Introduction

The Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is a delightful and festive treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. With layers of flaky pastry and a rich Nutella filling, this easy-to-make dessert brings both charm and deliciousness to your table.

A Christmas tree-shaped pastry made of twisted golden-brown dough layers dusted with powdered sugar, placed on a round white plate, sitting on a white marbled surface. The pastry's layers are visibly flaky with hints of cinnamon or chocolate inside the twists, creating a textured and cozy look. Star anise spices decorate the plate around the pastry, adding a festive touch. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 puff pastry sheets (10 by 10 inches)
1/2 cup Nutella
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
Icing sugar (for dusting, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Melt the Nutella using a double boiler or microwave until smooth, then spread it evenly over one puff pastry sheet.
Step 3: Place the second puff pastry sheet on top of the first and lightly dust the surface with flour.
Step 4: Cut the layered dough into a large triangle shape, then use cookie cutters on the scraps to create star shapes for decoration.
Step 5: Shape the tree by carefully lifting and twisting sections of the dough to form branches.
Step 6: In a small bowl, beat the egg with water to make an egg wash; brush this over the shaped dough to ensure a golden color when baked.
Step 7: Bake for about 20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Step 8: Once cooled slightly, dust the tree with icing sugar if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

For the flakiest results, make sure the puff pastry is well chilled before use and avoid overhandling the dough.
Swap Nutella for other fillings such as almond paste, jam, or cream cheese for different flavor variations.
Add chopped nuts or sprinkles on top before baking for extra texture and festive decoration.

Storage

Store any leftover pastry in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm in a low oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness. This pastry is best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen before baking for up to 1 month; thaw completely before shaping and baking.

How to Serve

The image shows a Christmas tree-shaped pastry placed on a white plate, dusted with powdered sugar on top. The pastry has multiple twisted layers with a golden brown baked color and visible flaky texture. It is sprinkled lightly with a cinnamon-brown spice, and star anise pieces are scattered decoratively around the plate. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, homemade puff pastry works wonderfully and will add an extra personal touch, though store-bought sheets save time and are perfectly fine for this recipe.

How do I prevent the Nutella from leaking out during baking?

Spread the Nutella evenly in a thinner layer and be careful to seal the edges properly by pressing the two puff pastry sheets together. Chilling the assembled pastry for 10–15 minutes before baking can also help prevent leakage.