Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry: 30-Minute Dessert

Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry: Flaky Dessert

By Fia MartinezDecember 19, 2025

This Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry is the ultimate holiday "wow" factor that requires almost zero actual effort. It combines buttery, flaky layers with molten chocolate to create a pull-apart dessert everyone fights over.

Effort/Time: 15 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook – faster than a holiday grocery run.
Key Flavor Hook: Deeply toasted hazelnuts meet a "shatter-crisp" buttery crust.
Perfect for: Christmas morning brunch or a last-minute festive party centerpiece.

Table of Contents

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Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry: The Ultimate Holiday Treat

Can you smell that? It is the scent of bubbling chocolate and toasted butter wafting through the house. Honestly, nothing beats the sound of that first Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry branch breaking off with a loud, satisfying crackle.

It’s festive, it’s messy in the best way, and it looks like you spent hours on it. Trust me, our little secret is how fast this Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry actually comes together.

I remember the first time I made this for a neighborhood swap. I accidentally left the pastry on the counter too long and it became a sticky disaster. But once I mastered the cold dough trick, this Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry became my go-to "emergency" dessert.

It's essentially a giant, chocolate filled croissant shaped like a tree.

So, let’s get into why this Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry is about to become your new December tradition. If you’re building a full holiday spread, it pairs beautifully with my Christmas Cranberry Sauce: The Best Spiced Clementine Recipe . Let's crack on!

Why This Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe Works

A Show Stopping Festive Centerpiece

This Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry works because it uses high contrast textures. The exterior is gold and crunchy. Inside, you find a velvety, molten hazelnut core that stays soft even as it cools. It is the perfect interactive dessert for kids and adults alike.

The Science of Flaky Layers and Molten Chocolate

The secret is all about the "Science of Why it Works." Puff pastry relies on lamination , where hundreds of thin layers of cold butter sit between sheets of dough. When that high heat hits the oven, the water in the butter evaporates instantly.

This creates steam that forces the layers upward, resulting in that iconic shatter.

The egg wash isn't just for looks, either. It triggers the Maillard reaction , which is a chemical dance between amino acids and reducing sugars. This gives the Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry its deep mahogany color and savory, toasted aroma.

Plus, the sugar in the Nutella slightly caramelizes at the edges of the "branches" for extra crunch.

Why Kids and Adults Love This Pull Apart Dessert

People love food they can play with. This Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry is designed to be torn apart by hand. It feels communal and cozy. You don't even need plates just a pile of napkins and a lot of holiday spirit.

Essential Ingredients and Easy Substitutions

To make a killer Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry , you only need a few basics. But I know things happen you run out of eggs or someone hates hazelnuts. Here is how to pivot without losing the magic.

Original Ingredient	Best Substitute	Why It Works or Scientific Function
Nutella (0.5 cup)	Cookie Butter (Biscoff)	Provides a similar fat-to-sugar ratio. Note: It will be much sweeter and lack the chocolate depth.
Egg (1 large)	Heavy Cream or Milk	Provides protein and fat for browning. Note: You won't get that "shiny" lacquered look, but it still tastes great.
Puff Pastry (2 sheets)	Pie Crust	Offers a sturdy base. Note: You lose the flaky height; the result will be more like a shortbread cookie tree.
Pomegranate Arils	Dried Cranberries	Adds a tart pop of color. Note: They are less juicy but provide a nice chewy texture.

Choosing the Best store-bought Puff Pastry

Always look for "all-butter" puff pastry if you can find it. Some brands use oil, which is fine, but it won't have that rich, bakery level flavor. Keep your dough in the fridge until the very second you are ready to spread the filling for your Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry .

Customizing Your Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry Filling

Chef's Expert Tip: Add a tiny pinch of espresso powder or fine sea salt to your Nutella before spreading. It cuts through the sugar and makes the chocolate taste ten times more expensive.

Toppings and Egg Wash for a Golden Finish

A splash of water in your egg wash is non-negotiable. It thins the proteins just enough so the brush doesn't pull or tear the delicate Tree Puff Pastry layers.

step-by-step Instructions to Create Your Pastry Tree

Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry: 30-Minute Dessert presentation

Prep the Base: Lay one cold sheet of puff pastry on parchment paper. Cut it into a large triangle (save the scraps!). Spread your velvety Nutella evenly across the surface, leaving a tiny border.
Top and Shape: Place the second sheet of pastry on top. Use the bottom triangle as a template to cut the top sheet. Now you have a chocolate sandwich shaped like a tree for your Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry .
Create the Branches: Cut horizontal slits along both sides of the triangle about 1 inch apart. Leave the "trunk" in the middle intact. This part is like surgery, but way more delicious.
The Twist: Take each "branch" and twist it away from you twice. It will look like a coiled spring. This is how you get those crispy ridges in your Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry .
The Finish: Brush the whole Christmas Tree Puff Pastry with your egg wash. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes until it looks like burnished gold.
Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar (like snow!) and scatter the pomegranate arils.

