Easy Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

The Viral Puff Pastry Christmas Tree: Your Easiest, Most Stunning Holiday Dessert

The holidays should be about joy, not culinary stress. You deserve a Christmas dessert that looks like it took hours of painstaking effort but actually comes together faster than you can wrap a gift. Enter the Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Dessert—the viral wonder that has taken holiday tables by storm. This simple, three-ingredient recipe is an absolute dream for entertaining, offering flaky, buttery layers filled with rich chocolate-hazelnut spread, all twisted into the most festive shape imaginable. It’s a beautiful centerpiece that doubles as a delightful pull-apart treat. This year, let’s trade the complicated baking projects for effortless elegance and the pure joy of flaky, chocolatey bliss!

Why the Puff Pastry Tree is the Ultimate Christmas Dessert

This recipe has achieved viral status for a reason—it solves so many holiday hosting problems. Whether you’re making a grand appearance at a holiday potluck or just want a cozy dessert for Christmas Eve, the puff pastry Christmas tree dessert is a winner.

• Effortless Sophistication: It requires zero advanced baking skills. If you can use a knife and twist a piece of dough, you can make this. The dramatic, twisted branches and beautiful golden puff make it look like a masterpiece, but it’s truly one of the easiest holiday bakes.
• The Power of Puff: We rely entirely on store-bought puff pastry here—our biggest secret weapon. Its ready-made layers ensure that magnificent, high-rise, flaky texture that everyone loves. The rich, buttery flavor of the pastry is the perfect counterpoint to a decadent chocolate filling.
• A Pull-Apart Party Star: Forget slicing. This tree is designed to be a convivial, communal Christmas dessert. Guests simply pull off a twisted branch, complete with its own flaky layers and warm, gooey chocolate filling. It’s interactive, fun, and creates zero dirty plates!
• Fast from Prep to Present: Including the bake time, you can have this stunning dessert on your table in under 40 minutes. This speed is invaluable when you’re juggling a complex holiday meal. It’s the perfect last-minute solution that always impresses.

The Three Star Ingredients: Simplicity at Its Best

The beauty of this puff pastry Christmas tree lies in its minimalism. You truly only need three core ingredients.

1. The Puff Pastry: The Foundation of Flake

• Go Store-Bought: We are not making rough puff from scratch today! High-quality, store-bought, all-butter puff pastry sheets are your ticket to success. Look for brands that come pre-rolled in thin sheets.
• Keep it Cold: Puff pastry must be thawed, but still cold, when you work with it. If it gets warm, the butter melts, and your beautiful layers will collapse in the oven, leading to a tough, flat tree. A good rule of thumb: thaw it in the fridge overnight, and pull it out right before you are ready to cut.

2. The Filling: Chocolate-Hazelnut Heaven

• Nutella is Classic: The original and most popular filling is Nutella (or any chocolate-hazelnut spread). Its creamy texture and rich flavor pair beautifully with the flaky pastry.
• Spreading Secrets: Make sure your spread is at room temperature so it spreads smoothly without tearing the delicate puff pastry sheet. A thin, even layer is key to avoiding excessive mess and ensuring the layers puff properly. You don’t want to glob it on!

3. The Glaze and Toppings: The Final Sparkle

• The Golden Egg Wash: A simple whisked egg with a splash of water, brushed lightly over the top, is essential. This is what gives your puff pastry Christmas tree that irresistible, deep golden sheen and helps the pastry truly “pop.”
• The Star Topper: Use leftover puff pastry scraps and a small star cookie cutter to create a gorgeous, edible topper for your tree.
• The Snowy Finish: A dusting of powdered sugar after baking is non-negotiable. It mimics a beautiful snowfall and completes the perfect Christmas dessert aesthetic.

Easy Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

This 2-ingredient Nutella Puff Pastry Tree is a show-stopping Christmas dessert that takes just 15 minutes to bake! With flaky layers of golden puff pastry, creamy chocolate hazelnut filling, and a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s perfect for holiday dessert tables or cozy gatherings.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings 10 slices

Calories 240 kcal

Equipment

• baking sheet Line with parchment paper
• parchment paper
• Rolling Pin
• pastry brush
• Offset Spatula
• sharp knife
• small mixing bowl
• Sieve for dusting powdered sugar

Ingredients

  

• 400 grams puff pastry (1 package, 2 sheets)
• 1/4 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
• 1 large egg, for egg wash
• powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
• 1/3 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (for dip, optional)
• 2 tablespoons milk (for dip)
• 1 splash vanilla extract (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
• Stack both pastry sheets together and cut into a large triangle shape. Separate carefully so they don’t stick together.
• Place one triangle on the baking sheet. Spread Nutella evenly over the surface using an offset spatula. Layer the second pastry triangle on top, aligning edges.
• Leave a 1-inch uncut strip down the center for the tree trunk. Cut horizontal strips on both sides to form branches, then twist each branch two times to reveal the layers.
• Whisk the egg and brush it over the pastry with a pastry brush. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
• While baking, make the dip (optional). Microwave Nutella and milk for 20–30 seconds until softened, then whisk in vanilla and cinnamon.
• Cool the pastry slightly, then dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm with the chocolate dip or enjoy as is.

