Nutella Christmas Tree

Oh, this Nutella Christmas Tree is pure magic. The smell of warm pastry and chocolate fills the whole kitchen. It looks fancy, but it’s actually so easy to make at home.

I remember making it on a chilly December morning. I spread the Nutella, twisted the layers, and watched it turn into a golden, chocolatey tree. It’s the kind of treat that makes everyone stop and smile.

If you love holiday baking that feels fun and cozy, this recipe is it. Let’s get into how to make your own Nutella Christmas Tree that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Nutella Christmas Tree

• Festive and Fun: This tree-shaped pastry is perfect for holiday gatherings, giving a festive touch to your dessert table.
• Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, it’s simple to prepare, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort.
• Decadent Layers: Nutella fills the layers of puff pastry, creating a gooey, chocolaty treat that’s hard to resist.
• Customizable: You can add your personal twist with extra toppings or fillings, making this recipe uniquely yours.
• Great for Sharing: The Nutella Christmas Tree is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Everyone can pull apart the layers, making it a fun and interactive dessert.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this delightful dessert, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• Baking Sheet: For baking the Nutella Christmas Tree.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet, ensuring the pastry doesn’t stick.
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the puff pastry.
• Pastry Brush: For glazing the tree with the beaten egg.
• Sharp Knife: For cutting and shaping the tree.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurement.
• Sifter or Mesh Strainer: For dusting the finished tree with icing sugar.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Nutella Christmas Tree (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Puff Pastry: I recommend using store-bought puff pastry for simplicity, but if you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own from scratch.
• Nutella: The star ingredient that will provide the rich, creamy, and chocolaty filling. You can use other chocolate spreads if you prefer, but Nutella is undeniably the best option for this recipe.
• Egg (beaten for glazing): The beaten egg adds a beautiful golden finish and a glossy sheen to the pastry once it’s baked.
• Icing Sugar: To dust the top of the finished Nutella Christmas Tree for a sweet and festive touch.

Variations for Nutella Christmas Tree

Feel free to get creative with your Nutella Christmas Tree and try out some of these variations:

• Add Nuts: If you love a bit of crunch, you can sprinkle chopped hazelnuts or almonds in the Nutella layers for an extra texture.
• Use Fruit: Add sliced strawberries or bananas for a fruity contrast to the chocolatey Nutella.
• Change the Filling: Swap out Nutella for almond paste or marzipan for a different flavor experience.
• Add Holiday Spices: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg with the Nutella for a warm, spiced holiday touch.
• Make it Vegan: If you want a vegan version, substitute the puff pastry for a vegan variety, and use a plant-based egg wash (like almond milk or soy milk) for glazing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get into the details of making this delicious Nutella Christmas Tree. Follow the step-by-step instructions for the perfect holiday treat.

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure that the pastry bakes evenly and doesn’t stick to the baking sheet.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry

Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. You will need two sheets of puff pastry for this recipe. Roll each sheet slightly to smooth out any creases and make them even in thickness.

3. Spread Nutella on the Puff Pastry

On the first sheet of puff pastry, spread a generous layer of Nutella. Make sure to leave about ½ inch from the edges to avoid spilling over when the pastries are stacked. You can use a spoon or an offset spatula to spread the Nutella evenly.

4. Stack the Puff Pastry Sheets

Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the Nutella-covered sheet. Gently press down to ensure the layers stick together, but be careful not to squeeze out the Nutella. Now, you’ll have a double layer of puff pastry filled with Nutella.

5. Shape the Tree

Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, begin cutting the pastry into the shape of a Christmas tree. Start by cutting a triangle in the center of the stacked pastry. The base of the triangle will be the widest part of the tree, and the top will be the point. After cutting the triangle, slice the tree into smaller sections that can be twisted later (like tree branches).

6. Twist the Branches

Once you have your tree shape, twist each branch by gently lifting and twisting the individual pieces of pastry. Be sure to twist the branches in opposite directions so they create a spiral effect when baked.

7. Brush with Egg Wash

Now, brush the entire Nutella Christmas Tree with the beaten egg using a pastry brush. This will give the pastry a beautiful golden color once it’s baked. Be sure to coat all the exposed surfaces, including the twisted branches.

8. Bake the Tree

Place the prepared Nutella Christmas Tree on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy. The Nutella should be bubbling slightly at the edges, and the tree should have a beautiful, glossy finish.

9. Cool and Dust with Icing Sugar

Once the tree is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Once it’s cooled enough to handle, dust the top of the tree with icing sugar to add a festive, snowy touch.

10. Serve and Enjoy

Your Nutella Christmas Tree is now ready to be served! Gather your loved ones around and let everyone pull apart a delicious, Nutella-filled branch. This is a fun and interactive dessert that everyone will love.

How to Serve Nutella Christmas Tree

This Nutella Christmas Tree is a fantastic addition to your holiday gatherings, and there are many ways to serve it:

• As a Dessert Centerpiece: Serve it as the focal point of your dessert table. Its festive shape and Nutella filling will wow your guests.
• For Breakfast or Brunch: Pair this pastry with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a special holiday breakfast or brunch.
• In Gift Boxes: Cut the Nutella Christmas Tree into smaller sections, wrap them in festive packaging, and gift them to friends and family.
• With Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side.

Storing Nutella Christmas Tree

This Nutella Christmas Tree is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them for later.

• Leftovers: Store the Nutella Christmas Tree in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The puff pastry may soften over time, but it will still be delicious.
• Freezing: If you want to prepare this treat ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked Nutella Christmas Tree. Simply prepare the tree, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, remove from the freezer, brush with egg wash, and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information for the Nutella Christmas Tree:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	300
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	7g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fiber	1g
Sugars	13g
Protein	3g

(Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Conclusion

The Nutella Christmas Tree is a perfect blend of festive fun and delicious indulgence. With its flaky puff pastry, gooey Nutella center, and beautiful presentation, this treat will undoubtedly steal the show at your holiday gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this simple yet stunning dessert is sure to impress.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to make this mouthwatering Nutella Christmas Tree for your next holiday celebration. Your family and friends will be talking about it for years to come!