Pin There's something magical about turning simple puff pastry into edible Christmas trees—it's the kind of project that makes your kitchen smell like a European patisserie and feels way more impressive than it actually is. I discovered this recipe during a chaotic December afternoon when my niece insisted on helping with baking, and honestly, the way her face lit up when the trees puffed in the oven made every bit of Nutella worth it. The flaky layers give way to that creamy chocolate-hazelnut center, and suddenly you've created something that looks like it belonged in a fancy bakery window.
I remember making a batch for my office's Secret Santa party and realizing halfway through the morning that I'd underestimated how many people would actually eat them—I ended up making a second batch at midnight, laughing at myself while my kitchen turned into a winter wonderland of powdered sugar. By the time people arrived, the trees were cooling on racks and the whole office smelled incredible, which honestly felt like winning half the gift-giving battle right there.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry (about 250 g each): Make sure these are thawed properly—cold pastry tears easily when you're trying to spread Nutella, and warm pastry is forgiving and pliable.
- 120 g Nutella (or chocolate-hazelnut spread): You can swap this for any chocolate spread you love, though Nutella's particular sweetness and richness really makes these special.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): This creates that beautiful golden sheen and helps everything puff up gorgeously in the oven.
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): The dusting feels like the final flourish that makes them look professionally done, even if you made them in your own kitchen.
Instructions
- Heat your oven and prep the workspace:
- Get your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line your baking tray with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier. You want everything ready before you start working with the pastry, since it warms up quickly and becomes harder to handle.
- Layer the pastry and Nutella:
- Unroll both sheets of puff pastry and spread the Nutella evenly over one sheet, leaving about a 1-cm border all around—this keeps the layers from sliding around. Carefully place the second sheet on top and press gently to seal them together into a chocolate-hazelnut sandwich.
- Cut out your tree shapes:
- Using a sharp knife or tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut out trees about 12–15 cm tall—don't stress about perfect shapes, because a little wonkiness actually adds charm. If you have pastry scraps, re-roll them gently and cut out a few more trees.
- Add decorative branches:
- Place trees on the prepared tray, then use a knife to carefully cut horizontal lines on each side of the tree, leaving the trunk solid in the center. Gently twist each branch outward—this creates a beautiful, dimensional effect and makes them look intentional and festive.
- Seal with egg wash:
- Brush each tree carefully with beaten egg, which gives them that gorgeous golden-brown color and helps the layers puff dramatically. Be gentle so you don't deflate all your careful work.
- Bake until golden:
- Bake for 16–18 minutes until they're puffed up and deeply golden—your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible during this time. Don't open the oven door too early or the pastry won't rise properly.
- Finish and serve:
- Let them cool for a few minutes (they'll crisp up slightly as they cool), then dust with powdered sugar if you like that extra-special touch. They're wonderful warm or at room temperature, and honestly taste even better when shared with someone.
Pin There was a moment during a holiday dinner when someone took a bite of one of these trees and literally closed their eyes in that way that means genuine happiness—they said the flaky pastry combined with the creamy Nutella reminded them of visiting a patisserie in Paris. That's when I realized this recipe wasn't just about making something pretty; it was about creating a small moment of joy on someone's plate.
Why Puff Pastry Is Your Secret Weapon
Good puff pastry does most of the work for you, honestly—all those butter layers puff up naturally in the heat, creating that shattered, crispy texture without any effort on your part. Once you understand that puff pastry is basically engineered to be forgiving, these trees become almost impossible to mess up, which is why they're perfect for baking with kids or bringing to a potluck when you want to look like you spent way more time than you actually did.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the pastry is at its crispiest, but honestly, life happens and sometimes you need to make them ahead. They keep covered at room temperature for a day, and you can always reheat them briefly in a 180°C oven to restore some of that crispy texture.
Pairing and Serving Ideas
Serve these with something warm—hot chocolate, coffee, or mulled wine if you're going for the full festive moment—because the temperature contrast is somehow exactly right. The sweetness of the Nutella balances beautifully with a slightly bitter coffee or the warmth of spiced wine, making these feel like a complete experience rather than just a pastry.
- Dust with extra powdered sugar or a tiny drizzle of melted chocolate if you want to dress them up for a special occasion.
- Make these a few hours ahead and reheat gently so you can actually enjoy the people you're serving them to instead of being stuck at the oven.
- Double the batch if you're bringing these anywhere—people always come back for seconds, and you'll want some for yourself too.
Pin These little trees have a way of turning an ordinary afternoon into something festive without demanding much from you in return. They're the kind of recipe that reminds you why you love cooking in the first place.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of pastry is best for these trees?
Flaky puff pastry sheets provide the ideal texture, offering crisp layers that complement the creamy filling.
- → Can I use other spreads instead of Nutella?
Yes, chocolate-hazelnut alternatives or other chocolate spreads work well, and adding chopped nuts can enhance texture.
- → How do I make the tree shape without a cutter?
Use a sharp knife to cut tree outlines from the layered pastry, then twist branches for a decorative effect.
- → Is it necessary to brush the pastries with egg wash?
Brushing with beaten egg helps achieve a golden, glossy finish during baking but can be skipped if preferred.
- → How should these pastries be served?
They are best served warm or at room temperature, making a festive snack that pairs nicely with hot drinks.
- → Can these be prepared ahead of time?
They taste freshest when made the same day but can be reheated gently in the oven before serving.