Notes

Tips: Thaw puff pastry according to package directions to avoid sticking. Roll it slightly thinner for a crisper tree. The egg wash helps it brown beautifully—substitute with milk or cream if preferred. Watch closely after 10 minutes; brush away any excess Nutella that spills onto the baking sheet to prevent burning.
Storage: Best enjoyed the same day. The dip can be stored covered in the refrigerator for 3–5 days and reheated before serving.

Step-by-Step: Twisting Your Puff Pastry Masterpiece

This method is quick, fun, and visually impressive. Follow these steps for the perfect puff pastry christmas tree dessert.

• Prep Time: 15 Minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 Minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 Minutes
• Yields: 1 large pull-apart tree (16-18 branches)

Part 1: Layering the Tree

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large, flat baking sheet with parchment paper—you’ll be building the tree directly on this paper for easy transfer.
2. The Base: Unfold one sheet of cold puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave it on the parchment paper it came with, or roll it gently just to smooth out the creases.
3. Spread the Filling: Spread a thin, even layer of Nutella (about 4-5 tablespoons) over the entire surface of the pastry sheet, stopping about half an inch from the edges.
4. The Top Layer: Carefully unroll the second sheet of puff pastry and place it directly on top of the first, aligning the edges as closely as possible. Gently press down all over to seal the filling between the two sheets.

Part 2: Cutting and Twisting

1. Cut the Shape: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the layered pastry into a large triangle shape (the Christmas tree) with a small rectangular base (the trunk). Remove all the excess pastry scraps—keep them!
2. Define the Trunk: Cut two parallel lines down the center of the triangle, about 1 inch apart, to clearly define the tree’s center trunk.
3. Cut the Branches: Starting at the bottom of the tree (above the trunk), use the knife to cut horizontal strips (the branches) on both sides of the central trunk. Make them about 1 inch wide. Do not cut the trunk itself.
4. The Twist: This is the fun part! Take each branch strip and gently twist it 2-3 times. The bottom branches can handle 3 twists, while the smaller top branches may only handle 1-2. Twist them loosely; they will puff up in the oven.

Part 3: Bake and Decorate

1. The Egg Wash: Whisk one large egg with a splash of water. Lightly brush the entire surface of the twisted tree and the small star (cut from the scraps) with the egg wash.
2. The Star: Place the small puff pastry star on top of the tree.
3. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is deeply golden brown, beautifully puffed, and the chocolate is molten.
4. Cool and Finish: Let the tree cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving board. Dust generously with powdered sugar to create a snowy effect. Serve warm for best results!

Pro-Tips and Variations for Your Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

To take your puff pastry christmas tree dessert to the next level, consider these easy tips and swaps.

• Preventing Gooey Edges: When you cut and twist the branches, try to keep the chocolate filling from oozing out the sides. A gentle touch and a thin, even layer of Nutella help immensely. If your pastry is too warm, briefly pop the whole layered sheet into the freezer for 5 minutes before cutting.
• Alternative Sweet Fillings: Not a Nutella fan? This recipe is incredibly versatile:
  • Cinnamon Sugar: Brush the pastry with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with a mix of cinnamon and sugar.
  • Jam and Cream Cheese: Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese, then dollop with raspberry, cranberry, or apricot jam.
  • Pesto (Savory Option): If you want a fun appetizer, swap the Nutella for basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese. This is a fantastic savory Christmas option!
• Creative Decor: Before baking, sprinkle your egg-washed tree with:
  • Coarse sugar for sparkle.
  • Chopped nuts (pecans or almonds).
  • Green sugar sprinkles for an extra festive look.
• Serving Presentation: Place the warm tree on a large, festive wooden board. You can decorate the board with fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs (which look like pine needles), or small bowls of dipping sauces (like caramel or a light vanilla glaze).

Conclusion: The Easiest Holiday Showstopper

This Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Dessert is proof that you don’t need a culinary degree to create something truly spectacular for the holidays. It is quick, affordable, customizable, and delivers a festive visual impact that is simply unmatched. It’s the perfect, interactive treat to gather your loved ones around. Make this your new favorite Christmas dessert tradition and enjoy the compliments (and the flaky, chocolatey branches) that come with it!