Save There's something magical about the smell of butter and chocolate puffing up in the oven on a December morning. I first made these trees on impulse—my daughter had circled a bakery window display three times in one week, and I thought, why not try at home? That first batch came out gloriously golden, and watching her face light up as she bit into the crispy, flaky layers oozing with Nutella made me realize these weren't just pastries, they were small edible celebrations we could make together.
I'll never forget baking these for our neighborhood holiday potluck last year. Someone's kids got powdered sugar all over their Christmas sweaters, and instead of anyone minding, it became this hilarious moment where everyone agreed these trees were worth the mess. They disappeared within minutes, and I got three requests for the recipe before dessert was even finished.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry (2 sheets, about 250 g each): The foundation of everything—make sure it's thawed completely or it'll crack when you unroll it, and don't skip the parchment paper or you'll regret cleanup.
- Nutella (120 g): Spread it with a spatula dipped in warm water for an impossibly smooth, even layer that doesn't tear the delicate pastry beneath.
- Egg, beaten (1): This gives the trees that gorgeous golden sheen and helps them puff dramatically in the oven.
- Powdered sugar (1 tbsp, optional): A final dusting transforms them into snow-covered trees, but honestly, they're beautiful either way.
Instructions
- Set the stage:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless. A hot oven is crucial for getting that dramatic puff.
- Layer your canvas:
- Unroll one sheet of puff pastry and spread Nutella evenly across it, leaving a 1-cm border all around so the layers seal properly. Place the second pastry sheet on top, gently pressing it down so the chocolate-hazelnut layer is sandwiched between crispy-to-be layers.
- Cut and create:
- Using a sharp knife or a tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut out trees about 12–15 cm tall. Don't throw away the scraps—press them together gently and reroll to create more trees, squeezing every bit of holiday magic from your pastry.
- Add the branches:
- With a clean knife, carefully make horizontal cuts on both sides of each tree, leaving the center trunk untouched. Gently twist each branch outward and slightly upward for a playful, three-dimensional effect that catches the light beautifully.
- Brush and bake:
- Transfer your trees to the prepared tray and brush each one with beaten egg until they're glistening. Slide them into the hot oven for 16–18 minutes, watching them puff and turn golden brown like little edible fireworks.
- Finish with elegance:
- Let them cool for a minute or two, then dust with powdered sugar if you'd like that snowy, bakery-window look. Serve warm or at room temperature—both are absolutely perfect.
Pin it There was this one time I made these for my mother-in-law's Christmas Eve dinner, and she took one bite, closed her eyes, and said they reminded her of a patisserie in Brussels she'd visited decades ago. That's when I understood—these aren't just pastries, they're little edible memories waiting to spark someone else's joy.
Make Them Your Own
Once you've mastered the basic tree, the possibilities expand beautifully. I've swapped Nutella for salted caramel, dark chocolate spread, or even a mixture of Nutella and crushed hazelnuts for extra crunch and texture. The architecture stays the same, but each variation tells a slightly different story on the palate.
Storage and Reheating
These are absolutely best enjoyed fresh and warm, when the pastry is at its crispiest. If you need to make them ahead, store cooled trees in an airtight container for up to 2 days, then warm them gently in a 180°C oven for about 5 minutes to restore that just-baked crispness and melt the Nutella slightly.
Serving Suggestions
These little trees shine brightest alongside warm beverages that complement their sweetness. Pour a cup of hot chocolate, mulled wine, or strong coffee, and watch these pastries disappear faster than you can plate them. The contrast between the flaky, buttery pastry and the creamy chocolate center is honestly hard to resist, and no one ever stops at just one.
- Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for that fresh, snowy appearance.
- Serve them slightly warm to maximize the melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Group them on a wooden board or tiered platter for a showstopping holiday presentation.
Pin it These Nutella pastry trees have become my go-to festive gift for people I love—they're easy enough to make without stress, impressive enough to feel special, and they taste like the holidays feel. Every bite carries the warmth of buttery, flaky layers and creamy chocolate, plus a little bit of the joy that comes from making something beautiful with your own hands.