The Twinkling Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Your Secret Weapon for the Christmas Eve Buffet

Oh my gosh, are you panicking about the Christmas Eve buffet dessert ideas yet? Honestly, every year I vow I’ll be organised, and every year I’m frantically scrambling on December 24th.

But I found the ultimate cheat code! This stunning Nutella Christmas Tree is the easiest showstopper you can make.

It looks totally professional, but really, it’s just two sheets of ready rolled puff pastry dessert ideas and a jar of everyone’s favourite chocolate hazelnut spread.

Think of it as a fancy continental pastry that decided to dress up for the holidays.

Quick, Flaky, and Ready to Share

This particular Nutella puff pastry Christmas tree is a festive spin on the classic puff pastry star bread method , where you layer, slice, and twist the dough.

The structure makes it incredibly light and flaky, combined with that warm, gooey chocolate hazelnut filling Christmas baking .

We call it a pull apart chocolate hazelnut tree because that’s exactly what it is no slicing required! It only takes about 15 minutes of active work before the oven takes over, making the total time commitment less than an hour.

If you're looking for stress free baking, this is it.

The Secret to the Perfect Twist

My biggest lesson learned when mastering this recipe? Keep that pastry cold . The first time I tried to figure out how to twist pastry branches , the dough was warm and just stretched like silly putty it was a nightmare!

If you give it a mandatory 15-minute chill after spreading the filling, the cuts are clean and the twisting is super easy peasy.

The final result is absolutely worth the quick chilling time. You get this incredibly flaky, decadent dessert that looks like you spent hours crafting it, when really, you were likely watching a Christmas movie on the sofa.

Why This Tree Steals the Show

The biggest perk is definitely the visual impact; it’s the definition of a simple holiday centerpiece dessert . We’re talking instant table glamour.

Plus, because it’s a festive puff pastry tear and share , everyone gets their own little twisted portion which is great for avoiding sticky fingers and fighting over the last slice!

You also get a little boost of protein and healthy fats from the hazelnuts, but let's be real, this is a treat, not a salad! It's pure indulgence, perfect for a cozy gathering.

If you aren't keen on Nutella, don't fret; this recipe is totally customizable! I've even included an easy speculoos spread tree recipe variation down in the tips section for those who want a spicy, caramelised twist.

Honestly, if you want high praise with minimal stress this season, this recipe is your golden ticket. Ready to dive into the few simple things you'll need?

The Essentials: Bits and Bobs You Need

Honestly, making this pull apart chocolate hazelnut tree is almost ridiculously easy. You truly do not need any fancy stuff.

This is the kind of baking you do when you’ve run out of energy but still want to seriously impress everyone at the Christmas Eve buffet dessert ideas table.

I once spent three hours wrestling a gingerbread house into submission. Never again! Now, I go for high impact, low effort, and this recipe delivers.

Main Ingredients: The Holy Trinity

We are keeping this shopping list short and sweet. The real hero here is the ready rolled puff pastry dessert ideas .

Seriously, don't try to make your own. Christmas is far too short for that kind of stress!

You will need two sheets (about 500g or 1.1 lbs) of ready rolled puff pastry . Quality matters here; try to get all-butter if you can, as it makes the pastry super flaky.

Crucially, keep it arctic cold until you are ready to use it. Warm pastry equals sticky doom.

Next up: the decadent filling. Grab about 250g (9 ounces) of the classic spread. Yes, we are talking about the famous chocolate hazelnut filling Christmas baking Nutella here.

You can use a good quality store brand if you prefer. If the spread is very thick, give it about 30 seconds in the microwave so it glides on easily.

Finally, we need one large egg and a tiny splash of milk or cream. This creates the egg wash. That wash is the magic secret to getting that perfectly crisp and gorgeous golden shine.

Flavor Boosts and Quick Swaps

Since the main Nutella Christmas Tree flavour is so strong, our seasoning notes are minimal. I always sneak in a tablespoon of cocoa powder (about 15g ) into the Nutella before spreading it.

Why? It thickens the spread a little. More importantly, it cuts the sweetness just enough.

If you are looking for an alternative, swap the Nutella entirely! The method for this Nutella puff pastry Christmas tree works perfectly for an easy speculoos spread tree recipe .

That caramelised spice flavor is insanely Christmassy and makes for a wonderful festive puff pastry tear and share .

Equipment: Tools for the Twist

The truly great news is you don’t need any industrial kitchen gadgets here. You absolutely need a large baking sheet and enough parchment paper.

Parchment is non-negotiable for easy clean-up and safe transfer.

The most important tool for successfully shaping this simple holiday centerpiece dessert is a really sharp knife or, even better, a pizza cutter.

This helps you get those precise, clean cuts needed for the how to twist pastry branches . A dull knife just drags the dough, ruining the clean lines.

You want those cuts neat, similar to the method used for a traditional puff pastry star bread method . I also recommend a small pastry brush for applying the egg wash evenly.

That's literally it! Everything else is probably sitting in your cupboard right now.

Making Magic: The Ultimate Festive Puff Pastry Tear and Share

Good heavens, Christmas is nearly here. If you need a gorgeous centrepiece that tastes incredible, stop scrolling now. This pull apart chocolate hazelnut tree is unbelievably easy.

It looks complicated, but honestly, it’s mostly just layering and twisting. Think of it as the ultimate in ready rolled puff pastry dessert ideas .

