through the trunk.
Step 6: Carefully twist each "branch" a few times. Repeat for all branches on each tree.
Step 7: Gently transfer the shaped pastries to the prepared baking sheet, if not already on it. Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg wash.
Step 8: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For best results, work with cold puff pastry. If it becomes too warm, pop it back into the fridge for 10-15 minutes. Feel free to experiment with other sweet fillings like cinnamon sugar, fruit jam, or even a savory pesto and cheese for a different twist!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg