Nutella Pastry Christmas Trees

# What You'll Need:

→ Pastry

01 - 2 sheets puff pastry (about 8.8 oz each), thawed if frozen

→ Filling

02 - 4.2 oz Nutella or chocolate-hazelnut spread

→ Finish

03 - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

04 - 1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

02 - Unroll both sheets of puff pastry. Spread Nutella evenly over one sheet, leaving a 0.4-inch border around the edges.

03 - Place the second pastry sheet on top to create a Nutella sandwich.

04 - Using a sharp knife or tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut out tree shapes approximately 5 to 6 inches tall. Re-roll scraps to cut additional trees if needed.

05 - Transfer trees to the prepared tray. On each tree, carefully cut horizontal slits on both sides to form branches, keeping the trunk intact in the center. Gently twist each branch for decoration.

06 - Brush each tree with the beaten egg to achieve a golden finish.

07 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

08 - Allow to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Tips:

01 -

It takes less than 40 minutes from start to finish, so you can make them on a whim when guests show up unexpectedly.
The contrast between crisp, buttery pastry and warm, melty Nutella is impossible to resist.
Shaping them into trees makes even the simplest dessert feel like a celebration.

02 -

Dont overfill with Nutella or it will leak out and burn on the tray; a thin, even layer is all you need.
Cold pastry is easier to cut and holds its shape better in the oven, so work fast and chill again if it gets too soft.

03 -