If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and delicious treat this holiday season, this Easy Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Dessert is sure to impress. Flaky puff pastry layered with creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread creates a show-stopping centerpiece that’s as tasty as it is beautiful. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or a cozy night at home, this dessert combines simplicity with wow-factor.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Dessert
- Show-stopping appearance: Twisted puff pastry branches form a beautiful Christmas tree that’s perfect for holiday photos and parties.
- Quick and simple: Uses store-bought puff pastry and Nutella, so even beginner bakers can succeed.
- Family-friendly: Kids can help twist the branches, making it a fun holiday activity.
- Decadent flavor: Buttery, flaky pastry with rich, creamy chocolate-hazelnut filling.
- Customizable: You can add toppings like powdered sugar, sprinkles, or nuts to make it even more festive.
Ingredients for Easy Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Dessert
Main Ingredients
- 1 (17.5 oz) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 tablespoons chocolate-hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
Optional Decorations
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed nuts
Ingredient Notes & Healthy Swaps
- Nutella alternatives: Use a lower-sugar chocolate-hazelnut spread or dark chocolate spread for a healthier option.
- Puff pastry swap: Look for whole-wheat or reduced-fat puff pastry if available.
- Egg-free option: Brush with a milk or plant-based milk wash instead of egg.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Thaw puff pastry according to package instructions.
Step 2 – Roll the First Sheet
Roll out the first sheet of puff pastry into a large rectangle on your baking sheet. Spread 4 tablespoons of chocolate-hazelnut spread over a triangle shape in the center, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 3 – Layer the Second Sheet
Roll out the second puff pastry sheet and place it carefully on top of the first, covering the chocolate layer. Trace a triangle shape, including the trunk, with a knife and cut it out.
Step 4 – Cut the Branches
Cut strips along both sides of the triangle, leaving the center intact. Twist each strip away from you two to three times to form the tree branches.
Step 5 – Add the Star and Egg Wash
Cut a small star from any excess pastry and place it on top of the tree. Brush the entire tree and star lightly with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Step 6 – Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown. Allow the tree to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Step 7 – Decorate
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar to mimic snow and add festive decorations like sprinkles or mini chocolate chips.
Easy Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Dessert
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This festive Nutella puff pastry Christmas tree is a fun, flaky, chocolate-filled holiday treat that looks impressive yet requires only simple ingredients and minimal effort — perfect for parties, family gatherings, and cozy winter nights.
Ingredients
- 1 (17.5 oz) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 tablespoons chocolate-hazelnut spread (Nutella)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Powdered sugar (optional)
- Sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment and thaw puff pastry.
- Roll out the first sheet of puff pastry into a large rectangle. Spread Nutella in a triangle shape, leaving a border.
- Roll out the second sheet and place on top. Trace and cut out a triangle with a trunk.
- Cut strips along the sides of the triangle, keeping the center intact. Twist each strip 2–3 times.
- Cut a small star from leftover pastry and place on top. Brush tree with egg wash.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until puffed and golden. Cool 5 minutes.
- Dust with powdered sugar and decorate if desired.
Notes
Keep puff pastry cold for best results. Avoid overfilling with Nutella to prevent leaks. Add toppings after baking to keep them from burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Holiday
Pro Tips for Success
- Keep puff pastry cold: It puffs better and prevents sticking.
- Don’t overfill with Nutella: Too much spread can leak out during baking.
- Twist evenly: Make the branches uniform for a prettier tree.
- Use a sharp knife: Clean cuts prevent tearing the pastry.
- Add festive toppings after baking: Avoid burning chocolate by adding sprinkles or sugar afterward.
Flavor Variations
- Peanut butter chocolate tree: Substitute Nutella with peanut butter and drizzle with melted chocolate.
- White chocolate twist: Spread white chocolate or cream cheese frosting between layers.
- Nutty crunch: Add crushed hazelnuts or almonds on top of the Nutella before baking.
- Berry festive: Top with fresh raspberries or strawberries after baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm as a dessert or snack.
- Pair with hot chocolate, coffee, or eggnog for a complete holiday treat.
- Cut into slices or small branches for easy serving at parties.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep covered for up to 4 days; reheat in the oven to restore flakiness.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked pastry tree for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, 1/8 of Tree)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250 | 3g | 27g | 15g | 2g | 100mg |
OTHER RECIPES YOU MIGHT ENJOY
- Amazing Mexican Pinto Bean Soup for Comfort Nights
- Easy Creamy Ground Beef Orzo Dinner
- Easy Ground Turkey Orzo One-Pot Dinner
FAQ About Easy Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Dessert
How do I prevent Nutella from leaking?
Spread a thin layer and leave a small border around the edges of the pastry. Don’t overfill.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it and store in the fridge for a few hours before baking.
Can I freeze the dessert?
Yes, freeze the unbaked tree for up to 1 month; bake directly from frozen.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free puff pastry option. Ensure Nutella or chocolate spread is also gluten-free.
What if I don’t have a star cutter?
Use a small knife to cut a star freehand, or simply shape a triangle for a minimalistic tree look.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Dessert is a fun, festive, and indulgent treat that’s perfect for the holidays. Its buttery layers, rich chocolate filling, and show-stopping presentation make it ideal for family gatherings or as a holiday centerpiece. Even beginner bakers can enjoy creating this magical treat, and its versatility allows for endless flavor and decoration variations.For more inspiration, check out this Easy Apple Cider Chicken Recipe in 35 Minutes or explore more on Pinterest for your next meal idea!