Pin It Last December, my kitchen smelled like butter and toasted hazelnuts before the sun even came up. I was rolling out cold puff pastry on the counter, still half asleep, trying to make something that looked festive without spending all morning on it. My daughter wandered in, saw the Nutella jar, and asked if we could make trees instead of stars. I didnt have a cutter, so I freehanded the shapes with a knife, and they turned out lopsided but charming. We twisted the branches together, brushed them with egg, and watched them puff up golden in the oven—suddenly, breakfast felt like Christmas.
I started making these every year after that morning with my daughter. One year, I made a double batch for a holiday potluck, and they disappeared before I even set down my coat. A friend asked for the recipe, and I had to laugh—there wasnt much of one. Just two ingredients doing all the work, and a little knife work to make them look special. Now, every time I twist those pastry branches, I think about how the simplest things can become traditions if you let them.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry: Use store-bought sheets that are cold but pliable; if theyre too warm, theyll tear when you cut and twist the branches.
- Nutella: Spread it thin and even so every bite has chocolate without making the layers soggy or sliding apart in the oven.
- Egg: The beaten egg gives the pastry that deep golden shine and helps the layers puff up tall and crisp.
- Powdered sugar: A light dusting at the end makes them look like theyre dusted with snow, but its completely optional.
Instructions
- Prep your oven and tray:
- Preheat to 200°C and line a baking tray with parchment so the pastries release cleanly and bake evenly.
- Layer the pastry:
- Unroll both sheets, spread Nutella on one, leaving a narrow border, then press the second sheet on top to seal. Work quickly so the pastry stays cold.
- Cut out the trees:
- Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter to shape trees about 12 to 15 cm tall. You can re-roll scraps once to get a few more.
- Add the branches:
- Cut small horizontal slits on each side of the tree, leaving the center trunk intact, then gently twist each branch for texture and charm.
- Brush and bake:
- Brush each tree with beaten egg, then bake for 16 to 18 minutes until puffed and deeply golden. Let them cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar if you like.
Pin It The first time I served these, I set them on a wire rack still warm from the oven, and my son grabbed one before I could dust them with sugar. He took a bite, smiled with chocolate on his teeth, and said they tasted like the holidays. That was all I needed to hear. Since then, Ive made them for teachers, neighbors, and anyone who needs a little edible joy in December.
Serving Suggestions
These are best warm, when the pastry is crisp and the Nutella is still a little melty. I love setting them out on a platter with mugs of hot chocolate or spiced cider. Theyre also wonderful alongside mulled wine or coffee for an easy dessert that feels more special than it is. If youre making them for kids, let them help with the twisting—its messy and fun, and they love seeing their trees puff up in the oven.
Storage and Reheating
These pastries are at their best the day you make them, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. To bring back the crispness, reheat them in a 180°C oven for about 5 minutes. Dont microwave them—they get soggy fast. If you want to prep ahead, you can cut and shape the trees, freeze them unbaked on a tray, then bake straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes.
Variations and Swaps
You can swap Nutella for any chocolate spread, or try almond butter mixed with a little honey and cocoa powder. Ive also tucked in a handful of chopped toasted hazelnuts before sealing the layers for extra crunch. One year, I drizzled melted dark chocolate over the cooled trees instead of powdered sugar, and they looked bakery-perfect.
- Try sprinkling the tops with coarse sugar before baking for a sparkly, crunchy finish.
- Use cookie cutters in other shapes if you want stars, snowflakes, or angels instead of trees.
- For a less sweet version, skip the Nutella and use a thin layer of almond paste or fig jam.
Pin It Every time I pull these out of the oven, I feel like Ive pulled off a small magic trick. Theyre simple, theyre sweet, and they make people smile—and thats exactly what the holidays should taste like.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pastry is ideal for this dish?
Flaky puff pastry sheets work best as they create crisp, layered textures when baked.
- → Can I substitute Nutella with other spreads?
Yes, other chocolate-hazelnut spreads or similar creamy toppings can be used for variation.
- → How are the tree shapes formed?
The dough is cut into tree shapes using a knife or cookie cutter, then branches are twisted for decoration.
- → Is egg wash necessary?
Brushing beaten egg helps achieve a golden, glossy finish but can be omitted if preferred.
- → How should these pastries be served?
They are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar for sweetness.
- → Are there suggested pairings for these treats?
Serving alongside hot chocolate or mulled wine enhances the festive flavors beautifully.