Expert Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry is easy, but a few things can go sideways. If you’ve ever made How to Bake Chicken Puffs: Deliciously Legendary Snack You'll Adore , you know puff pastry can be temperamental!

Problem or Common Mistake	Why It Happens or Root Cause	The Fix or Solution
Pastry is soggy or limp	The dough got too warm before entering the oven.	Freeze the assembled tree for 10 minutes before baking to firm up the butter.
Nutella leaks everywhere	You used too much filling or cut the branches too close to the center.	Keep the Nutella layer thin (0.5 cup max) and leave a 1 inch "trunk" in the middle.
Tree is pale and soft	The oven temperature was too low.	Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F. Use a thermometer if you're unsure!

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Guide

This Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry is best eaten while the chocolate is still gooey. However, if you have leftovers, you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 24 hours.

Any longer and the pastry starts to absorb the moisture from the Nutella.

To reheat, avoid the microwave! It will turn your beautiful Tree Puff Pastry into a rubbery mess. Instead, pop it back into a 350°F oven for 5 minutes. This brings back the "shatter" and melts the chocolate again.

You can also freeze the unbaked tree for up to 3 months. Just bake it straight from frozen and add about 5 minutes to the total time.

Creative Serving Suggestions and Pairings

How to Handle Sticky Puff Pastry Sheets

If the dough sticks to your hands, dust them with a little powdered sugar instead of flour. It blends right into the Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry and adds a hint of sweetness.

Repurposing Your Leftover Pastry Scraps

Don't throw away those corner triangles! Twist them up with the leftover Nutella and bake them alongside the tree. I call them "chef's snacks." They are the best part of making a Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry .

Keeping the Pastry Crisp for 48 Hours

If you must make this ahead, don't add the powdered sugar until right before serving. The sugar draws out moisture, which wilts the pastry. Store it in a cardboard box (like a pizza box) rather than plastic to let it breathe.

Can You Make This Recipe in Advance?

Yes! You can assemble the Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry a day early. Keep it covered in the fridge, then egg wash and bake right before your guests arrive.

Festive Dips to Serve Alongside Nutella

Try a side of marshmallow fluff or a simple raspberry coulis. The tartness of berries cuts through the richness of the Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry perfectly.

Holiday Drink Pairings for Chocolate Desserts

Serve this with a steaming mug of peppermint cocoa or a cold glass of milk. For the adults, a spicy Chai latte or a nutty Amaretto coffee is a dream match. You’re going to love how this Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry makes your house feel like a cozy bakery!

Easy Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry for Christmas Breakfast

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	367 kcal
Protein	4.8 g
Fat	23.9 g
Carbs	32.7 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sugar	9.9 g
Sodium	160 mg

Recipe FAQs

How to make Nutella Christmas Tree Puff Pastry?

To assemble, layer two sheets of puff pastry, spread Nutella on the center, cut out the tree shape, make score marks for the branches, twist the layers, and bake until golden brown. This method ensures you get those beautiful, buttery, flaky layers described in the summary.

How long to cook Nutella puff pastry?

Cook time is approximately 15 minutes in a preheated oven, following the 15-minute prep time mentioned for a total fast creation. The goal is to achieve a deeply toasted hazelnut flavor while ensuring the puff pastry is shatter crisp on the exterior.

How to make Nutella puff pastry Christmas tree?

The key to the "tree" shape is careful cutting: use a template or a sharp knife to create a central trunk, then slice horizontal strips on both sides that will later be twisted. This twisting action is what creates the pull apart texture that everyone fights over.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

No, it is best served immediately after baking for the optimal experience, as the puff pastry loses its crispness quickly upon cooling. For holiday planning, you can prep the shaped, unbaked tree and keep it frozen for up to a month before baking.

What temperature should the oven be for baking?

Bake the pastry at 400°F (200°C) or as directed by your specific puff pastry brand instructions. High heat is necessary to encourage rapid rising, which creates the desirable flaky layers.

Can I use a different filling instead of Nutella?

Yes, you can substitute the filling, although you will lose the specific hazelnut chocolate hook of this recipe; try a fruit jam or a creamy mixture similar to what is used in How to Bake Creamy Chicken in Flaky Pastry: 5 Delicious Secrets. Just ensure your substitute filling isn't too wet, which can prevent the bottom crust from cooking properly.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, though texture quality will decline rapidly. Reheating briefly in a 300°F oven can sometimes restore a little bit of that original shatter crisp exterior.