The Arctic Prep Strategy

Right, before we get started, the kitchen mantra is Keep. It. Cold .

I cannot tell you how many times I rushed this step. I ended up with warm, stretchy dough stuck to everything. You must learn from my silly mistakes!

This recipe starts with essential mise en place. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheat your oven now to a hot 200° C ( 400° F) .

Get your single egg out for the wash. Your other ingredients especially the Nutella puff pastry Christmas tree sheets must stay cold.

That is the secret to clean cuts and good puff.

Laying the Delicious Foundation

1. Spread It Out: Unroll the first sheet of pastry right onto your prepared tray. Grab your Nutella. Spread a thin, even layer of the rich chocolate hazelnut filling Christmas baking . Don't pile it high! Too much filling squashes the layers.
2. Top and Seal: Place the second cold sheet of dough directly on top. Line up the edges neatly. Press down gently to seal the layers.
3. The Critical Chill: Listen up! This is the most important step for shaping. Put the entire tray of layered pastry into the freezer or fridge. You need to chill for 20 minutes . This firms up the dough. It will make cutting super crisp, avoiding the sticky, stretchy mess.
4. Shape the Tree: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Slice a large triangle that’s your tree shape. Leave a small, square trunk at the bottom.
5. Cut the Branches: Now, cut horizontal strips on both sides. Stop cutting right before the centre. You must leave a solid vertical strip running down the middle. This is the spine of your tree.

Learning How to Twist Pastry Branches

This is the fun bit, and it’s why it looks so professional.

1. Twist Away: Start with the lowest strip (branch). Pick it up gently. Twist it fully away from you twice. Lay it back down.
2. Repeat: Do this for every branch. Twisting them in the same direction works fine. This simple technique is much like the famous puff pastry star bread method , just shaped differently. It creates those beautiful flaky layers in your Nutella Christmas Tree .
3. Glaze and Shine: Whisk your egg with a teaspoon of milk. Brush this egg wash all over the twisted pastry. This gives it that incredible golden finish.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Centrepiece

Don't ignore those offcuts! Sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar. Bake them alongside the tree for little bonus snacks.

When it comes to baking, be patient. You want the pastry deeply golden, not just lightly coloured. This ensures it is flaky all the way through.

Bake it for 18 20 minutes . Keep an eye on it after the 15-minute mark. This simple holiday centerpiece dessert is perfect for your Christmas Eve buffet dessert ideas .

If you prefer a spicier taste, try the easy speculoos spread tree recipe variation instead! Honestly, you will look like a master baker.

Serving the Perfect Puff Pastry Tear and Share

Honestly, the best thing about this pull apart chocolate hazelnut tree is how casual it is. Forget delicate plating. This dessert is a proper simple holiday centerpiece dessert .

Just bake it on your sheet tray, slide it onto a nice wooden board, and let everyone gather round. I mean, the whole point is that it's a festive puff pastry tear and share experience, right?

I love finishing the Nutella Christmas Tree with a heavy dusting of icing sugar. It looks like fresh snow! This makes it even more appealing for Christmas Eve buffet dessert ideas .

To really knock it out of the park, serve it warm. That melted chocolate hazelnut filling Christmas baking is just divine.

What to Tuck In With It

For drinks, you need something bold to cut through the richness. A strong English breakfast tea works a treat. Or, if it's evening, a proper glass of sherry or a steaming mug of mulled wine is ace.

We often serve it with a little bowl of crème fraîche on the side. Just whisk a dash of vanilla into it.

Dipping those flaky twists is next level.

Storage and Quick Reheating Tips

Let's face it: leftovers of a good Nutella puff pastry Christmas tree are rare. It usually vanishes faster than socks in the washing machine.

But if you do have any stragglers, keep them fresh.

Wrap the pieces tightly in foil or cling film. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. When you want that flaky texture back, please don't microwave them! It makes puff pastry sad and soggy.

Instead, preheat the oven to a moderate 160° C ( 325° F) . Pop the pieces back in for about five minutes.

They crisp up perfectly. It feels like you just baked them again!

Flavor Swaps and Easy Variations

If you've already mastered the classic, it’s time for a switch-up. The technique for how to twist pastry branches is universal. You can change the filling easily.

Last year, I tried the easy speculoos spread tree recipe . Oh my gosh! The spiced biscuit flavour works brilliantly with the buttery pastry.

It feels extra festive. For a lighter take, swap the Nutella for a thick raspberry jam. Just sprinkle a few almond flakes on top before baking.

If you need a dairy-free dessert, many supermarkets now stock incredible vegan ready rolled puff pastry dessert ideas . Just check that your chocolate hazelnut spread is also plant based.

You still get all the joy and none of the fuss.

Nutrition Basics (The Real Talk)

Okay, let's keep this simple. This is a holiday treat. It’s an indulgence. Roughly speaking, one piece if you cut it into ten servings is going to sit around 400 calories.

It is rich in fat and sugar. But it's also packed with joy! You know?

The key benefit here isn't vitamins. It’s the sheer delight of the moment. Plus, hazelnuts are good for you, so that’s something! Enjoy it responsibly, but enjoy it fully.

Life’s too short for boring Christmas bakes! You’ve mastered the puff pastry star bread method , so give yourself a pat on the back and have a second piece.

Merry Christmas, you legend!